Category: Cover Stories

Celebrate the sweet stuff with sugar house visits and maple tastings

Season of syrup

New Hampshire Maple Weekend returns

New Hampshire Maple Weekend
When: Saturday, March 19, and Sunday, March 20
Where: Several participating sugarhouses and farms statewide
Visit: nhmapleproducers.com

By Matt Ingersoll

[email protected]

On March 5 and March 6 Ben’s Sugar Shack in Temple kicked off the first two days of its maple touring season to a great turnout — and an overall “back to normal” type of feeling, operations manager Emily Sliviak said. Free tours are set to continue every weekend through April 3.

“This is the first year that we’re starting to do samples again,” Sliviak said. “Everyone wanted a sample, and it was great to see that nobody really seemed uncomfortable or scared or anything, especially in the evaporator room, just because it is kind of a tighter space.”

Ben’s is one of hundreds of sugarhouses across the Granite State gearing up for New Hampshire Maple Weekend, happening on Saturday, March 19, and Sunday, March 20. Maple producers large and small traditionally hold open houses throughout the weekend — or all month long in March — for families to visit, take a free tour, and sample syrup and other maple goodies.

It’s overseen by the New Hampshire Maple Producers Association, a nonprofit founded in 1943 that now represents roughly 350 maple purveyors statewide, president Andrew Chisholm said.

“Last year we decided to advertise it as Maple Month so that producers would have the option to spread everything out over the entire month and not have large groups come to sugarhouses, as is common on Maple Weekend,” said Chisholm, a maple producer himself who runs Chisholm Farm in Hampstead. “This year we’re doing kind of a hybrid, so we’re giving producers the option to advertise themselves as participating in Maple Month or Maple Weekend, and then my guess is that by 2023 we’ll hopefully be fully back to … calling it a Maple Weekend.”

Here’s a look at how this year’s maple sugaring season has gone so far in southern New Hampshire and what you can expect when you visit a local sugarhouse on Maple Weekend.

Maple warm pudding
Courtesy of Ben’s Sugar Shack in Temple. Recipe by Mareh Bleecker

2½ cups whole milk
⅔ cup maple sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 Tablespoons cornstarch
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Strawberry jam
Fresh whipped cream

In a small bowl, mix half a cup of cold milk with the cornstarch. Place the remaining two cups of milk, the maple sugar and the salt in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook just until the mixture begins to steam. Add the cornstarch mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture starts to thicken and barely reaches a boil, about 5 minutes. Immediately reduce the heat to very low and stir for five minutes until thick. Remove the pudding from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Spoon the pudding into individual jars or ramekins and let cool slightly. Top with jam, compote, fresh fruit and whipped cream.

Tapping traditions

Tours are offered at Ben’s every 15 minutes between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and will typically last about half an hour depending on questions, Sliviak said. Attendees learn all about the process of collecting sap and the importance of daily maintenance of the trees, especially against windy or rainy weather conditions and the intrusions of animals like squirrels, bears and moose.

“We walk them across the woods to where they can see the modern way of collecting, which is through the tubing system and the vacuum system,” she said. “Then we’ll walk groups back over to where the trucks will bring the sap. We have a 10,000-gallon holding tank, and all of the sap from there will run into the reverse osmosis room, which is a fancy system that separates the water from the sugar molecules … and that makes it much less work for the evaporator to boil.”

Depending on the sugar content levels and the time of the season, Sliviak said it takes roughly 40 gallons of sap to make one gallon of maple syrup. After the reverse osmosis process, the sap then runs into the evaporator room, where tour attendees learn about the boiling, filtering and bottling of the syrup, as well as the grades that are produced and how each is different in taste.

Samples are provided at the conclusion of the tour, and a gift shop will also have various maple products for sale. Last weekend Ben’s began offering maple ice cream — that’s expected to continue through the last two weekends of the month, Sliviak said, in addition to their maple roasted nuts, maple cotton candy and their popular maple doughnuts.

“We’re just kind of easing into everything and gradually getting back into all of the other stuff that we normally would do with the tours,” Sliviak said.

In May, following the end of this year’s production season, Ben’s is expected to break ground on a new 16,000-square-foot building on the corner of Route 101 and Webster Highway in Temple, which Sliviak said will accommodate tours that much better by this time next year.

Chisholm will similarly open his operation up for free tours, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day of Maple Weekend. He’ll have maple ice cream sourced from Shaw Farm just over the state line in Dracut, Mass., as well as maple doughnuts and a variety of his own products available for sale.

“What I like to do that’s a little unique are infused maples, so I do a vanilla-infused maple and a cinnamon-infused maple, and then also some barrel-aged stuff,” he said.

Weathering the storm

Despite a slow start to the 2022 maple season, the temperatures over the last couple of weeks and the forecast have set the stage for an ideal Maple Weekend, according to Sliviak.

“A lot of times we’re able to produce a decent amount in January and even in February, and that was not the case this year,” she said. “We’re looking for warmer days and colder nights, ideally 40 degrees or 45 at the most, but definitely a slight freeze at night, so around 25 to 30 degrees. … Overall it looks like it’s going to turn out really well, and one of the reasons is because of the amount of rain that we had in the past year, in the summer, fall and through the winter, even.”

It’s already shaping out to be a better season for sugarhouses compared to last year, which Chisholm said was widely classified as a disaster due to very warm and dry conditions.

“Most producers only made about 40 percent of what they would expect to make, myself included,” he said. “Last year was an early start and a very early finish. … It warmed up real quick at the end of March, and I think for us down here in southern New Hampshire it never went below freezing. As a whole the 2021 season was a short crop across the entire region.”

Sugarhouses haven’t been immune to rising costs and supply chain issues impacting all kinds of industries in the pandemic’s wake, from plastic containers and glass bottles and jars to everything in between. But with that, Sliviak said sales of and demand for syrup are still up from before.

“We literally had some farm stands double their average sales with us last year,” she said. “I don’t really know what it’s from, whether people are more out and about or their kids are home more and they needed maple syrup, but we’re still seeing that upward trend.”

Maple onion jam
Courtesy of Ben’s Sugar Shack in Temple. Recipe by Mareh Bleecker

2 large onions, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
2 Tablespoons neutral oil (grapeseed, avocado or ghee)
2 Tablespoons Ben’s organic maple syrup
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
1½ teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

Heat a saucepan over medium heat. Add the oil, onions and salt. Turn the heat to low and cook, stirring frequently until the onions begin to soften and turn translucent. Add maple syrup, black pepper and thyme. Add a little bit of water if the onions begin to stick to the bottom of the pan. Continue to cook the onions for 25 to 30 minutes or until the onions are caramelized and deep brown in color. Add the mustard and lemon juice and stir for one minute. Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed. Pour into a small jar and let it cool. Refrigerate for up to two weeks.

Visit a sugarhouse

Here are some local farms and sugarhouses participating in this year’s New Hampshire Maple Weekend, scheduled for Saturday, March 19, and Sunday, March 20. Some will be offering maple sugaring tours and demonstrations, while others will be selling and providing samples of a variety of maple-infused products. Be sure to contact each one directly for their most up-to-date plans for Maple Weekend. For a full list of sugarhouses, visit nhmapleproducers.com.

• 6 Saplings Sugarhouse (31 Kearsarge Valley Road, Wilmot, 526-2167, find them on Facebook) Open Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering tours, samples and products for sale, from maple syrup to maple cream, sugar, candied nuts and more.

• Babel’s Sugar Shack (323 Hurricane Hill Road, Mason, 878-3929, find them on Facebook) Open on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., for an open house, with samples and syrup for sale.

• Beaver Brook Maple (1 Beaver Brook Drive, Bow, 491-0500, find them on Facebook @bbmaple) Open on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for maple demonstrations.

• Beaver Meadowbrook Farm Sugar House (402 Route 103 East, Warner, 224-2452, find them on Facebook) Visitors welcome any time, but calling ahead is recommended. Face masks are required when inside the sugar house.

• Ben’s Sugar Shack (83 Webster Hwy., Temple; 693 Route 103, Newbury; 924-3111, bensmaplesyrup.com) Open on Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free maple sugaring tours are offered every 15 minutes and last about a half hour, depending on questions. Samples and products for sale include maple syrup, soft serve, doughnuts, roasted nuts and more.

• Beyond the Horizon Farm (19 Gillis Hill Road, Bennington, 588-6210, beyondthehorizonfarm.com) Open on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring complimentary maple cinnamon swirl rolls and doughnuts as well as coffee, cocoa and tea while supplies last.

• Blueberry Hill Sugarworks (31 Blueberry Hill Road, Raymond, 300-6837, wickedsappy.com) Open weekends during maple season; hours vary. Check back on the website or call for details.

• Charmingfare Farm (774 High St., Candia, 483-5623, visitthefarm.com) Open Saturday and Sunday for its annual Maple Express event, to be held at various times between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day. Tickets start at $22 and include horse-drawn and tractor train rides, maple syrup demonstrations and tours, taste testing, visits with the animals and more.

• Chisholm Farm (641 Main St., Hampstead, 421-4727, chisholmfarm.com) Open on Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tours will be conducted on an on-demand basis and a variety of products will be available, from maple ice cream and doughnuts to all kinds of infused syrups.

• Chris-Mich 3 Farm (285 Elm Ave., Antrim, 588-2157, find them on Facebook @chrismich3farm) Open Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a variety of maple products available, from maple syrup to maple cream, sugar, candies, walnuts and more.

• Connolly’s Sugar House (140 Webster Hwy., Temple, 924-5002, find them on Facebook) Open Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., for tours. Connolly’s, which is also a family-owned dairy farm, will have its own maple ice cream made fresh on site with its syrup.

• Dill Family Farm (61 Griffin Road, Deerfield, 475-3798, find them on Facebook) Open on Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring maple syrup samples available, in addition to maple candy, cream and sugar for sale.

• Fletcher & Family Sugar House (2528 E. Washington Road, Washington, 340-4035, fletcher-farm.com) Open on Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring maple syrup, candy and sugar for purchase, in addition to some free samples. Coffee, hot chocolate and doughnuts will be served in the morning and hot dogs and chips will be served for lunch.

• Folsom’s Sugar House (130 Candia Road, Chester, 370-0908, folsomsugarhouse.com) Open Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tours will be ongoing throughout each day, and there will be a variety of specialty products available, from maple syrup, candies and cream to maple barbecue sauce, mustard, pepper seasonings and pancake mixes.

• Gould Hill Farm (656 Gould Hill Road, Contoocook, 746-3811, gouldhillfarm.com) Open on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring free maple syrup samples, as well as cider doughnuts and maple hard cider for sale. The Contoocook Cider Co.’s tasting room will also have live music by Colin Hart from 1 to 4 p.m. that day.

