We Intentionally Build Character and Confidence
The nurturing of Body, Mind, and Spirit is as crucial now as when Dr. Luther Gulick founded our camp in the late 1800s. A Timanous summer promotes holistic development, allowing campers to grow without school stress or device distractions. Our boys return home with deeper insight into themselves, their relationships, and their home communities.
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Body • Mind • Spirit
An active day spent outside on the beautiful shores of Panther Pond keeps the body moving all day, from pre-breakfast dips in the lake to evening activities such as games of soccer, Twilight League softball, or a canoe paddle in the cove. In between, whether at an activity or spontaneously hopping from rock to rock down the wooded path, we revel in the outdoors. -
Body • Mind • Spirit
Our minds stay sharp through quieter times for reading a book or writing letters home. Camping trips inspire us to observe the world around us while being challenged in a new environment. Most of our activities have awards we aspire to, and challenge us to learn new skills, develop our competence, and hone our concentration and maturity. -
Body • Mind • Spirit
We actively promote time for reflection to nurture our spirits, such as our Sunday Chapel and traditional Council Fire. During these times we express gratitude, set goals, and reflect on areas for growth. The stunning natural beauty of a Maine summer helps us become more in tune to the greater world around us while at the same time inspiring a sense of wonder. -
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We Create an Accepting and Supportive Community
Each Sunday evening, we come together for our traditional Council Fire. Every camper pulls on the same rope to create the spark that lights our fire. This act of unity symbolizes our inclusive camp life—where everyone is valued and belongs. At Timanous, our small size allows us to see each camper's individuality, encouraging them to reach their potential. We uphold kindness and respect, inspiring boys to take risks and explore new interests. Campers can truly be themselves while learning about who they are.
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Timanous summers forge lifelong friendships as campers engage deeply with peers in their cabins, meals, and activities. Through shared laughter, challenges, and adventures, each camper becomes part of a close-knit family. These connections offer unwavering support and encouragement, forming a trusted network that is vital for every developmental stage and remains cherished long after camp ends.
Our staff averages over 12 years at camp.
The essence of Timanous is reflected in the quality and passionate work of its people. Averaging over 12 summers, the vast majority of our counselors grew up as campers at Timanous themselves. Timanous fostered their growth into compassionate young adults, and now they return to share their knowledge and care with our campers.
We find ways to teach about life in everything we do, from developing new skills at activities, overcoming challenges on camping trips, and living well in a community with cabin-mates. Our counselors have a sincere interest in our campers and their character development, and in returning year after year they show their deep investment in continuing this tradition. This uncommon dedication is a clear indication of the Timanous spirit and contributes to a feeling of continuity, which is a supportive and comforting environment for first-year and long-time campers alike.
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Meet the Director
A career educator, John "Mitts" Suitor grew up in Raymond, Maine on the shores of nearby Crescent Lake. He spent a total of 17 years at Timanous, first as a camper and then as a counselor, before his career as an independent school administrator and Head took him away from summers on Panther Pond.
For the past 12 years, John has served as Head of School at Boulder Country Day School, a preschool through 8th grade day school in Boulder, Colorado. He'll continue in that role through the 2024-25 school year, joining the Timanous community for the 2025 camp season. Prior to becoming Head of School at Boulder Country Day, John worked at St. Johnsbury Academy (a 9-12 grade day and boarding school in St. Johnsbury, Vermont), served as Head of School at Long Trail School (a 6-12 grade day school in Dorset, Vermont), and served for 16 years at Foxcroft School (a 9-12 grade girls boarding school in Middleburg, VA). John is profoundly optimistic regarding young people and firmly believes that children of any age have an opportunity to change the world. He and his wife Gail (a champion of neurodiversity) were college sweethearts. They have been married for 34 years and have three daughters: Elizabeth, Madison, and Catherine. John loves the outdoors, travel, and adventure, and is a certified sports nut. He is honored to be a 3rd generation director of Camp Timanous and feels deeply grateful to continue the nearly 90 years of service the Suitor family has devoted to the Timanous community.
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Senior Staff
Timanous has a long tradition of being led by educators. Our most recent summer leadership team has six current or former teachers on staff. Timanous is lucky to have a dedicated and loyal senior staff full of experienced educators, team leaders and most importantly campers at heart. The tenure at this group averages over 20 years at Timanous. As our head chef Bob likes to say, Timanous is a Family, with a capital "F".
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