We Are Agassiz Village
say: AG・uh・see
Here abounds the health and happiness of growing things.
Here are built sound roads from adolescence to adulthood, from the individual to society.
This is Agassiz Village!
- Harry E. Burroughs, Founder
History
The camp opened its doors to an adaptive program for physically disabled campers in the late 1950's, and girls joined the camp in 1973 when it became coed. Campers come from all over the New England area to experience this unique program.
Today, Agassiz Village serves nearly 750 children a summer. While we welcome all children ages 8–17, our focus is on underserved children in the greater Boston area. Most of our children live in at-risk neighborhoods in eastern Massachusetts. Most of our campers come from low income or poverty level families.
Agassiz Village was founded in 1935 at its present lakeside location in Poland Maine by Mr. & Mrs. Harry E. Burroughs. Then, as now, Agassiz gave children the opportunity to escape the hardship of their daily lives. Originally the camp served boys who worked as newsboys, bootblacks, or other street vendors. The boys learned basic job skills, practiced school subjects, experienced outdoor living, and developed many life skills.
Our mission is to prepare youth for life's journey.
We offer children the opportunity, in a summer camp environment, to develop and practice leadership and life skills that will impact their future in education, family, career, and in their communities. Our programs are an investment in the future, to inspire and enable all children, especially those who need our support the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible leaders.
Meet the Board
Leslie Hoyt, President, Alumna
Theresa O'Bryant, V. President, Alumna
Ellen Corbett, Clerk, Alumna
Johnathan Gillim, Treasurer
Carlos Hoyt, Phd, LICSW, Alumnus
Allison Burroughs, Director
Warren Burroughs, Jr., Director
Che Elwell, Director
Wendy Horn, Director
Arnie Stewart, Director
Kelly Swaney, Director
Jon Levy, Director
Thomas Thrasher, Director
Year-Round Staff
Lisa Carter
Executive Director
Lisa joined Agassiz Village in 2020 and wants to give the greatest number of children the amazing opportunity to participate in the fun and formative experience of Agassiz.
Facilities Manager
Tim Pearson
Tim and his trusty companion Boots, just joined the AV Team this year. Tim has studied and worked all over New England and has several years of experience in facilities maintenance. Our beautiful camp grounds are in great hands (and paws)!