• Ice Mountain Maple (276 Queen St., Boscawen, 341-4297, icemountainmaple.com) Open on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering maple syrup and candy for sale, as well as maple coffee.

• Jessie James Maple Farm (164 Allens Mill Road, Gilmanton, 267-6428, jessiejamesmaple.com) Open Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring its own maple syrup for sale, in addition to other specialty products like maple mustard, maple chipotle seasoning and cinnamon maple sugar.

• Journey’s End Maple Farm (295 Loudon Road, Pittsfield, 252-6669, journeysendmaplefarm.com) Open on Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring live maple sugaring demonstrations, a local vendor pop-up event and a variety of maple products for sale, from maple syrup to iced maple lattes, maple shakes, sundaes, cotton candy and more.

• Kaison’s Sugar House (75 Forest Road, Weare, 660-6019, find them on Facebook @kaisonssugarhouse) Open on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring maple sugaring demonstrations and maple products for sale like syrup, lollipops and candy drops (cash only).

• Kearsarge Gore Farm (173 Gore Road, Warner, 456-2319, teamkgf.com) Open Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., for maple sugaring demonstrations and syrup samples.

• Ledge Top Sugar House (25 Oak St., Boscawen, 753-4973, ledgetop.com) Open on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring maple syrup and other products for sale.

• Main Street Maple and Honey Farm (186 Main St., Belmont, 527-9071, mainstreetmapleandhoney.com) Open on Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring maple syrup making demonstrations and a variety of products for sale.

• Mapletree Farm (105 Oak Hill Road, Concord, 224-0820, mapletreefarmnh.com) Open Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring self-guided maple sugaring tours and a variety of maple products available, like maple syrup, cream, candy and more.

• Matras Maple (821 Catamount Road, Pittsfield, 724-9427, find them on Facebook @matrasmaple) Open on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 12:30 to 5 p.m. There will be maple syrup making demonstrations and all kinds of maple products for sale, like maple cream, maple sugar and local ice cream topped with maple syrup and crunchy candies.

• Munson’s Maple (44 Blueberry Hill Road, Raymond, 303-8278, find them on Facebook) Open Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., for maple tours, samples and products for sale.

• Old Pound Road Sugar House (37 Old Pound Road, Antrim, 588-3272, oldpoundroadsugarhouse.com) Open Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring maple tours and a variety of free samples, like coffee, maple syrup and candy.

• Parker’s Maple Barn (1316 Brookline Road, Mason, 878-2308, parkersmaplebarn.com) Open Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for maple tours, and specialty products like gourmet maple coffee and maple glazed doughnuts will also be available for sale.

• Peterson Sugar House (28 Peabody Row, Londonderry, 383-8917, [email protected]) Open Saturday and Sunday, from noon to 5 p.m., featuring maple sugaring demonstrations, maple syrup samples and various maple products for sale.

• Pfeil Family Farm (311 Cram Hill Road, Lyndeborough, 801-3158, pfeilfamilymaple.com) Open Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring maple syrup for sale as well as coffee, doughnuts and other various maple products.

• Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm (58 Cleveland Hill Road, Tamworth, 323-7591, remickmuseum.org) Open Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring outdoor maple sugaring demonstrations and maple syrup for sale while supplies last.

• Ridgeland Farm (736 Loudon Ridge Road, Loudon, 520-4337, ridgelandfarmnh.com) Open on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring tours of the sugarhouse and samples of maple syrup and maple peanut butter fudge.

• SMD Maple Syrup (6 Falcon Drive, Merrimack, 978-815-6476, find them on Facebook @smdmaplesyrup) Open Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring maple syrup making demonstrations, samples, maple syrup for sale and more.

• Somero Maple Farm (21 Poor Farm Road, New Ipswich, 562-0822, someromaplefarm.com) Open on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring free maple syrup making tours and a variety of products available for sampling and for sale.

• The Sugar House at Morning Star Farm (30 Crane Crossing Road, Plaistow, 479-0804, find them on Facebook @thesugarhouseatmorningstarfarm) Open Saturday and Sunday, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering its full line of maple products, which include syrups, cream, jelly, mustard, nuts, candy, confections, homemade doughnuts and more.

• Sunnyside Maples (1089 Route 106 N, Loudon, 848-7090, sunnysidemaples.com) Open Saturday and Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring maple sugaring demonstrations and several maple products for sale in its gift shop, like syrup, cream, mustard, candy, seasonings, coffee, pancake mixes and more.

• Trail Side Sugar House (246 Currier Road, Andover, 748-1307, trailsidesugarhouse.com) Open Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering maple tours, samples and demonstrations. Available products all weekend will include maple syrup, candy, cream, barbecue sauce, mustard, doughnuts, cotton candy, nuts and whoopie pies.

• Turkey Street Maples (673 Turkey St., Chocorua, 323-9320, turkeystreetmaples.com) Open Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring maple sugaring demonstrations and various maple products available for purchase, including syrup and cotton candy.

• Two Sappy Guys Sugar Shack (324 Joppa Hill Road, Bedford, 860-7992, find them on Facebook @2sappyguys) Open Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring fresh maple syrup for sale.

• Windswept Maples Farm (845 Loudon Ridge Road, Loudon, 491-9130, windsweptmaples.com) Open Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring maple demonstrations and maple syrup, maple sugar candy and other products for sale.

Featured photo: Maple sugaring tours at Ben’s Sugar Shack in Temple. Courtesy photo.

From an upcycled fashion show to a personal storytelling showcase, New Hampshire has all kinds of opportunities to learn and show off a new craft or skill.

Local makers talked about how they got into quilting, blacksmithing, 3D printing and more, and why they’ve stuck with it. If their stories have you feeling inspired to try out the craft for yourself, check out some of the upcoming programs and events listed here.

3D printing

As a home care provider, Pat Michaud of Concord is always looking for ways to help improve her clients’ quality of life. One of those ways, she found, was taking a class on 3D printing at Making Matters NH, a makerspace in Penacook.

“When I told my home care client I signed up for the class, he was excited,” Michaud said. “He is in a wheelchair, and he also owns a 3D printer … so he said I can ‘be his hands.’”

Michaud has worked with her client to 3D print a number of custom accessibility items, including a phone holder, a controller holder and a mug straw holder. For herself, she has printed household items and specialty accessories, such as votive and LED-votive chickens, ornamental chickens and Volvo key chains and other paraphernalia. Her next endeavor, she said, is providing 3D printing services for local businesses.

“I already have a person who is asking me to print things for her business,” Michaud said. “It’s exciting to me that I can use this [skill] to help other small businesses.”

Michaud said that, because she has a background in working with computers, 3D printing came easily to her; it may be more challenging for those who aren’t as tech-savvy, but the instructors at Making Matters are equipped to teach people of all levels of knowledge and experience.

“The class is amazing and so informative … and the teacher [has] so much enthusiasm about the subject,” she said. “If you want to learn a new skill, and you have the right mind to do it, it can be so fun.”

Making Matters NH (88 Village St., Penacook, 565-5443, makingmattersnh.org) is a makerspace that offers a variety of classes and workshops, including ones teaching 3D printing. “Hands-on 3D Printing for Beginners,” a one-day crash course covering the basics of 3D printing, will be offered on Saturdays, March 12 and April 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The cost is $15 for Making Matters members and $50 for nonmembers.

Port City Makerspace (68 Morning St., Portsmouth) is offering an “Intro to 3D Printing” class on Wednesdays, April 13 and June 8, from 6 to 9 p.m. The cost is $25 for members of the makerspace and $45 for nonmembers. Call 373-1002 or visit portcitymakerspace.com.

Blacksmithing

Jesse O’Brien of Danbury tried blacksmithing for the first time at a workshop offered at Sanborn Mills Farm in Loudon, which his friend encouraged him to sign up for.

“She is one of the best metalworkers I know, and she raved about taking this workshop for blacksmithing,” O’Brien said. “[After] seeing what she had made in the workshop … I had to give it a try myself.”

O’Brien found blacksmithing to be “surprisingly practical,” he said, and having the ability to craft his own artistic and functional metal pieces appealed to him. Plant hangers, coat hooks and custom gifts are just some of the items he has made; he also makes his own hardware for building and repair projects around his small farm property.

After his first workshop, O’Brien assembled his own small forge at home, which he uses on a regular basis, he said.

“A small forge is like a magical problem-solver which only needs some steel, coal or propane and a bit of time and ingenuity,” he said. “It’s more convenient to make things right from home instead of having to go to a store, and I can generally make something that I’m proud to own.”

O’Brien said he has plans to expand his home forge and his collection of blacksmithing tools.

“Every time I make something, I realize that it would be faster [to make] or [of] higher quality if I had one more … shape of tongs, or a hammer with a different face shape or a different shape of anvil to work against.”

Blacksmithing is a more accessible craft than it may appear, O’Brien said, and it doesn’t require a lot of strength or agility or any special physical capabilities.

“Anyone who can lift a hammer should try blacksmithing,” he said. “It’s a skillset that’s empowering and encourages anyone who tries it to learn and improve their skills.”

Sanborn Mills Farm(7097 Sanborn Road, Loudon) offers ongoing blacksmithing workshops for all ages and experience levels. The next beginner level workshop with space available is “Blacksmithing Basics,” running Friday, May 20, through Sunday, May 22, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The cost is $375. Other three-day workshops range from $225 to $400. Call 435-7314 or visit sanbornmills.org for the full schedule of workshops through November.

Fused glass

Aimee Whittemore of Henniker tried the art of fused glass for the first time a few years ago while visiting family in Arizona and “absolutely loved” it, she said. Prior to that, she had been doing stained glass.

“Now, I do both,” she said. “I love that [with fused glass] you can make things look 3D, and you can also make dishes.”

When she was starting out, she didn’t know of any glass studios in New Hampshire. Then, one afternoon, she and her husband were walking around downtown Manchester when they came across StudioVerne, the working studio and gallery of fused glass artist Verne Orlosk.

“I was so excited to see a glass studio,” Whittemore said. “We went in and talked to Verne about what she does for fused glass … [and] talked for a while about different projects that we had made. … We ended up doing three workshops at her studio.”

Over the past two years, Whittemore has created a number of fused glass pieces, including garden gnomes; a glass garden with fused flowers; ladybugs; butterflies; and a maple leaf, for which she used a fine powdered glass.

Fused glass pieces are typically put through at least two kiln processes, she explained. The first is called the “full fuse.”

“When I make a butterfly, for example, I trace my pattern onto the glass, then score the glass and … break the glass where I scored it,” she said. “Now, I have the body of my butterfly, and it needs to go in the kiln for a full fuse … which fuses the body all together and rounds the edges.”

