The Story
The idea for Camp Harbor View came about during a conversation between Mayor Menino and Boston businessman Jack Connors in the winter of 2007.
The Mayor expressed concern with the fact that violence among teenagers was a growing problem in many of Boston’s neighborhoods. He commented that the problem was particularly bad during the summer months when schools were out. He suggested that an organized program where boys and girls could go every day, one that provided a supportive, structured environment might help alleviate this problem. He also explained, “We have to get to these kids before they reach the age of 15.”
Jack remembered visiting Long Island in Boston Harbor when he was young. He knew that the site, a former military base now owned by the City of Boston, had sat unused for years. He and the Mayor visited the island one day and saw the potential for something great. Camp Harbor View was born.
The next phase was focused on development and construction. The Mayor invited Peter Welsh of Suffolk Construction Company and a former member of the Mayor’s staff, to join their efforts, and planning for the camp began immediately.
After construction needs and resources were identified, the Camp Harbor View Foundation formed a partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston to help develop curriculum and operate the camp.
The campsite was dedicated on March 19, 2007, and thanks to the around-the-clock efforts of hundreds of committed workers, the camp was completed in just 109 days.
Camp Harbor View welcomed its first 300 campers on July 2, 2007, and the second group arrived on July 30th. The inaugural season of Camp Harbor View was a big success and set the stage for even greater things in the years to come.
In 2008, Camp Harbor View saw a number of additions that physically expanded the campground as well as the capabilities of the program. With a new pool and pier in place, CHV introduced swimming, sailing and kayaking to the list of activities available for campers. The construction of a classroom building and outdoor amphitheater allowed for gender-specific programming, CPR/First Aid training, multi-cultural learning opportunities, performing arts, and additional leadership initiatives. Another exciting development was the creation of the Leader-in-Training Program, designed for former campers and aimed at career and higher education exploration.
CHV continues to grow each year, constantly striving to provide the most positive, well-rounded experience for our campers & LITs and their families. We firmly believe that once you are a part of the CHV family, you are always a part of the CHV family, so we make a conscious effort to stay in touch with our CHVers even after they have left us.