By Richard N. Hart III
“Ding, Ding” clangs the breakfast bell for the boys on Mayhew Island. It’s 7:30 am on a beautiful midweek morning on Newfound Lake, Bristol, NH. As the bell rings, I wonder, how many people know about the incredible work The Mayhew Program does for the boys of New Hampshire.
Approaching middle age, I have realized a few things: one of them is how lucky I was to spend the summers of my youth on Newfound Lake. The other dose of my good fortune is that I had two parents who loved each other, were positive role models, provided excellent educational opportunities and much more. Through no fault of their own, I realized not every child gets the same start in life. That’s where Mayhew comes in. The Mayhew Program supports “at risk” boys in New Hampshire from low income, single parent households, starting at ages 10-11 through High School.
I believe that every youth should have some type of Newfound Lake experience. The Mayhew Program offers the boys the opportunity to have that experience. Although it starts as a summer camp, Mayhew is so much more. Mayhew offers a jump start in life, by offering the boys structure and guidance through its summer and year-long outreach program.
Boys are referred to Mayhew for many different reasons. Some boys have demonstrated questionable behaviors at home and school, others lack opportunities to participate in the sorts of activities that Mayhew offers. Many boys are referred to the camp because they can benefit from the boost in self-esteem.
At Mayhew, young boys learn to be their best. The Mayhew Program provides challenging, engaging, character building opportunities for the boys year-round. Mayhew brings an active, interested role model into the boy’s life. Together they work on self-respect, teamwork and consequences of actions. As the boys mature, they have mentors checking in, connecting with them, guiding them to help them make the good decisions in the present and about their future.
If you own a summer house on the lake, pinch yourself on how lucky you are, then ask, how can I give back?
Mayhew is tuition free for every boy and operates 100% by donation. Go on over for a visit and see the great things that happen on the island, volunteer in the spring to help set up camp, or make Mayhew part of your charitable donations every year. Every child deserves a chance in life. If you enjoy Newfound, pay it forward, maybe to someone who deserves it a little more!
(All photos courtesy of The Mayhew Program)