Camp Menotomy - Talking Points

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Honor the Settlors’ original intent

The donors created Camp Menotomy specifically to provide a camp experience for girls. Public officials should ensure that the original charitable purpose is honored before approving any sale for residential development. 

The trust's primary purpose is camping, not real estate profit

The trust language repeatedly focuses on maintaining a camp and supporting camping opportunities for girls, not maximizing the value of the land. 

A camp use remains possible today

A viable camp operator has expressed interest in continuing camp operations, meaning the charitable purpose can still be fulfilled. 

The trust anticipated this exact situation

The deed contains provisions for the property to be leased to other organizations if the original Arlington Girl Scout organization or successors no longer wished to operate a camp there. 

The property should only be sold as a last resort

The exact language in the Trust document states that “if no other organization can be found to utilize the site for camping purposes…” then the Trustees may consider selling the property. This condition has not been met as there are currently two viable camp operators willing to operate a camp on the site.

The trustees should fully explore camp alternatives first

Before approving a sale, public officials should ensure that all reasonable camp operators and youth-serving organizations have been given an opportunity to propose continuing camp use as per the terms of the Trust. 

Arlington girls were intended beneficiaries

The trust was specifically designed to operate as a camp to benefit girls from Arlington, Massachusetts and girl scout members of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts through camping opportunities and camping scholarships. Public officials should ensure those beneficiaries and the intended purpose remain the focus. 

Leasing the camp preserves the trust purpose

Leasing the property to a camp operator preserves the charitable mission while also generating income for beneficiaries. 

The public deserves confidence that all alternatives were evaluated

Given the importance of this charitable asset, officials should carefully review whether all preservation options and camping opportunities were seriously considered before allowing a sale.

Charitable trust protections matter

Allowing charitable property to be sold despite a very feasible mission-consistent use that is available could set a concerning precedent for other charitable trusts.

Camp Menotomy is a rare public benefit on Lake Winnipesaukee

The camp provides opportunities for youth to experience nature, leadership development, and outdoor recreation on one of New Hampshire's most valuable waterfront properties.

Once the camp is developed into private residences, it can never be replaced

A residential subdivision would permanently eliminate a unique camp property that has served generations of girls and can continue to do so.

Protect nearly 100 acres of open space

The property encompasses approximately 95 acres of largely undeveloped land and significant shoreline resources. 

Preserve one mile of Lake Winnipesaukee shoreline

The shoreline is an extraordinary environmental and recreational resource that should remain available for charitable and educational purposes.

Youth camps are an important New Hampshire tradition

Summer camps contribute to New Hampshire's economy, culture, and outdoor heritage and should be preserved whenever feasible.

The charitable asset should continue serving children

A property donated for youth camping should continue benefiting children whenever practical rather than being converted to private residential use.

Camps provide benefits that private development cannot

Camp experiences promote independence, leadership, environmental stewardship, and lifelong friendships for young people.

Summer camping remains strong and viable in New Hampshire

New Hampshire's summer camp industry is healthy and thriving. Many camps throughout the Lakes Region and across New Hampshire have reported strong enrollment, waiting lists, and sustained demand in recent years, including the current season. The continued success of these camps demonstrates that youth camping remains both relevant and economically viable. Before approving the permanent loss of Camp Menotomy, public officials should recognize that there is an active and growing demand for summer camp experiences and that the property's charitable purpose can and must be fulfilled.

Preserve Camp Menotomy for future generations

Public officials should support solutions that keep Camp Menotomy operating as a camp so future generations of girls can enjoy the same opportunities envisioned by the original Settlors.