During the Great Depression, a group of YMHA and JCC volunteers joined forces with a common goal: To create a place where young boys could come together to make new friends, run around, swim, play sports, and just be kids. The volunteers presented their camp concept to the former mayor of Lynn, Massachusetts, Ralph S. Bauer, who was inspired by their mission. Bauer agreed to sell his 20-acre property on Lake Attitash to be the home of the camp. In 1931, Camp Bauercrest was born, providing a much-needed escape from a world of fear and uncertainty. The camp is named “Bauercrest” as a tribute to Ralph Bauer for his generosity, while “Crest” references the Hill on which it sits. Camp Bauercrest grew in prestige and continued to operate each and summer despite the challenges of the Great Depression and World War II. Many of the traditions established over the years continue today, connecting our current generation of campers to our alumni. Throughout the years, Bauercrest’s philosophy has remained the same. We teach boys life lessons, both on and off the field, by encouraging our campers to explore their independence and cultivate friendships while building character and self-esteem.
THE CAMP IS NAMED AS A TRIBUTE TO RALPH BAUER BAUERCREST
We celebrate boys being boys, and this unique experience transforms them into great leaders and men.
BAUERCREST SUMMER 2026 6
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