MBC Campsite & Facilities
In 1998 the Metropolis of Boston purchased land in the Foothills of the White Mountains in Contoocook, NH and named it the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center. This Land became the home of the ever popular Metropolis of Boston Camp Program (MBC). The campsite itself has an interesting history being a town (Cloughville) a little over a hundred years ago, and ever since then has been a camp. Two of the buildings that are currently in use are original structures from Cloughville; the Office was the Print Shop and the Chapel was the town barn. Since the time of purchase every building on the camp has either been renovated or built new. We now sit on about 50 acres of developed property that inclues 13 new cabins, a Chapel, Cafeteria, fully functional waterfront, Rec-Hall, Basketball & Volleyball Courts as well as a Retreat House which features 35 individual Guestrooms with Private Baths. Take a moment and look through our photos and descriptions of our facilities to learn what they look like and what we do in each!
If you would like to tour our campsite contact the office to arrange a visit - mbcamp@boston.goarch.org or 603-746-4400
Cabins - Sleeping Accomodations
Currently there are 13 cabins located on the camp grounds all situated around what has been dubbed "the cabin loop". All the cabins house between 14 and 18 campers and feature new beds and mattresses as well as indoor plumbing and heat. The staff to camper ratio is typically 1 to 4 in each cabin and because of the communal style living accomodations, meaning everyone shares the same living space, each cabin becomes like a family unit. Besides sleeping in the cabins, much bonding and coming together happens in these walls through things such as devotionals and simply sharing the same space.
St. George Chapel
The St. George Chapel is the heart and soul of the MBC program. What makes MBC different then any YMCA, School, Boy Scout or Girl Scout camp is that we gather for the purpose of living out our faith and drawing closer to God and each other. Therefore, we start and end each day at MBC by gathering together for 20 minutes to Pray, Reflect and Worship together as one community. Church is a different experience here at camp, we worship together as one body, meaning we chant together, we pray together, and we lead together. Campers are invited to participate from their chair or from the chant stand. Amidst the fun and excitement of the numerous activities at MBC gathering together twice a day helps us to keep our focus and hearts set on the purpose of us gathering and living together as one community.
Infirmary
In 2011 the camp finished a designated and permanent Infirmary. This building is locared right next to the Cafeteria, making it easily accessible from all areas of the campsite and additionally easy for campers to procures their medication during meals. During all our MBC programs there is at least one licensed medical professional on duty at all times. Additionally, the camp also has two trained and certified first responders and the camp is also certified by the American Camping Ascociation. The safety and security of our campers is of the utmost priorty to all of our staff, a subject which our staff and director(s) train on year round.
Condake Refactory - Cafeteria
The Cafeteria is where we gather three times a day to share family style meals as one community. This building becomes a place for much camaraderie and fun and some camp staples like "the Green Gizmo". Various chants, table music routines and general excitement commonly breakout from campers and staff during our meals. MBC is also extremely proud to feature some of the best food around, not your typical "camp food", with many different options at meals to satisfy even the pickiest of pallets.
Spiliakos Waterfront
The Waterfront is one of the main gathering places at camp, offering a place to cool off and refresh yourself during the hot summer days, or just a sunny spot to hangout on the sand with your friends. You will often find a game of wiffleball or soccer starting on the grass in front of the waterfront, plenty of campers swimming or canoeing. For those more adventerous campers the waterfront also has a Water Trampoline and floating dock for some extra water Fun!! We typically have a "Beach Day" at least once during a camp session with music and games, giving campers a real chance to experience and enjoy the waterfront with their friends!
Rec Hall
The Rec-Hall is located right on the lower end of the camp across from the Chapel. Many of our night activities take place in this building because it is the largest indoor gathering space which offers shelter. In addition to our night activities, throughout the day our Sounding Board sessions happen on both ends of its wrap-around porch.
Other Fun Things!
In case there wasn't enough going on at MBC, the campsite also has a soccer field, volleyball court, basketball court and MUD PIT!! During the afternoon at MBC we have what we call halftime, which is an opportunity for campers to just hang out and relax around the campsite, spending time with each other and with our talented staff. It is during this time that campers get to pick and choose what they want to do, getting to spend some extra time at their favorite activities.
Scenery
Located about one hour and fifteen minutes north of Boston, St. Methodios is situated right in the middle of the pristine New Hampshire woods, a far cry from the concrete jungles that we have become so use to residing in. As soon as you step foot on the campsite, no matter what time of year it is, you immediately notice the beauty of the world around you and the vibrancy of the colors in God's creation. Campers often reflect that when they come to camp it's easier to hear God, this isn't because His voice is louder but rather its simply because the world around you is quieter and less distracting, making it easier to be intune with His guidence and direction.
Retreat House
The Retreat house is one of our newest buildings on camp, and it serves a unique and very special purpose. His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios had the goal and vision of after building a succesful youth camp beginning a family ministry and the Retreat House is the completion of this goal. In addition to the 5 summer youth sessions and the ever popular GOYA Winter Camp, MBC now features one family session during the summer and a family winter weekend as well. All families stay as one unit in the guestrooms of the Retreat House, having their own private living and bathing space. In addition to our family programs during the summer and winter, the Retreat House is open to parish and various ministry groups for retreats focused on strengthening participants faith and connecting with God. If you would like more information about the Retreat House contact our office - mbcamp@boston.goarch.org or 603-746-4400.