The second process is the “tack fuse,” which fuses the design, formed with smaller glass pieces or powders, to the main piece of glass.

“There are so many different techniques you can do with fused glass,” she said. “Fusing glass is so fun, and once you get the hang of it, it comes easier.”

Studioverne Fine Art Fused Glass is a fused glass studio and gallery owned by artist Verne Orlosk in downtown Manchester. It is currently in the process of moving from Hanover Street to its new location at 412 Chestnut St. Orlosk said she will hold a grand reopening event in April. Upcoming classes and workshops are TBA. Call 490-4321 or visit studioverne.com.

Quilting

Laura Stevens of Goffstown was looking forward to taking her first quilting class at Night Owl Quilting Studio in Goffstown when the pandemic hit, putting her plans on hold.

“My mom is a quilter … [and] I sewed some as a young girl and made a little quilted pillow,” she said, “so I had been considering getting into quilting for some time.”

Not wanting to wait any longer to start her new hobby, Stevens decided to teach herself while stuck at home.

“I became antsy during the pandemic … and had the free time, so I began working on a project,” she said.

Since Night Owl Quilting Studio reopened, Stevens has become “a regular” there, she said, and has participated in five different quilting programs.

“At this point, most of what I know about quilting, fabric and sewing, I’ve learned from [the classes],” she said. “It’s very satisfying to go from a bunch of fabric to something you’ve created.”

Stevens now has several quilts completed, including the one she started on her own during the pandemic shutdown, which she is “very proud of,” she said, and a wedding quilt that she made for her cousin using techniques she learned at Night Owl.

“I can’t stress enough how much I love being at the studio,” she said. “The classes … keep me on track on a project … [and give] me confidence to mix patterns and include my own spin on things.”

These local quilting studios and shops offer quilting classes, workshops and social groups. Call or see their websites for program details and schedules.

• Angels Sewing and Quilting, 236 N. Broadway, Suite G, Salem, 898-0777, angelssewing.com

• Aunt Mary’s Quilting, 43 Stark Road, Derry, 845-9380, auntmarysquilting.com

• Bits ’n Pieces Quilt Shop, 70 Bridge St., Pelham, 635-9705, bnpquilts.com

• Maple Leaf Stitchin Studio, 1022 Dover Road, Unit 3, Epsom, 736-0256, mapleleafstitchinstudiollc.com

• Night Owl Quilting Studio, 35 Main St., Goffstown, 384-2557, nightowlquiltingstudio.com

• Patches Quilt Loft, 1442 Candia Road, Manchester, 206-5490, patchesquiltloft.com

• Pine Tree Quilt Shop, 224 N. Broadway, Salem Market Place, Salem, 870-8100, pinetreequiltshop.com

Storytelling

Tom Ostberg of Windham is a regular performer of True Tales Live, a monthly storytelling series based in Portsmouth and aired on Portsmouth Public Media TV.

An avid outdoorsman, Ostberg focuses much of his storytelling on his adventures in nature.

“I have hiked the Appalachian Trail, gone canoeing, and camp every chance I get, so I continue to collect … stories,” he said. “Through these experiences of mine, I have learned the lessons that have shaped my life.”

In one of his favorite stories, Ostberg said, he describes a memorable night he spent in a wooden shelter in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee while hiking the Appalachian Trail.

“I … [found] out in the middle of the night that [the shelter] had nightly visits by a family of skunks,” he said. “I connected with a young man, who was also afraid, [which] taught me a powerful lesson about respect.”

Another story he’s especially proud of, Ostberg said, recounts his “great adventure” catching feral honey bees in the woods for his home apiary while his wife was out of town.

“I love the way people light up with excitement when they hear an adventure story,” he said. “It transports us to a different place — a place we may not have ever been to before.”

While it can be nerve-wracking sharing deeply personal stories with strangers, Ostberg said, the audience’s reaction often helps to put him at ease.

“They’re so welcoming, down to earth and so easy to connect with,” he said. “They’re always full of laughter and … are feeling the moment with you.

The skills involved in the craft of storytelling also have a valuable place outside of the arts, Ostberg said.

“It’s useful in many other settings, [such as] business meetings, sharing and connecting with your friends and even family gatherings,” he said. “It’s inspiring for the teller, entertaining for the audience and opens up people to experience others’ lives.”

True Tales Live is a Portsmouth-based storytelling showcase held on the last Tuesday of the month (no shows in July and August) from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Shows have been held over Zoom during the pandemic but will be held in person at the Portsmouth Public Media TV Studio (280 Marcy St.) starting in April. They will return to the Zoom format for the winter starting in November. Each month’s showcase is centered around a different theme. The series is free and open to all who want to watch or participate as a storyteller. Pre-registration for attendees is required for Zoom shows but not required for in-person shows. Additionally, True Tales Live hosts free storytelling workshops on the first Tuesday of every month (except November) from 7 to 8:30 p.m. over Zoom. Registration is required for workshops. Visit truetaleslivenh.org to register for a workshop or attend a show, and email [email protected] if you’re interested in being a storyteller.

The New Hampshire Storytelling Alliance is a nonprofit organization that promotes the tradition and art of storytelling throughout the state. For more storytelling resources, including upcoming storytelling events, storytelling groups and a directory of professional storytellers, visit the NHSA website, nhstorytelling.org.

Upcycled fashion

Sixteen-year-old Amelia Bickford of Wolfeboro said she has always enjoyed “making and inventing things” from found materials, including recyclables like cardboard and plastic, so when her dad told her he had heard about an all-ages upcycled fashion show happening in Wolfeboro this spring, she jumped at the opportunity.

“Before now, my costumes and art haven’t really been seen by anyone other than my friends and family,” Bickford said. “I thought it would be a good challenge and would also be a cool way to meet others like me.”

Bickford is participating in the Upcycled Fashion Show as a member of a group of designers that is creating fashion pieces inspired by the characters and aesthetic of Alice in Wonderland.

Her favorite pieces that she has made so far include a chainmail necklace made of soda can tabs and a pair of fingerless gloves made from disposable plastic grocery bags.

“Upcycled fashion is … a great way to experiment artistically and … experiment with style,” she said. “There is always a way to make something look or be the way you want it to be; you only have to find out how, then do it.”

Lynn Willscher of Wolfeboro, another designer in the show, said she learned to sew in her high school home economics class in the 1960s and has been sewing her own home goods and clothing ever since. Her pieces for the show include four shop aprons in different styles made from old pairs of jeans.

“I was interested in using something that just about everyone owns,” Willscher said.

Upcycling, as a craft, she said, is “about transforming the old into the new and, in the process, increasing its value,” but it also has a larger purpose.

“[It’s] a great opportunity to draw further attention to the tremendous need the world has for recycling and reducing waste,” she said.

The Upcycled Fashion Show, presented by Makers Mill and the Governor Wentworth Arts Council, will be held on Saturday, April 23, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Makers Mill (23 Bay St., Wolfeboro). The event invites designers of all ages to create wearable art with at least 75 percent of the materials being recycled, reused or repurposed. Registration for designers is free and open now through the end of March or until participation is full. Groups and individuals are welcome. Tickets for spectators cost $5 purchased in advance and $7 purchased at the door. Additionally, a workshop, “Attachments & Embellishments,” will be offered on Saturday, March 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Brewster Academy (80 Academy Drive, Wolfeboro) in Room 103 of the Rogers Building Student Center. Participants will learn skills such as ancient lashing techniques, traditional zippers, basic buttons and hand and machine techniques; and about how to embellish a garment with dye, paint, hand sewing, hot glue and machine techniques. The workshop is open to registered designers for free and to the general public for a cost of $15. Visit makersmill.org/blog or call 569-1500.

Featured photo: Fused glass pieces made by Aimee Whittemore. Courtesy photo.

A deep dive into the nostalgic treat and its many sweet variations

It started as a way to raise money for her daughters’ synchronized swim teams — Heather Pfeifer of Goffstown made whoopie pies and presented them at bake sales to rave reviews. Eventually, she began serving pumpkin maple whoopie pies at the annual Goffstown Pumpkin Regatta; last year she sold out of nearly 1,000 before the event was over.

“People [in town] were going up to me and being like, ‘Are you the pumpkin maple whoopie pie lady?’ or they’d say, ‘They’re so good, where can I get them?’” Pfeifer said, “and I was just like, ‘Well I don’t know, I can bake some if you want.’ … I was cooking out of my kitchen for fun, but so many people were requesting where they could get them. So I started pursuing that.”

Pfeifer is now the owner and founder of Granite State Whoopie Pies and takes weekly pre-orders of the nostalgic treat in all kinds of flavors. She works out of the prep kitchen at White Birch Eatery in Goffstown, mostly on Mondays and Tuesdays when it’s closed for the day, and accepts requests to make any of her whoopie pies gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan.

With a regular offering of classic chocolate and vanilla or peanut butter, as well as two new special flavors released every two weeks, Pfeifer is proving that the whoopie pie can lend itself to all sorts of fun variations. Currently, she’s celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with chocolate and mint grasshopper and chocolate mocha Irish cream whoopie pies, while other flavors she’s previously dabbled in have included black forest, milk and cookies, red velvet, and peanut butter and jelly. Sometimes she’ll incorporate local ingredients — her maple bacon whoopie pie, for instance, featured bacon crumbles from Shaker Road Provisions of Loudon, while just last month she made chocolate milk stout whoopie pies using the Summit stout from Goffstown’s Mountain Base Brewery.

“I have a list of probably about 50 or 60 flavors … and more come to mind every day,” she said.

Similar whoopie pie flavor experimentations have been going on in the kitchen of Angela’s Pasta & Cheese Shop in Manchester. There you’ll find all kinds of whoopie pie flavors on the shelf, and you never know what bakers Laura and Adam Rexford will come up with next, like lemon poppy strawberry, Fireball whiskey pumpkin, tiramisu, pineapple upside-down cake and more.

“This year, people have been buying whoopie pies like crazy,” Laura Rexford said. “I can’t tell if it’s that we’re being more adventurous with flavors, or if people just want more comfort foods. … I feel like a whoopie pie is so much easier to eat than a cupcake, because of the distribution of cake to frosting. It’s almost like a sweet hamburger. The frosting is more contained.”

From the treat’s delicious creamy filling to the cakes surrounding it — which Pfeifer calls the “whookies,” or “whoopie cookies” — we take a look at how some local whoopie pies are made, and also attempt to trace back its origins as a New England staple.

Flavors and fillings

Today, the most common whoopie pie filling features a vanilla or marshmallow buttercream. Jordyn Hotchkiss of The Cat’s Pajamas, a home bakery based in Weare, said hers have a mixture of butter, confectioner’s sugar, marshmallow Fluff and a little bit of vanilla. The filling for her peanut butter whoopie pies uses those same ingredients, in addition to creamy peanut butter, kosher salt and milk — both flavors are stocked weekly at the Weare Real Food Farmers Market.

