Overview

In "Cut, Paste, Build," The Robots, a sculpture collective London, worked with Beam campers and staff to physically render computer images of everyday objects as enormous structures in the forest. Campers constructed three digital/natural hybrids, using reclaimed materials and a methodology the Robots call "Autonomous Architecture." The resulting structure, as described by The Robots, are "an aesthetic array of alternative virtual worlds realised; they are imaginative possibilities, new conceptions of space and physicality; they embrace the future of both the imagined and possible world."

Additional Information

Project Details

• Project Masters: THE ROBOTS
• Methodology: Reclaimed materials and a methodology called "Autonomous Architecture."

Program Structure (Common to all Beam Projects)

• Every session, 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 an 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.
• The third week of the session will be dedicated almost exclusively to the building of the Project.
• Camper-led teams of campers will be challenged to execute phases of the Project autonomously, supervised by the Project Staff.

Location & Facilities

• Program Type: Sleepaway program for Making & Collaboration in Strafford, NH.
• Camper Village: Built in 2008, consists of 9 wood-framed cabins (one built by Senior Campers in 2010) and a large shower/toilet facility.
  • 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.
  • Constructed according to ADA Accessible Design standards.
• Dining Hall: 90-feet from end to end, with a massive fireplace and high ceilings. Serves nourishing, well-balanced deliciousness at 8am, 12:30pm and 6:30pm every day. Also serves as a Domain and evening activity space.
• Waterfront: Rests on two lakes, Big Willey, and Little Willey.
  • Daily swimming from beach and docks on Big Willey.
  • Canoeing and kayaking on both Big and Little Willey.
  • All Aquatic Activities are supervised by Waterfront Director Dan Barker and two additional Red Cross-Certified Lifeguards.
  • On the second day of camp, each camper is tested for swimming proficiency and placed in an appropriate swim group.

Common 2026 Camp Dates

• 4-Week Session: Tuesday, June 30 to Sunday, July 26 (Ages 11-17)
• 2-Week Session #1: Tuesday, June 30 to Sunday July 12 (Ages 9-15)
• 2-Week Session #2: Tuesday, July 28 to Sunday August 9 (Ages 9-15)

Contact Information

• Phone: (718) 855-7600
• Email: [email protected]