Overview

Every session our campers and staff build a unique and spectacular large-scale collaborative Project that serves as the centerpiece of the Beam experience. Projects are chosen from dozens of proposals by artists, architects, and big thinkers in our annual international design competition. In the first and second week of the session, campers will participate in 90 minutes of Project Fundamentals each day. Project Fundamentals will include training in project management, structural design and the specific construction and fabrication methods, such as carpentry and metalwork, required for the Project.

Additional Information

• Sleepaway program for Making & Collaboration in Strafford, NH.
• 2026 Camper Applications Open! 3 sessions of Beam Camp in 2026! Learn more and apply now.

Facilities

• CAMPER VILLAGE: Beam Camper Village, built in 2008, consists of 9 wood-framed cabins (our ninth was built by our Senior Campers in 2010) and a large shower/toilet facility. The cabins include built-in bunks and individual storage. Each cabin houses two counselors and no more than Thirteen campers. Each camper is allowed four shelves for clothing and other personal belongings. The shower/toilet building is located within 40 feet of each cabin grouping and includes separate boys and girls areas, each with 8 toilets, 8 showers and 7 sinks. The Beam Camper Village was constructed according to ADA Accessible Design standards.
• DINING HALL: 90-feet from end to end, with a massive fireplace and high ceilings our Dining Hall is the heartbeat of Beam. We gather at 8am, 12:30pm and 6:30pm every day to enjoy nourishing, well-balanced deliciousness served up by the wonderful kitchen staff. (The S'mores in the pictures above were not part of a meal, but an evening activity.) The Dining Hall also serves as a Domain and evening activity space.
• WATERFRONT: Beam rests on two lakes, Big Willey, and Little Willey. We do our daily swimming from our beach and docks on Big Willey. We canoe and kayak on both Big and Little Willey. All of Beam's Aquatic Activities are supervised by Waterfront Director Dan Barker. Dan and two additional Red Cross-Certified Lifeguards are on duty during our daily swims. On the second day of camp, each camper is tested for swimming proficiency and placed in an appropriate swim group, in order to ensure their safety. Domains lead by former waterfront director Holly Halvarson, and current waterfront director Dan Barker, such as long distance swimming, are also lead from the waterfront.

Program Details

• Since then, Beam Camp has guided 1000+ campers to cultivate hands-on skills while exploring innovative thinking, design and the creative process. Each session campers and staff build a spectacular large-scale collaborative project chosen through an annual worldwide design competition. Beam Projects have received international media exposure and won major architecture prizes.

Tuition & Financial Aid

• Since its start Beam Camp has funded scholarships and tuition assistance for 40% of all campers.
• BEAM CAMP USES A TIERED TUITION MODEL. Tiered Tuition is determined by:
  • Number of total household members
  • Annual Household Income and any contributing adults that live outside the household.
  • Household Assets
• TUITION & TUITION ASSISTANCE: There are two ways to save on your Beam Camp tuition (these discounts can be combined): 1) Request and submit a Tiered Tuition Form (sent upon when requested in application).
• Full Cost for 4-Week Session: $6,900.
• Full Cost for 2-Week Sessions: $3,330.