Pfeifer’s whoopie pies, meanwhile, have a roux-based filling, or a milk and flour thickener that’s mixed with granulated sugar, vanilla, butter, Crisco and a little bit of salt.

“I would equate the flavor … to almost like a Devil Dog,” she said. “The granulated sugar actually melts right into the roux … and what it does is it whips up so nice and fluffy, but it’s not overpoweringly sweet. … It creates this very light and creamy filling. It’s a more traditional way, but it’s not the most common way because it’s not the most shelf-stable.”

Pfeifer described her “whookies” as a thicker version of a muffin top, with a proper consistency resembling a brownie batter and a total baking time of around 10 to 12 minutes. Her roux is made first so that it has time to cool down once the cakes are baked.

Depending on the flavor she’s working with, additional ingredients are added to either the cakes or the filling. As for the diet-friendly options, she’ll substitute oat milk and plant-based butter for the dairy-free pies, and Bob’s Red Mill brand 1-to-1 flour blend for the gluten-free pies.

At Angela’s, classic chocolate and vanilla or peanut butter whoopie pies are always in stock, each of which is made with a house buttercream recipe. Those are sold individually, or you can try one of the shop’s themed duo packs — last month’s, dubbed “The Romance Package,” featured candied maple bacon and raspberry Frangelico-flavored whoopie pies. Currently available is the “Luck of the Irish” whoopie pie duo, with crème de menthe and milk chocolate Irish cream flavors. The shop also puts out bite-sized miniature whoopie pies in an assortment of flavors, sold in packs of a dozen each.

“Those have had a huge response,” Rexford said. “I think people feel a little less guilty about the mini whoopie pies, because you can just pop them in your mouth. They’re like little Munchkins.”

In Hooksett, The Cake Fairy has been baking whoopie pies since before it even had a storefront, back when it had a booth at the Deerfield Fair, manager Brianna Lucciano said.

“My mom would make these behemoth whoopie pies, like the size of a man’s hand, and people would walk around the fair with them, and others would say, ‘Oh, my gosh, where did you get that?’” she said. “It got to the point where we’d get a delivery, and people were just taking them out of the box because we couldn’t even get them on the table fast enough.”

They no longer sell at the fair, but you can still get that familiar gigantic “Deerfielder” whoopie pie at the bakery, along with a few smaller sizes. In addition to the classic, there’s a Funny Bone whoopie pie with a chocolate cake and peanut butter filling, and a Boston cream whoopie pie with a vanilla cake, chocolate ganache and a custard buttercream.

At The Cannoli Stop at The Candy Shop in Concord, owner Melinda Sergi has a regular assortment of fillings for her whoopie pies, from vanilla or chocolate cream to raspberry, peanut butter or pistachio. But she also takes things a step further by making whoopie pies with any one of the shop’s more than 50 flavors of cannoli fillings — those options run the gamut from cake batter and cookie dough to red velvet, bubble gum, cotton candy, salted caramel and more.

Lemon cake whoopie pies are part of the regular lineup of products at Fabrizia Lemon Baking Co., an online-only bakery based in Salem featuring uniquely crafted limoncello-infused treats. Also in Salem, Chatila’s Sugar Free Bakery offers an assortment of sugar-free and dairy-free whoopie pie flavors using a fluffy French creme-based filling.

Competing claims

Multiple U.S. states claim to be the birthplace of the original whoopie pie. Two of those states in particular — Pennsylvania and Maine — are notably linked by their Amish heritage, Pfeifer said.

While there are several theories, according to at least one edition of The Oxford Companion to American Food and Drink, an encyclopedia edited by Andrew F. Smith and published by Oxford University Press, it’s generally accepted that the first whoopie pie originated around the era of the Great Depression. The story goes that the cakes were made from a leftover batter, contributor Susan McLellan Plaisted writes, and, according to Amish legend, kids would find the cream-filled treats in their lunch bags and yell “whoopie!” with delight, giving them their name.

A bakery in Lewiston, Maine, called Labadie’s claims to be “the home of Maine’s first whoopie pie,” with a recipe dating back to 1925, according to its website. Another possible clue into how the treat became so popular in New England involves the Massachusetts-based Durkee Mower Co., the manufacturer of marshmallow Fluff. According to its website, an episode of a 1930s weekly radio show called “Flufferettes” promoted The Yummy Book, a book of various recipes using Fluff as the cornerstone ingredient — one of those was, of course, for whoopie pies.

But who exactly was the first to create the sweet treat, and where, is likely lost to history.

“It’s like saying who made pizza first,” Lucciano said. “In reality, it’s a form of chocolate cake and a delicious filling. We all had the same ingredients, but whose grandmother did it first?”

Both Pennsylvania and Maine hold annual whoopie pie festivals — Maine’s is set to return on June 25 to the town of Dover-Foxcroft, featuring samples from various bakers across the state, while Pennsylvania’s is held at the Hershey Farm Restaurant & Inn in Lancaster County in September. Since 2011, the whoopie pie has been honored as Maine’s official “state treat.”

While there are no large whoopie pie-centered festivals in the Granite State, Pfeifer does have a few upcoming local appearances where you can go to enjoy her whoopie pies. Find her at Mountain Base Brewery on Thursday, March 17, from 4 to 8 p.m., serving her classic, peanut butter, grasshopper and Irish cream flavors. Then on Saturday, March 19, she’ll be participating in the Downtown Concord Winter Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to noon. More events are in the works for the coming weeks and months.

Whoopie pies at home

A simple whoopie pie recipe uses ingredients easily within reach in your kitchen.

“It’s a process … because you have the two separate parts of it,” Hotchkiss said. “I use Crisco, sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla, flour, baking soda, baking powder, cocoa powder and a little bit of salt, and that’s just for the cake itself. … The oven actually gets preheated to 425, so it’s a bit of a hotter bake, and they only have to bake for about 10 minutes each.”

When baking them at home, Hotchkiss said, it’s important to make sure the cakes are spaced out enough so that they don’t spread into each other. She places either a silicone baking sheet or a piece of parchment paper on the baking pan to prevent sticking and help with their removal.

“Generally, once I get the cake part of it all done, I let them cool for a few minutes and then I start with my filling,” she said, “because they need to be fully cooled before you put them together; otherwise the filling will just start to melt. … Personally, I love having Fluff in them.”

Rather than spreading the filling over both cake halves, Hotchkiss said she likes to scoop it on just one and pushes the two parts together to finish the whoopie pie.

“It just makes for a good ratio, in my opinion,” she said. “Everyone has their own viewpoint of how much cream to cake there should be … but for the most part they’re relatively even.”

The pies remain fresh when wrapped for roughly a week, or you can freeze them.

“A friend of mine actually discovered that they freeze really well, so that was good to find out,” Hotchkiss said. “So if you don’t want to eat them right away, they can go in the freezer and then, when you’re ready to eat it, it will thaw out no problem.”

Where to get whoopie pies

Check out this list of local bakeries, shops, homestead bakers and other businesses offering homemade whoopie pies, from the classic chocolate and vanilla or peanut butter to all kinds of unique flavors. Some have them on hand all the time, while others will rotate their whoopie pies out with other pastries and treats from their bakery case — be sure to contact each establishment directly for the most up-to-date availability on their products.

• Angela’s Pasta & Cheese Shop (815 Chestnut St., Manchester, 625-9544, angelaspastaandcheese.com) offers both large-sized whoopie pies and mini pies that are sold by the dozen, and you never know which flavors bakers Laura and Adam Rexford will be working on next. Classic and peanut butter are usually available, while other options have included lemon poppy strawberry, Fireball whiskey pumpkin, tiramisu, pineapple upside-down cake and more. Angela’s has also recently begun offering themed duo packages of whoopie pies — the current one available, a St. Patrick’s Day-themed duo called “Luck of the Irish,” features crème de menthe and milk chocolate Irish cream flavors.

• Baked Downtown Cafe & Bakery (1015 Elm St., Manchester, 606-1969; 249 Sheep Davis Road, Concord, 856-8871; bakeddowntown.com) offers classic, peanut butter and seasonal whoopie pie flavors.

• The Bakeshop on Kelley Street (171 Kelley St., Manchester, 624-3500, thebakeshoponkelleystreet.com) offers classic and brown sugar maple whoopie pies, as well as several specialty flavors throughout the year, like pumpkin, red velvet, pineapple upside-down cake and a Bailey’s-filled chocolate Guinness whoopie pie for St. Patrick’s Day.

• Bearded Baking Co. (819 Union St., Manchester, 647-7150, beardedbaking.com) offers multiple sweets treats out of its bakery case, usually including whoopie pies.

• Benson’s Bakery & Cafe (203 Central St., Hudson, 718-8683, bensonsbakeryandcafe.com) offers classic whoopie pies, in addition to seasonal specials for flavors.

• Bite Me Kupcakez (4 Mound Court, Merrimack, 674-4459, bitemekupcakez.com) has a variety of pastries and sweet treats out of its bakery case, usually including whoopie pies.

• The Black Forest Cafe & Bakery (212 Route 101, Amherst, 672-0500, theblackforestcafe.com) offers classic whoopie pies, as well as seasonal specials.

• Buckley’s Bakery & Cafe (436 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack, 262-5929; 9 Market Place, Hollis, 465-5522; buckleysbakerycafe.com) offers whoopie pies with whipped marshmallow frosting at both locations.

• The Cake Fairy (114 Londonderry Turnpike, Hooksett, 518-8733, cakefairynh.com) offers whoopie pies in a variety of flavors, like classic, Funny Bone, Boston cream and more, all in several sizes. The “Deerfielder” size is a throwback to the bakers’ days selling oversized whoopie pies at the Deerfield Fair, manager Brianna Lucciano said.

• Candia First Stoppe Country Store (285 Old Candia Road, Candia, 483-4888, candiafirststop.com) offers classic whoopie pies in small and medium sizes, as well as larger whoopie pies that are made to order.

• The Cannoli Stop at The Candy Shop (239 Loudon Road, Concord, 224-9706, thecannolistop.com) offers whoopie pies with a variety of fillings, from vanilla or chocolate cream to raspberry, peanut butter or pistachio. You can also order whoopie pies with any one of the shop’s more than 50 cannoli fillings, like cookie dough, red velvet or salted caramel.

• The Cat’s Pajamas (available at the Weare Real Food Farmers Market, 65 N. Stark Hwy., Weare, [email protected], and on Facebook @catspajamasnh) offers classic and peanut butter whoopie pies, as well as a pumpkin whoopie pie that’s available seasonally.

