Our History

Robert A. Tindale

In December of 1906, Robert A. Tindale of New York City purchased 3.5 acres of land on the east shore of Bantam Lake from the Wonposet Club of Torrington, Connecticut. The Wonposet Club, with lake frontage of nearly 1,000 feet, was a fishing and hunting club. Mr. Tindale was sexton of the St. James Episcopal Church on Madison Avenue in New York City. His intent was to establish a summer camp where the youth of his church and others in New York could escape the heat of the city.

Arrived by Train

Campers coming to Wonposet in the early years arrived at Bantam by train from New York City on the Shepaug Railroad, which had been completed to Litchfield in 1872. They were transported to Keeler's Cove on the west shore by horse and wagon and then taken across the mile of water in 20 foot motor launches called salt water boats. The waterfront at Wonposet is truly one of the best locations on Bantam Lake. From its conception Wonposet was known for its staff of professional educators and mature college students.

Entertainment

In 1937, Mr. Tindale hired a young dramatics counselor who would later become a popular television comedian and Wonposet's most famous staff alumni. His name was Art Carney, known for his hilarious antics on "The Honeymooners". Carney was the cause of constant laughter and great fun at camp. One of the more beautiful sounds on Bantam Lake on a warm summer's night is the notes of "Taps" played by a young bugler at camp. This tradition continues to this day... In August of 1990, Camp Wonposet was featured on the CBS television program Sunday Morning. The program was a tribute to everyone who has been part of the camp's history which continues to this day...

Who We Are Today

Today, with a dedicated and outstanding staff and an experienced Board of Directors, Camp Wonposet continues to serve more guests each year. In fact, as the needs have grown greater, Camp Wonposet has expanded into a family of two camps to improve its remarkable campus and programs. Wonposet Camps are two non-denominational Christian camps located in the beautiful Berkshire Hills of Northwest Connecticut on Bantam Lake. They are recognized as premier Christian camps by numerous secular and Christian organizations. Camp Wonposet is an accredited member of the Christian Camping International/USA and licensed by the Connecticut Department of Health. Camp Wonposet is a non-profit organization owned and operated independently of any church, organization, individual or community fund.

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Our Mission

Our Mission

Wonposet Camp's motto is "Exciting Adventures in Christian Camping." We strive to make each Camper's stay an exciting adventure, but more than that, we focus on character development and life changing, landmark moments that will last a life time. We teach kids how to have a Christ-like attitudes in relationships and different situations, from the fields, to the courts to the lake or wherever life may take them in the future.

 

Wonposet is based on four main principles:

 

I'm Third Life

God First.......... Others Second......... I'm Third........

Four Square Life

"And Jesus increased in wisdom, in stature, and in favor with God and man." Luke 2:52

Let Your Light So Shine

"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16

A Rock at a Time

Big things may be accomplished - one small step after another.

Camp Directors

Chris and Maggie Blake

The Blake Family began volunteering in the summer of 1999 before they became a part of the Leadership team making a full time commitment in 2001.

Chris, an attorney and graduate of Vermont Law School has a compelling testimony and is a speaker for Chuck Colson and the children’s Angel Tree Programs.

Chris is Director of Staff and our retreat coordinator among many other responsibilities. Maggie is the First Lady of the camps. She serves as the Ladies Camp Director and is the Camps Registered Nurse. She plays an active role in the organization of the camp and is loved and respected by all who know her.

Chris and Maggie have been married 19 years and have 4 children: Hannah, Kate, Meredith and James. All are active in the mission of Camp Wonposet.

Dave MacAllister

is the owner of Wonposet Camps and Founder of Camp Hope. Over the years the camps have hosted thousands of campers and an unbelievable staff of young college age champions and professionals from across New England and other parts of the world.

Dave began working with young people when he was 15 years old and hasn’t stopped since. He has spoken to thousands across America in camps and children’s and youth events. Using Television as a tool to reach young people, Dave and his father developed the popular Christian children’s television program Joy Junction that is currently seen around the world and disciples approximately 2000 children a month through its mailbox club.

Dave has an undying passion to bring young souls to the cross and to help them reach their full potential for God through a life of Character and living out the “I’m Third Life”.

In the summer of1994 an outreach for inner city kids called Camp Hope was launched to reach out to inner city children from throughout the New England area. Since its inception, thousands of inner city children from New York City, Boston, Connecticut and other areas have come through the gates of Camp Hope.

Dave is highly active at Wonposet Camps and lives on the W-2 property. He spends his summer speaking and motivating young people during the evening camp Life Programs and counseling the kids and teens at their respective camps throughout the day.

Contact Us

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