Camp Facilities

History: Camp Becket was founded in 1903 and is proud to maintain and use many buildings and activity areas as part of our history. Moose Lodge was built in 1907, Gibson Hall in 1917, and the Library in 1927. Our Chapel is in the same location as it was in the first summer of 1903. These historic places are still an active part of everyday camp life.

Activity Areas

Rudd Pond: Our 100 acre pond is a treasure, spring-fed and pristine. We own the land on all sides and there are no powered craft in use. Swimming, boating and fishing, as well as hiking and camping around the perimeter are popular activities at camp. Four alpine overnight shelters offer a chance for every cabin to sleep under the stars over the course of the summer. A rope swing and swim dock provide waterfront activity choices at two of the overnight areas.

Athletic Fields and Courts: Five athletic fields, six tennis courts, two basketball courts, 4-square courts, two archery ranges, a riflery range, disk golf course, and volleyball court, and table tennis provide plenty of room for more than 20 activities for boys of all ages.

Art Center: Our Art Center is home to creative arts, graphic arts, and photography programs, including facilites for screenprinting, ceramics, and a fully-equipped darkroom.

Woodshop: A large and fully-equipped workshop allows boys of all ages and skill levels to build everything from boxes to bookshelves.

Nature Center: Our Nature Center has a large classroom and overlooks Rudd Pond. It's a wonderful environmental education facility and a popular activity for boys of all ages.

Dining Hall: The Paul Dudley White Memorial Dining Hall was built in 1968 and is raucous home to Camp Becket's mealtimes, complete with plenty of good food, village cheers, and enthusiastic singing. Singing in the dining hall is a long-standing tradition at Camp Becket - several songs from the camp's earliest years are still performed, as well as a great many Big Show songs from more recent decades. Becket music include collegiate songs with reworked lyrics, adapted showtunes, and a number of original pieces passed down from year to year.

Chapel: Chapel-by-the-Lake is the spiritual center of Camp Becket. Our gathering place by the shore has been in use since the first summer of 1903. Chapel is an ecumenical service held on Sunday. Whites are worn traditionally - a white camp tee shirt will suffice. Services may include readings from the Old and New testaments, as well as other spiritual and inspirational stories, skits, and music. All campers must attend chapel and may participate if they choose to. Chapel Choir is a popular activity, and campers may contribute to YMCA World Service if they wish.

Challenge Course
Becket's Challenge Course facilities include a low ropes course designed to encourage teamwork, a three-sided climbing tower and bouldering room used by all ages, and a state-of-the-art high ropes course facilitated by trained and experienced staff members. Low ropes activities consist of group challenges that are low to the ground, requiring cooperation and planning to complete. Both cabin groups and afternoon activities make use of this area.

Our high ropes course was built in 1997 and includes a number of unique, challenging elevated elements designed to challenge individuals. The confidence and skills gained on the ground during low ropes provides support for a camper's efforts on the high ropes.Our high ropes course is a co-ed activity, shared by Chimney Corners campers and staff. In October of 2007, however, a new ropes course was built at Chimney that is unique in its use of innovative group and individual elements. Becket-Chimney Corners has the most extensive ropes course facility in the northeast.