• Chatila’s Sugar Free Bakery (380 S. Broadway, Salem, 898-5459, sugarfreebakery.net) has several sugar-free whoopie pie options, like classic, pumpkin spice, red velvet and more.

• Crosby Bakery (51 E. Pearl St., Nashua, 882-1851, crosbybakerynh.com) has whoopie pies available most days, as part of its lineup of freshly baked pastries and sweet treats.

• The Crust and Crumb Baking Co. (126 N. Main St., Concord, 219-0763, thecrustandcrumb.com) usually offers three or four whoopie pie flavors to choose from daily, like classic and salted caramel, as well as a blueberry cake with lemon filling and a raspberry cake with coconut filling. Ice cream-filled whoopie pies are also available seasonally.

• Dulces Bakery (87 Amherst St., Manchester, 606-2613, find them on Facebook @dulcesbakerynh) offers multiple options on its pastry menu, usually including whoopie pies.

• Duston’s Bakery & Deli (153 Portland Ave., Dover, 742-2506, dustonsmarket.com) has classic whoopie pies, as well as pumpkin seasonally, in addition to a few other flavors.

• Fabrizia Lemon Baking Co. (Salem, fabrizialemonbakingcompany.com) offers lemon cake whoopie pies, baked with Fabrizia Spirits limoncello worked into the batter. They’re wrapped two per pack and available for online ordering only.

• Frederick’s Pastries (109 Route 101A, Amherst, 882-7725; 25 S. River Road, Bedford, 647-2253; pastry.net) offers several flavors of whoopie pies, including dark chocolate and chocolate chunk cookie. Miniature whoopie pies are also available.

• Good to the Last Krumb (Hudson, find them on Facebook @goodtothelastkrumbnh) offers multiple sweet treats available for pre-order, including whoopie pies. They can also usually be found at Mack’s Apples (230 Mammoth Road, Londonderry) and Estey’s Country Store (9 Old Nashua Road, Londonderry).

• Granite State Whoopie Pies (Goffstown, granitestatewhoopiepies.com) offers classic and peanut butter whoopie pies, as well as a selection of two specialty flavors that rotate out every two weeks, available for pre-order by the dozen as regular or miniature sizes. Currently available are chocolate and mint grasshopper and chocolate mocha Irish cream whoopie pies. Any flavor can also be made gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan. Weekly orders are due by Friday for pickup the following Wednesday through Saturday, between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m., at White Birch Eatery (571 Mast Road, Goffstown). Single-serve pies are also available for purchase there, as well as at Little Red Hen Farm & Homestead (85 Norris Road, Pittsfield). Find owner and founder Heather Pfeifer with her whoopie pies at Mountain Base Brewery (553 Mast Road, Goffstown) on Thursday, March 17, from 4 to 8 p.m., and at the Downtown Concord Winter Farmers Market (7 Eagle Square) on Saturday, March 19, from 9 a.m. to noon.

• Harvey’s Bakery and Coffee Shop (376 Central Ave., Dover, 742-6029, harveysbakery.com) offers several specialty pastries and sweet treats, including whoopie pies.

• It’s All Good in the Kitchen (184 N. Broadway, Salem, 458-7434, itsallgoodgf.com) is a specialty gluten-free bakery offering a wide array of treats, usually including whoopie pies.

• Just Like Mom’s Pastries (353 Riverdale Road, Weare, 529-6667, justlikemomspastries.com) offers dozens of traditional and specialty whoopie pie flavors and flavor combinations.

• Klemm’s Bakery (29 Indian Rock Road, Windham, 437-8810, klemmsbakery.com) offers a wide array of pastries and sweet treats daily, usually including whoopie pies.

• Purple Finch Cafe (124 S. River Road, Bedford, 232-1953, purplefinchcafe.com) offers several specialty flavors of whoopie pies that are usually rotated out, from chocolate chip with vanilla to red velvet, maple cream and more.

• The Red Arrow Diner (61 Lowell St., Manchester, 626-1118; 112 Loudon Road, Concord, 415-0444; 137 Rockingham Road, Londonderry, 552-3091; 149 Daniel Webster Hwy., Nashua, 204-5088; redarrowdiner.com) offers classic whoopie pies, as well as red velvet and pumpkin whoopie pies that are available seasonally.

• The Red Blazer Restaurant & Pub (72 Manchester St., Concord, 224-4101, theredblazer.com) offers both large and small whoopie pies on its dessert menu, as well as a whoopie pie cake on its bakery menu, featuring chocolate cake layered with the classic whoopie pie filling and finished with chocolate ganache and a white chocolate drizzle.

• Sully’s Superette (39 Allenstown Road, Allenstown, 485-9955; 10 N. Mast St., Goffstown, 497-8176; sullyssuperette.com) offers classic whoopie pies at both locations.

• Wild Orchid Bakery (836 Elm St., Manchester, 935-7338, wildorchidbakery.com) has a rotating selection of pastries and sweet treats out of its bakery case, including whoopie pies.

• Zizza Authentic Pizzeria (653 Elm St., Milford, 249-5767, zizzapizza.com) offers multiple flavors of whoopie pies on its dessert menu.

Featured photo: Funny Bone whoopie pies from The Cake Fairy in Hooksett. Courtesy photo.

Your guide to summer day camps

By Alexandra Colella, Matt Ingersoll and Angie Sykeny

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The calendar may still say February, but believe it or not, now is the time to get your kids signed up for summer camp — check out this guide of local organizations offering programs in everything from music, art and theater to sports, nature activities and more. Did we miss a local camp offering programs for the summer of 2022? Let us know at [email protected], and look for late-breaking camp information in future Kiddie Pool columns.

ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT

Breakthrough Manchester at The Derryfield School 2108 River Road, Manchester, 641-9426, breakthroughmanchester.org
What: Breakthrough Manchester is a tuition-free academic enrichment program that prepares middle school students for challenging high school coursework and helps them build a path to college. Students participate in programming year round, exploring academic classes like science and English through the lens of social justice issues impacting the local community, as well as enrichment classes like criminology, coding and more. Students also visit colleges, tour museums and historical sites, volunteer in the community and participate in Breakthrough Olympics & Spirit Day. Who: 2022 applications are open to current 6th and 7th grade students When: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., dates offered June 27 through Aug. 5 (no programs Monday, July 4; applications due by Feb. 24) Cost: Free

College Preparation; Find Your Voice – Jump Start Your College Essay The Derryfield School, 2108 River Road, Manchester, 641-9426, derryfield.org/summer/academic-and-college-prep-programs
What: This virtual intensive writing workshop is designed to create a space for 11th- and 12th-graders to begin the creative process of drafting their college essay. On the final day of the workshop, a college admissions officer will provide the college perspective on the personal statement and read essay drafts. Who: Students entering grades 11 and 12 When: Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 11 a.m., dates offered June 27 to July 1 Cost: $395

Kumon Math & Reading Center 128 S. River Road, Bedford; 505 W. Hollis St., No. 103, Nashua, 897-6194; 95 Brewery Lane, No. 8, Portsmouth, 427-8456; kumon.com
What: Each center offers an independent learning program for kids to freshen up their skills in math and reading. Topics covered in math include counting and number sequencing, fractions, order of operations, algebra, trigonometry and calculus. Topics covered in reading include vocabulary, phonics, sentence building and reading comprehension. Who: Grades preschool through the end of high school When: The Nashua center is open on Wednesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. The Bedford center is open Mondays from 3 to 6 p.m. The Portsmouth center is open on Mondays from noon to 5 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 5 p.m., Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: Varies, see website or call one of the centers directly for details.

SAT/ACT Preparation The Derryfield School, 2108 River Road, Manchester, 641-9426, derryfield.org/summer/academic-and-college-prep-programs
What: Students will learn the universal strategies and components of the SAT and ACT, followed by individual recommendations. Students may register for a verbal session, a math session or both. Who: Students entering grades 11 and 12 When: Verbal sessions run Monday through Friday from 9:15 to 11:45 a.m., and math sessions run from 12:15 to 2:45 p.m., dates offered June 20 to June 24 or Aug. 1 to Aug. 5 Cost: Ranges from $395 for half-day sessions to $685 for full-day sessions

Thursday Mini Camps American Independence Museum, 1 Governors Lane, Exeter, 772-2622, independencemuseum.org
What: Campers will get to discover what it meant to be a patriot or loyalist during the American Revolution by immersing themselves in hands-on 18th-century life. Each week, campers will dress in colonial clothing, participate in games and activities, create and make projects and eat a colonial-inspired snack. Up to three sessions are available. Who: Ages 6 to 10 When: Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., dates offered July 14, July 21 and July 28 Cost: $55 per day or $195 for all three sessions for non-members; $45 per day or $170 for all three sessions for members

ART

Creative Ventures Art Gallery 411 Nashua St., Milford, 672-2500, creativeventuresfineart.com
What: Programs include a “Color Your Dreams” camp, in which students create their own original artwork inspired by dreams; and a “Color Outside the Lines” camp, in which they create their own art inspired by the natural world. Beginning and experienced students are welcome. Who: Ages 8 to 12 When: Sessions run Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to noon, dates offered Aug. 1 through Aug. 4 for the “Color Outside the Lines” camp, and Aug. 8 through Aug. 11 for the “Color Your Dreams” camp Cost: $125

Kimball Jenkins School of Art 266 N. Main St., Concord, 225-3932, kimballjenkins.com/summer-camp-2022
What: Campers create works of art with different media, such as paint, clay and more, in a studio setting and outdoors. This year’s themes include Wild Animals & Nature Safari, Fantasy & Cosplay, Mythology & Folklore, Welcome to Hogwarts, Travel the World, Bam! Wow! Pop Art! and Going Green: Recycle-mania. Who: Ages 6 and up When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., dates offered June 27 through Aug. 19 Cost: $275 per week ($255 for members)

Studio 550 Kids Art Camp Studio 550 Community Art Center, 550 Elm St., Manchester, 232-5597, 550arts.com
What: Programs include an Art Explorer camp, in which students sample a variety of art forms working with paint, paper, pencil and clay; and a Clay camp for teens and tweens, in which students learn the basics of the pottery wheel as well as various sculpting techniques. Who: Ages 9 and up When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. or from 2:30 to 5 p.m., dates offered July 11 through Aug. 19 Cost: $195

DANCE

Alicia’s School of Dance 563 Route 106, Loudon, 496-9762, aliciasschoolofdance.com
What: Campers will learn all styles of dance, including tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical and hip-hop, and will also have the opportunity to play games and make crafts. A mini performance will be held on the last day of camp. Who: Ages 6 and up When: Monday, July 18, through Friday, July 22, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day Cost: $130 per child, plus a $25 required deposit; each additional child receives a 30 percent discount

Broadway Bound Performing Arts Center 501 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack, 429-8844, broadwayboundpac.com
What: Programs include a Kidz Dance Workshop (ages 4 to 11), in which campers learn the basics of jazz, ballet, lyrical, musical theater and more along with games and crafts; and an Intensive Dance Workshop, in which dancers perform in a recorded studio showcase at the end of the week. Classes in tap, jazz, musical theater, ballet, lyrical and hip-hop will also be offered, in addition to Piccola’s Teddy Bear dance classes for kids ages 3 to 6. Who: Ages 3 and up When: Monday, Aug. 1, through Friday, Aug. 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the Kidz Dance Workshop, and Monday, Aug. 8, through Friday, Aug. 12, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the Intensive Dance Workshop. Class sessions will run from Tuesday, Aug. 16, through Thursday, Aug. 25, at varying times; see website for the full schedule. Cost: $275 for the Kidz Dance Workshop and $250 for the Intensive Dance Workshop. Individual classes are $30 each; class bundles are also available for the entire session, for $75 for ages 6 to 8 and $100 for ages 8 and up.

