What is Mowglis?
Mowglis is a seven week residential summer camp for boys ages 7-15 located in central New Hampshire. Founded in 1903, Mowglis provides instruction in a broad range of activities. We also offer an extensive Trip program, and Crew program.

How old are the campers at Mowglis?

Boys are broken down into three groups at camp.  The Cubs are represented by boys 7-10 years old.  The Pack consists of boys ranging in age from 10-15, who are split into dorms according to their age.  The Yearling Program consists of high school age boys.  Please see “explore by age” on our home page for more information about each age group.

Where does the name “Mowglis” come from?
In 1903 Mrs. Elizabeth Ford Holt founded Mowglis. She was very mich impressed by the lessons taught and the characters created in Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. Mowgli is the man-cub of the stories, and what an appropriate name for a boys camp dedicated to developing the lessons she admired. She requested Rudyard Kipling’s permission to use his characters as names for buildings and parts of the traditions that she began at Mowglis. He also instructed her on how to properly pronounce the character’s names.

How old is Mowglis?
Mowglis was founded in 1903 and is one of the oldest summer camps in the United States. Click here for a brief history.

Who can attend Mowglis?
Campers come from all over the world, representing as many as 20 states and 10 countries each year. Acceptance and participation in Mowglis’ programs are the same for everyone regardless of race, color, creed, or nationality. Boys must be physically and mentally fit to participate in Mowglis activities. Boys come through the personal recommendation of parents, friends and alumni or through communication with the Director or a Trustee. Boys come as first time campers at all ages, and every summer there are new boys in each age group.

How many campers attend each summer?
In order to maintain a 4:1 camper to staff ratio, Mowglis limits admission to  75 campers each summer.

How diverse is the Mowglis population?
The Mowglis population is diverse when viewed from a number of perspectives. In a single season often as many as 10 countries and 20 states are represented by our small population, which includes boys from the world’s largest cities and smallest towns. Although campers come from a variety of religious backgrounds, all participate in a weekly non-denominational chapel service. Thanks to our generous tuition assistance program we are able to ensure a good mix of boys from different socio-economic levels.  Additionally, we recruit boys and staff from around the world.

Do you offer sessions shorter than seven weeks?
At a time when other camps offer sessions that are a week or two long, Mowglis continues to offer a full seven-week program (shorter session options of two and three weeks  are offered through our Cub program for boys ages 7-9). Experience has shown that the greatest benefits of camp result when boys form deeper friendships, engage more deeply in their favorite activities, and become an integral part of the camp community. This takes time, and after seeing the growth in their sons at the end of the summer, our parents see the benefits of a longer program.  However, if your son has never been to Mowglis and you would like to explore the option of a shorter session, please contact the Director.

How are the staff trained and certified?
The staff at Mowglis receive training for one week prior to the arrival of the boys in CPR, First-Aid, and in general education of youth. Key waterfront personnel are Water-Safety Instructor (WSI) and Lifeguard-certified through the American Red Cross. Key trip personnel are certified in Wilderness First Aid. Staff are chosen for their proficiency in an area of instruction and for the leadership and example they provide. Many of the staff are Mowglis alumni.

What are the health and safety arrangements?
The health and safety of campers is our number-one priority. A registered nurse lives at the infirmary all summer. We are 15 minutes from Speare Memorial Hospital in Plymouth. All of our counselors are American Red Cross certified in CPR and First Aid.  We have multiple staff members working on the waterfront who are WSI (Water Safety Instructor) certified, and also have several staff members who are certified Wilderness First Responders.  We conduct background checks on our staff before they are hired, and no camper is driven in a vehicle by someone younger than 25 years old. Boys must pass swimming and boating tests before they are allowed to fully participate in those activities, and lifejackets are always required. Boys who wish to carry small Swiss Army Knives must first pass a knife safety test.

Do Mowglis boys wear uniforms?
Yes, we do. We feel that uniforms allow us to get beyond superficial appearances and get down to the business of getting to know one another.  Uniforms also help avoid the prevalent trend of competition for wearing the most “cool” apparel.  Uniforms are purchased by families through our online store, delivered to the camp, and issued on Opening Day.

What are the living arrangements at Mowglis?
Boys live in large, simple wood frame dorms and are grouped by age. There are six dorms at Mowglis, and several staff members reside in each dorm with the boys. Every boy has a bed and bureau, and the dorms have a writing porch and wash porch attached.  A shower and toilet facility serves the whole camp.

What are meals like?
Campers and staff dine family style for all meals. Meals are prepared by our experienced chef and are kid-friendly, nutritious and well balanced. Fruit is available around the clock. Campers participate as servers and dining room helpers.

What about TVs, computers, radios, cell phones, CD players and video games?
No electronics are permitted at Mowglis.  We believe that the boys benefit by taking a break from the constant stimulation of electronic media.  It helps them become more aware of their surroundings and better able to focus on the many activities we offer.  Boys who arrive with this equipment will be asked to turn it in to the office when they arrive. It will be returned to them at the end of the season.

What about magazines, candy, and other food?

Mowglis takes pains to keep inappropriate literature and junk food out of the hands of our boys. Those arriving with these materials will be asked to turn them in at the office; the same goes for those who receive it by mail.  If you must send food during the season, please provide enough to share with everyone in your son’s dormitory.

How can we contact our son during the season?
The best way to communicate with boys during the summer is by mail. Nothing is more exciting at camp than getting a personal letter. Phone calls are reserved for emergencies and special occasions such as birthdays. Boys are required to write one letter home a week, so parents are guaranteed regular communication. Family and friends are also invited to come to Mowglis on two Visiting Weekends on the third and sixth weekends of camp each summer. On Visiting Weekends, families can join us at Mowglis for events on Friday evening, Saturday afternoon and evening, and take their boys out of camp for the day on Sunday.

Where is Mowglis?
Mowglis is located on Route 3A, the Mayhew Turnpike in Hebron, New Hampshire. Hebron is about 20 minutes southwest of Plymouth, New Hampshire, and 45 minutes north of Concord. Our property is on the northeast corner of Newfound Lake. To get to Mowglis from the South, take Interstate 93 North to the New Hampton Exit. Travel on Route 104 to Bristol, then follow Route 3A around Newfound Lake until you see the sign for Mowglis on the left. It is 13 miles from New Hampton to the Mowglis sign. Coming from the East, travel on Rt 25 to Meredith, then travel on Rt 104 to Bristol and 3A to Mowglis. You can go to www.mapquest.com and type in Hebron NH, or give a call if you need more instructions.

Who owns Mowglis?
Mowglis is “owned” by the nonprofit Holt-Elwell Memorial Foundation, whose Trustees oversee the camp and hire the Director who manages the operation. This non-profit status really means that everybody who cares about Mowglis “owns” it. Mowglis receives hundreds of generous contributions from alumni each year to help pay for operations, which tuition on its own would never cover.