About Deerwood

Deerwood is a residential camp for boys aged 8-15 on Squam Lake in Holderness, New Hampshire. In addition to the more traditional summer camp activities, campers can try blacksmithing, waterskiing, rock-climbing, kayaking, mountain-biking and windsurfing. There are also overnight camping trips for all ages in the White Mountains and on the rivers and lakes of northern New England. Deerwood has been run by three generations of the Thomsen family since 1945 and occupies the site of one of the first camps in the country. A focus on character building and community, very high return rates among campers and staff, an unrivaled setting, and a devoted core of veteran senior counselors combine to make Deerwood a unique and rewarding place to spend a summer.

Our History

Camp Deerwood was founded in 1945 by Ferris & Helen Thomsen. Ferris, or “Buck” as he was known at Deerwood, was a teacher and coach who spent summers working at a few camps from the mountains of North Carolina to the coast of Maine. His dream was to one day start a camp of his own.

After scouting around New England for many months, Buck and Hellie snowshoed to this spot and fell in love with the area.

The friendly and supportive atmosphere is led each summer by a core of long time counselors. This past summer, Deerwood had 23 counselors with 10+ years of experience.

Deerwood is a place where boys…

Have fun
Develop Independence
Make Life-long Friends
Gain Confidence
Enjoy the Outdoors
Experience an Unplugged Environment