Concord Dance Academy 26 Commercial St., Concord, 226-0200, concorddanceacademy.com
What: Camps teach a variety of dance styles, including tap, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, ballet, tumbling and musical theater. Programs include a Mini Camp (ages 3 to 5), a Recreational Camp (ages 4 to 12), and an Intensive Camp (ages 8 to 13) designed for dancers expecting a challenge. Who: Ages 3 to 13 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a full day and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a half day; dates offered July 25 through July 29 Cost: $250 for a full day full week, and $150 for a half day full week

Martin School of Dance 288 Route 101, Suite 202, Bedford, 488-2371, martinschoolofdance.com
What: Dance camps (ages 3 to 6) feature a variety of classes, games, crafts and more, with several themed weeks available. This year’s themes include Princesses & Knights, Unicorns & Dragons and Superheroes. Other programs include a summer session of dance classes for dancers ages 6 and up, and a Thrive intensive program for dancers ages 8 and up. Who: Ages 3 and up When: Dance camps are Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., dates offered June 21 through July 7. Summer dance sessions run Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., dates offered July 5 through July 21. Thrive intensive program sessions run Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., dates offered July 25 through Aug. 5 Cost: Varies, depending on the program. Call or visit the website for details.

Miss Kelsey’s Dance Studio 2626 Brown Ave., Manchester, 606-2820, mkdance.com
What: Programs include a Dance Intensive camp (ages 9 and up), in which campers work on a variety of dance techniques like ballet, lyrical, contemporary, pointe, jazz, and acro; and a special Encanto-themed singing camp (ages 5 to 12). Who: Ages 5 and up When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered July 18 to July 22 for the Dance Intensive camp and July 25 to July 29 for the Encanto camp. Cost: $260

Nancy Chippendale’s Dance Studios 49 Range Road, Building No. 2, Suite A, Windham, 458-7730, chippswindham.com
What: During the Princess Power camp, dancers will learn ballet, jazz and tap from modern-day “princesses.” Who: Ages 3 to 7 When: Monday, July 25, through Friday, July 29, 9 a.m. to noon each day Cost: $200

New England School of Dance 679 Mast Road, Manchester, 935-7326, newenglandschoolofdance.com
What: Programs include Dinosaur, Jungle Book or Angelina Ballerina two-day mini camps (ages 3 to 6); a Kidz Kan Dance camp and a Young Dancer Intensive (ages 6 to 10); a Junior Dance Intensive (ages 10 to 13); and various intermediate and advanced classes and intensives (ages 13 and up) Who: Ages 3 and up When: Sessions run various days and times from June 28 to Aug. 27; see website for the full schedule. Cost: Varies, depending on the type of camp and the camper’s age

Southern New Hampshire Dance Theater 19 Harvey Road, Bedford, 637-4398, snhdt.org
What: Programs include Princess camp and Prima Ballerina camp (girls ages 3 through 5), the Young Dancers’ Program (ages 6 through 12) for beginner and intermediate dancers, and a three-week Summer Intensive (ages 10+) for serious dancers looking to challenge themselves. Who: Girls ages 3 and up When: Sessions run various days/weeks from Tuesday, June 28, through Friday, Aug. 12 Cost: $165 for Princess and Prima Ballerina camp, $225 for Young Dancers; Intensive ranges from $750 to $1,500, depending on number of weeks

GENERAL INTEREST

Boys & Girls Clubs of Central New Hampshire Locations in Allenstown, Andover, Bradford, Concord, Epsom, Hopkinton, Laconia, Penacook, Warner and Weare, 224-1061, centralnhclubs.org
What: Each center offers general camps and specialty camps, including Cooking Camp, Art Camp, Hiking Camp, Teen Trip Camp and Sports Camp. Who: Children entering kindergarten through 8th grade. When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost: $160 per week if you register before May 1 ($185 per week after May 1)

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem 3 Geremonty Drive, Salem, 898-7709, salembgc.org
What: Activities will include swimming, outdoor play, arts and crafts, weekly field trips and more. Who: Ages 4 to 12 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, 8:45 to 4:30 p.m., dates offered June 20 through Aug. 26 (no camp on Monday, July 4) Cost: $225 per week, plus a $25 one-time registration fee

Boys & Girls Club of Manchester Camp Foster, Kidz Camp and Summer teen program, 36 Camp Allen Road, Bedford; Union Street Clubhouse, 555 Union St., Manchester; 625-5031, begreatmanchester.org
What: Each camper will be able to choose a program based on their interests and will participate and be grouped with campers of similar age. A wide variety of activities is offered each day. Who: Kidz Camp is for kids entering kindergarten. Camp Foster is for kids entering grades 1 through 7. A summer teen program is also available for students entering 8th grade. When: Various days and times, dates offered June 20 through Aug. 26. Cost: Each week can be reserved with a $25 deposit per balance of $130 (balance of $110 for the third week due to July 4)

Brentwood Recreation Day Camp 190 Route 125, Brentwood, hosted by the Brentwood Parks & Recreation Department, 642-6400, brentwoodnh.gov/recreation
What: Traditional day camp with activities like weekly field trips, water and non-water games, arts and crafts, team-building activities, yoga and more. Who: Children entering grades 1 through 6 When: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 27 through Aug. 19 (no camp on Monday, July 4). Before and after care are also available. Cost: Online registration is a $100 deposit required to hold your spot.

Camp 603 13 Blevens Drive, Concord, 568-8107, camp603.com
What: Activities include trips to Lake Winnisquam for waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing and other water sports; Mount Major, Mount Cardigan and other local mountains for days of hiking; and Hampton Beach for beach trips, swimming and more. Who: Ages 10 to 17 When: Weekly sessions run from Monday through Friday, dates offered July 5 through Aug. 5 Cost: $850 per week for five-day sessions ($680 per week for the first week, as it is only a four-day session)

Camp Adventure Auburn Parks & Recreation, 483-5052, ext. 101, [email protected]
What: During this one-week full-day summer camp, kids will travel on field trips throughout the state, including to the beach, lakes, water parks and more. Who: Ages 3 to 15 When: Sessions are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; two weeks are offered, from Monday, July 25, through Friday, July 29, and from Monday, Aug. 1, through Friday, Aug. 5 Cost: $279 per week (registration is open now for Auburn residents and will open on May 1 for non-residents.

Camp Carpenter 300 Blondin Road, Manchester; hosted by Daniel Webster Council, Boy Scouts of America, 625-6431, nhscouting.org
What: Campers will enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming, archery, BB guns, STEM projects, boating, crafts and field sports. Overnight and day options available. Who: Grades 1 through 5 When: Sessions are Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 27 through Aug. 12. Overnight sleepover camp sessions are also available. Cost: Starts at $330

Camp Coolio New Boston Central School, 15 Central School Road, New Boston, hosted by the New Boston Parks & Recreation Department, 487-2880, newbostonnh.gov
What: Activities include field trips, sports, games, crafts and more, with a total of seven themed weeks throughout the summer. This year’s themes are Scientist Week, Explorers Week, Wacky Water Week, Sports Week, Under the Sea Week, Around the World Week and Nature Week. Who: Ages 6 to 12 When: Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., dates offered June 20 through Aug. 5 (no camp on Monday, July 4). Cost: $240 per week ($192 for the week of July 4 due to it being a shortened week)

Camp Kettleford 26 Camp Allen Road, Bedford, hosted by Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains, 888-474-9686, girlscoutsgwm.org
What: Set on 30 wooded acres on the shore of Sebbins Pond, this traditional day camp features swimming, boating, archery, cooking out, horseback riding, day trips and more. Who: Girls entering kindergarten through 8th grade When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, dates offered June 27 through Aug. 19 (no camp on Monday, July 4) Cost: Varies depending on the week and the camper’s age; see website for details

Camp Lincoln 67 Ball Road, Kingston, 642-3361, ymcacamplincoln.org, hosted by Southern District YMCA, sdymca.org
What: During these four-week and two-week sessions, campers have ample time to learn new skills, make lifelong friends, and experience growth on a personal level. Who: Boys and girls entering grades 2 through 9 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, dates offered June 20 through Aug. 26 Cost: $750 for the four-week sessions and $500 for the two-week sessions

Camp Lovewell The Nature of Things, 10 Groton Road, Nashua, 881-4815, camplovewell.com
What: Campers will enjoy hiking, field games and sports, swimming, skits and songs, kayaking, arts and crafts, a ropes course and more. Who: Ages 6 to 14 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 27 through Aug. 26 (no camp on Monday, July 4) Cost: $380 per week for kids entering grades 1 through 3, and $370 per week for kids entering grades 4 through 9. Extended care is also available.

Camp Ponemah Hampshire Hills Athletic Club, 50 Emerson Road, Milford, 673-7123, ext. 272, hampshirehills.com/camp-ponemah
What: Day camps feature activities like swimming, tennis, weekly field trips, crafts, dance parties, playgrounds, trails, games and more. Who: Kids entering kindergarten through 7th grade. A full-day camp for teenagers called Troop T is available for campers entering 8th grade, and there is also a half-day camp called Little Warriors for kids ages 3 and 4. When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, dates offered June 13 through Aug. 26 Cost: Camp Ponemah is $269 per week for members and $349 for non-members. Troop T is $240 per week for members and $325 for non-members. Little Warriors is $85 for two days and $160 for four days for members and $119 for two days and $228 for four days for non-members.

Camp Seawood 350 Banfield Road, Portsmouth, hosted by Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains, 888-474-9686, girlscoutsgwm.org
What: Set among pine forests, wetlands and wildlife, this traditional day camp features archery, cooking out, horseback riding, day trips, nature hikes and more. Who: Camp Seawood welcomes girls who have completed pre-K through grade 8 with one-week programs. Girls who have completed 4th grade and up can participate in two-week programs that include an overnight session. When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, dates offered July 11 through Aug. 19 Cost: Varies depending on the week and the camper’s grade level; see website for details

Camp Souhegan Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley, 56 Mont Vernon St., Milford, 672-1002, svbgc.org
What: Daily camp activities include swimming, theater arts, science and STEM programs, cooking, sports, dance and more, all centered around a different theme each week. Who: Kids and teens entering kindergarten through 12th grade When: Weekly sessions run Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., dates offered June 20 through Aug. 26. Cost: $195 per week

Camp Starfish 12 Camp Monomonac Road, Rindge, 899-9590, campstarfish.org
What: Camp Starfish provides structured, nurturing and fun group programs to foster the success and growth of children with emotional, behavioral or learning problems. Who: Kids and teens ages 7 to 14 (up to age 17 for returning campers) When: Weekly camps run from June 26 through Aug. 20 Cost: Rates vary depending on type of camp; see website for details

Camp Witzel Peter Woodbury School, 180 County Road, Bedford, hosted by the Bedford Parks & Recreation Department, 472-5242, bedfordreconline.com
What: A traditional day camp with activities like arts and crafts, sports, swimming and weekly field trips on Wednesdays. Each week is themed; this year’s themes include Game Show Mania, Mission Impossible, Club Hollywood, Let’s Go Green, Wild & Crazy Kids, Gold Rush Week and Futuristic Fun Week. Who: Ages 6 to 13 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 20 through Aug. 5 Cost: Ranges from $115 to $245, depending on the number of days per week and the camper’s resident status

Candia Springs Adventure Camps Candia Springs Adventure Park, 446 Raymond Road, Candia, 587-2093, candiasprings.com/camps
What: Campers can enjoy all that the park has to offer by participating in themed weeks that focus on education, environment, exploration and leadership. Themes have included Archery, Makers Week, Outdoor Living Skills and more. Who: Ages 7 to 12 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., dates offered June 27 through Aug. 19 Cost: $259 per week

Concord Parks and Recreation City Wide Community Center, 14 Canterbury Road, Concord, 225-8690, concordnh.gov
What: Programs include Stay & Play Camp (grades 1 through 5), in which kids enjoy swimming, tennis, arts and crafts, field games, sing-alongs and more; Adventure Camp (grades 3 through 8), in which campers will go on four-day trips to beaches, theme parks, and hiking and kayaking destinations; a Nature Camp (ages 5 to 8), which is based at the Lodge at White Park; and an Explorers Camp (ages 9 to 12) new for this year, in which campers explore the City of Concord’s trail system. Who: Grades 1 through 8 When: Sessions for the Stay & Play Camp and the Adventure Camp run Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., dates offered June 20 through Aug. 5 (no camp on Monday, July 4; week of Aug. 8 to Aug. 12 is Stay & Play Camp only). Sessions for the Nature Camp run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., dates offered June 20 to Aug. 12. The Explorers Camp runs for one week-long session, from Monday, July 11, through Friday, July 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: $160/week for Concord residents and $170/week for non-residents for Stay & Play Camp; $190/week for Concord residents and $200/week for non-residents for Adventure Camp; $160/week for Concord residents and $170/week for non-residents for Nature Camp; $128 for Concord residents and $138 for non-residents for Explorers Camp

Educational Farm Camp Educational Farm at Joppa Hill, 174 Joppa Hill Road, Bedford, 472-4724, theeducationalfarm.org
What: Campers will learn about animals, work in the garden, take nature hikes and help with farm chores. Who: Ages 4 to 11 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, half days from 9 a.m. to noon for kids ages 4 and 5 and full days from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for kids ages 6 to 11, dates offered June 20 through Aug. 19 Cost: See website or call for details

Granite Base Camp 300 Blondin Road, Manchester, 617-615-0004, hosted by Base Camp, experiencebasecamp.org
What: Base Camp is a network of outdoor adventure parks across New England. Campers participate in hands-on, outdoor adventures, with activities that include archery, fire building, STEM programs, outdoor cooking, fishing, swimming, hiking, creative arts and crafts and more. Who: Ages 6 to 14 When: Most sessions run Monday through Friday, from 8:15 or 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 27 through Aug. 12 Cost: $330

IMAGINE Camps New Morning Schools, 23 Back River Road, Bedford, 669-3591, newmorningschools.com
What: Campers will enjoy daily STEM experiments and exploration, a Lego club, gym games, sports skills and drills, studio art projects, fitness challenges and more. Preschool summer camps are also available, which include daily opportunities for games, crafts, songs and outdoor fun. Who: Ages 6 to 12 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Monday through Wednesday for the final session in late August), dates offered June 13 through Aug. 24. There will be no camp the week of Monday, July 4 Cost: $300 per week or $70 per day

Melody Pines Day Camp 510 Corning Road, Manchester, 669-9414, melodypines.com
What: Traditional day camp with activities like swimming, boating, water skiing, archery, arts and crafts, Frisbee golf, treasure hunts and more. Who: Kids and teens entering kindergarten through 8th grade. When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; most weeks are full but the weeks of June 13 to June 17 and Aug. 22 to Aug. 26 are still open. A waitlist is also available for the week of July 4 to July 8 Cost: $290 per week

Naticook Summer Day Camp Wasserman Park, 116 Naticook Road, Merrimack, hosted by Merrimack Parks & Recreation, 882-1046, merrimackparksandrec.org/naticook-day-camp
What: Campers enjoy swimming, boating, drama, group games, archery, nature exploration, sports, arts and crafts, special events and more. Who: Kids entering kindergarten through 5th grade. Campers entering 5th grade also have the option to move up to the Camp Trek program for grades 5 through 9; see website for details. When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 27 through Aug. 22 Cost: $255 per week for residents and $305 per week for non-residents. Extended care is also available.

Strawbery Banke Museum Camps 14 Hancock St., Portsmouth, 433-1100, strawberybanke.org
What: Campers will explore the 10-acre outdoor history museum and participate in activities led by professional crafters, archeologists, character role-players, curators and historians. Who: Ages 6 and up When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., offered various weeks from June 27 through Aug. 19 Cost: Prices vary depending on the camp and the camper’s membership status; see website for details

SummerQuest and Enrichment Camp at World Academy 138 Spit Brook Road, Nashua, 888-1982, worldacademynh.com
What: Activities at SummerQuest (kindergarten through Grade 4) include arts and crafts, games, cooking activities and much more, all intended to encourage the child’s creativity and imagination. The Enrichment Camp (Grades 4 through 8) features a project-based learning curriculum integrating English and math skills, along with theme-based activities like swimming, field trips, and team-building exercises. Who: Kids entering kindergarten through grade 8 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for SummerQuest and from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for the Enrichment Camp, dates offered June 14 through Aug. 21 Cost: $310 per week for SummerQuest and $340 per week for the Enrichment Camp. Extended hours are also available from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. for an additional $20 per week.

TREK Adventures Camp Various locations, hosted by Merrimack Parks & Recreation, 882-1046, merrimackparksandrec.org/trek-adventures
What: Camp Trek is a trip and activity-based program that operates as a subset of Merrimack’s Naticook Day Camp. Each week features a mix of traditional summer camp activities, along with four weekly field trips exploring destinations across New England. On Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays each week, campers will head out on daily field trips, while Fridays are devoted to traditional day camp activities like sports, games and team-building challenges. Who: Kids and teens entering grades 5 through 9. When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 27 through Aug. 26 Cost: $290 per week for residents and $340 per week for non-residents

UNH Youth Programs and Camps University of New Hampshire, Thompson Hall, 105 Main St., Durham, 862-7227, unh.edu/youthprograms
What: More than 50 programs are offered in a variety of areas, from academic enrichment and creative arts to athletics, STEM and traditional camp recreation. See website for a full list. Who: Boys and girls ages 5 and up When: Various dates/times from June through August Cost: Varies depending on the program

YMCA Allard Center of Goffstown Branch of The Granite YMCA, 116 Goffstown Back Road, Goffstown, 497-4663, graniteymca.org/daycamp
What: Camp Halfmoon (ages 6 to 11) and Camp Quartermoon (ages 4 and 5) feature activities like archery, swimming, creative arts, sports and field trips to state parks and beaches. Discovery Camp (6-11) has fun new weekly games and activities inside and outside. After Care Specialties (4-14) are special activities that will happen when the camp day ends, and new activities will happen each week. Swim Lessons (6-12) can happen at the end of the day for another after-camp activity. Teen Camp (12-16) is where teens will spend their summer traveling with the Y. Who: Ages 4 to 16 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday at various times, dates offered June 27 through Aug. 19 (no camp on Monday, July 4) Cost: Varies; see website for details

YMCA Day Camp of Hooksett Branch of The Granite YMCA, Hooksett Memorial School, 5 Memorial Drive, Hooksett,497-4663, graniteymca.org/camps
What: Campers participate in sports, archery, arts and crafts, nature, adventure and special themed days. Who: Ages 5 to 13 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 27 through Aug. 19 (no camp on Monday, July 4) Cost: Varies, depending on the week and the camper’s resident status. See website for details.

YMCA of Concord Branch of The Granite YMCA, 15 N. State St., Concord, 228-9622, graniteymca.org/camps
What: Camp Mowkawogan (ages 5 to 11) offers activities like swimming, sports, local hikes and field trips to state parks, with different themes featured each week. Camp Squeaky Sneakers (ages 5 and 6) gives kids a chance to get a summer camp experience in a safe atmosphere of organized play at the YMCA with other campers of the same age. Drop-off location is at the Abbot Downing School (152 South St., Concord) each morning. Who: Ages 5 to 11 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., dates offered June 27 through Aug. 19 (no camp on Monday, July 4) Cost: Varies, depending on the week and the camper’s resident status. See website for details.

YMCA of Downtown Manchester Branch of The Granite YMCA, 30 Mechanic St., Manchester, 232-8632, graniteymca.org/camps
What: Kids at Camp Namoskeag (ages 6 to 14) will enjoy activities like swimming, field games, sports, arts and crafts and weekly field trips. Each week has a different theme. Other programs include a sports camp (ages 6 to 14) and a teen trip camp (ages 11 to 16) in which campers travel to fun attractions across northern New England. Who: Ages 6 to 16 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 27 through Aug. 31 (no camp on Monday, July 4) Cost: Varies, depending on the week and the camper’s resident status. See website for details.

YMCA of Greater Londonderry Branch of The Granite YMCA, 206 Rockingham Road, Londonderry, 437-9622, graniteymca.org/camps
What: Camp Pa-Gon-Ki is a traditional day camp featuring creative arts, fort-building, archery, swimming, sports, theater, nature and adventure. Camps for teens include a trip camp, where campers will travel to fun attractions around New England. Who: Ages 5 to 16 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 27 through Aug. 26 (no camp on Monday, July 4) Cost: Varies, depending on the week and the camper’s resident status. See website for details.

YMCA of Greater Nashua 10 Cotton Road, Suite 1, Nashua, nmymca.org/camps
What: Programs include traditional, sports and arts and humanities day camp options at each of the YMCA of Greater Nashua’s branches (24 Stadium Drive, Nashua; Westwood Park, 90 Northwest Blvd., Nashua; 6 Henry Clay Drive, Merrimack), as well as at Camp Sargent (141 Camp Sargent Road, Merrimack). Who: Ages 3 and up When: Various dates offered throughout the summer, beginning in June Cost: Summer camp registration opens March 14; camp guide and registration information is expected to be available soon

YMCA of Strafford County Branch of The Granite YMCA, 35 Industrial Way, Rochester; Camp Coney Pine, 63 Lowell St., Rochester; 332-7334, graniteymca.org/camps
What: Camp Coney Pine includes archery, creative arts, dance, group games, a ropes course, swimming, sports, fort-building and more. There is also a new camp for teens this year, as well as specialty camps dabbling in activities like coding, Legos and DIY art. Who: Ages 5 to 16 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 27 through Aug. 26 (no camp on Monday, July 4) Cost: Varies, depending on the week and the camper’s resident status. See website for details.

YMCA of the Seacoast Branch of The Granite YMCA, 550 Peverly Hill Road, Portsmouth, 431-2334, graniteymca.org/camps
What: Camp Gundalow features nature exploration, swimming, a ropes course, sports, creative arts, dancing, fort-building, team-building activities, archery and more. There are also various specialty camps, featuring activities like Legos and DIY arts, as well as sports like basketball, football and soccer. Who: Ages 5 to 15 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 27 through Aug. 26 (no camp on Monday, July 4) Cost: Varies, depending on the week and the camper’s resident status. See website for details.

MULTIMEDIA

Animation with LEGO Camp SEE Science Center, 200 Bedford St., Manchester, 669-0400, see-sciencecenter.org
What: Campers will learn stop-motion animation and filmmaking techniques and use Lego bricks and minifigures to complete an “Invention and Discovery” film. Who: Ages 8 to 12 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., dates offered Aug. 1 to Aug. 5 or Aug. 8 to Aug. 10 Cost: $300

Concord Community TV 170 Warren St., Concord, 226-8872, yourconcordtv.org
What: Programs include a Beginner Video Camp, in which students will be introduced to the basic concepts of video production, camera operating and storyboarding and scriptwriting; and an Advanced Video Camp, in which students dive into the world of multimedia production, learning how to operate wireless microphones, lighting kits and software like Adobe After Effects. Who: Ages 11 to 15 When: Dates TBA Cost: Ranges from $115 to $145 per session, depending on the program and the camper’s residential status.

Flip the Script Camp SEE Science Center, 200 Bedford St., Manchester, 669-0400, see-sciencecenter.org
What: A live-action movie making camp with Media Power Youth, a local nonprofit. Campers will work together to design, create, edit and star in videos, and will be challenged to tell a creative but untrue story around science, based on exhibits at the SEE Science Center; they will then flip the script and explain the true science behind the exhibit. Who: Ages 10 to 14 When: One-week session camp runs Monday, July 25, through Friday, July 29, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cost: $300

Londonderry Access Center Media Camp 281 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, 432-1147, lactv.com
What: Campers will learn how to make quality videos and compose shots, using basic tools in editing and graphic design. They will learn about short-form videos and also longer television videos in a professional studio setting, where they’ll get to be the camera operator, sound technician and director. Who: Kids entering grades 5 through 8 When: Monday, July 11, through Friday, July 22, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day. Cost: $80

Triple Threat Film Camp Londonderry Dance Academy, 21 Buttrick Road, Londonderry, 432-0032, triplethreattheatercamp.com
What: Campers will work with a team of professionals to shoot a short film. Camera movement, production design, and editing to tell a story will all be covered. Students will have the opportunity to rotate between the roles of writer, director, camera operator, sound mixer and actor as they create their own short film. Who: Ages 8 and up When: Tuesday, July 5, through Friday, July 8, 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. each day Cost: $275

MUSIC

Concord Community Music School 23 Wall St., Concord, 228-1196, ccmusicschool.org
What: Programs include a Creative Arts Camp, where campers will create musical, dance and visual arts pieces, and a Jam Camp, where campers will practice instrument and voice work in a collaborative setting. Who: Rising 1st through 6th grade for Creative Arts Camp, and rising 5th through 12th for Jam Camp When: Creative Arts Camp offered July 25 through July 29 or Aug. 1 through Aug. 5, and Jam Camp offered July 18 through July 22 Cost: $300 for Creative Arts Camp, and $250 for Jam Camp

Manchester Community Music School 2291 Elm St., Manchester, 644-4548, mcmusicschool.org
What: Programs include musical exploration sessions for students in either grades 1 through 3 or grades 4 through 6. Students can spend a week trying out a musical instrument from every family, including woodwinds, string, brass and percussion; playing musical games; moving to music; and making their own musical instrument to take home. Who: Grades 1 through 6 When: Sessions are available Aug. 1 through Aug. 5 for grades 1 through 3, and Aug. 8 through Aug. 12 for grades 4 through 6 Cost: $225

Nashua Community Music School 2 Lock St., Nashua; programs also at Greeley Park Bandshell, 100 Concord St., Nashua, 881-7030, nashuacms.org
What: The Nashua Community Music School will be offering these outdoor summer music camps at the Greeley Park Bandshell. This season’s themed camp weeks include How to Be a Popstar, Rise Up and Create, Broadway Week!, Musical Olympics, Broadway Babies and Music Around the World. Lessons and special summer group classes will also be held at the school’s facility in downtown Nashua. Who: Ages 4 to 14 When: Seasons runs July 11 through Aug. 19; half-day camps run from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost: Ranges from $175 to $225 per week

Walden School Young Musicians Program 18 Lehmann Way, Dublin, 415-648-4710, waldenschool.org/young-musicians-program
What: A residency camp where campers study musicianship, composition, improvisation, music theory, computer music and chorus at the school’s Dublin campus. Who: Ages 9 to 18 When: Three-week and five-week sessions starting on June 25. Saturday, June 27, through Sunday, Aug. 2; three-week or five-week sessions are available Cost: Call for details

NATURE

Beaver Brook Nature Camps 117 Ridge Road, Hollis, 465-7787, beaverbrook.org
What: Campers will enjoy a variety of interactive outdoor experiences in small group sizes. Limited after care is also available. Who: Boys and girls age 4 to entering 9th grade When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (9 a.m. to noon for campers in pre-K and kindergarten), dates offered June 27 through Aug. 12 (no camp the week of July 4) Cost: $180 for campers in pre-K and kindergarten, $300 for campers in grades 1 through 9, and $125 for after care. Beaver Brook members receive a 10 percent discount.

Lake Discovery Family Days New Hampshire Boat Museum, 399 Center St., Wolfeboro Falls, 569-4554, nhbm.org
What: This program features a variety of hands-on activities related to New Hampshire’s lakes, rivers and streams, including boating safety, boat games and building, science experiments, arts and crafts, map making and more. Who: Grades K through 5 When: Thursdays, June 30, July 28 and Aug. 4, from 10:30 a.m. to noon (rain date is Aug. 12) Cost: Free

New Hampshire Audubon Nature Day Camps McLane Center, 84 Silk Farm Road, Concord; Massabesic Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn; 224-9909, nhaudubon.org
What: Programs include a half-day Wonders Camp (ages 4 and 5); Discovery Camp (ages 6 through 9), featuring hikes, crafts, storytelling, games and live animal presentations; Explorers Camp (ages 10 through 12), which includes field trips, hiking, swimming and conservation projects; and Leaders-in-Training (ages 13 through 15) for teens interested in building leadership skills and becoming camp counselors in the future. Who: Ages 4 through 15 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (9 a.m. to noon for Wonders Camp), dates offered June 20 through Aug. 12 Cost: Ranges from $160 to $290, depending on the camp and camper’s membership status

Pony Farm Summer Camp Touchstone Farm, 233 Old Temple Road, Lyndeborough, 654-6308, touchstone-farm.org
What: The camp integrates horseback riding into its program, and each camper has a horse or pony of her own during her stay to ride and care for. Campers may also bring their own horses to ride. Small group riding lessons are also offered. Other activities include swimming, various games, arts and crafts, skits, singing, storytelling and more. Who: Girls ages 8 to 14 When: Sessions run from June 19 through Aug. 13 Cost: $2,100 for a one-week session ($1,050 deposit) or $4,200 for a two-week session ($2,100 deposit)

WildQuest Camp Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, 366-5695, prescottfarm.org
What: Campers will participate in nature activities, animal and plant identification, arts and crafts, quests, games and hands-on learning. A different theme is featured each week. This year’s themes are Survivor, Nature Narratives, Eco Artists, Creature Feature, Kids Can Cook, Earth Detectives, Water, Water Everywhere, STEAM Team, and A Little Bit of Everything. Who: Ages 4 to 14 When: Sessions run Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 27 through Aug. 26. Extended care is also available. Cost: Varies, depending on the week and the camper’s age

OVERNIGHT

Some general interest camps also offer overnight options; see listings in that section for those details.

Camp Allen 56 Camp Allen Road, Bedford, 622-8471, campallennh.org
What: Activities include nature exploration, creative arts, games, sports, music and more. Residential and day camp options available. Who: Campers ages 6 and up When: Sessions run various days and durations. Residential camp runs from June 12 to Aug. 26. Day camp runs from June 20 to Aug. 19 Cost: Day camp programs are $450 per week; residential camp programs range from $1,000 to $2,200 per week

Camp Bell/Hidden Valley Scout Camp Griswold Scout Reservation, Places Mill Road and Griswold Lane, Gilmanton Iron Works, hosted by Daniel Webster Council, Boy Scouts of America, 625-6431, nhscouting.org
What: Hidden Valley features shooting sports, STEM activities, welding, ecology, Scoutcraft/survival skills and more. Camp Bell features ATVs, horseback riding, ropes courses, paddleboards, motor boating and more. Who: Boys ages 11 through 20 and girls ages 14 through 20 When: Sessions run Sunday through Saturday at full weeks or half weeks, dates offered June 26 through Aug. 20 Cost: TBA; registration details coming soon

Camp Bernadette 83 Richards Road, Wolfeboro, 931-5500, bfcamp.com
What: Traditional overnight camp for girls, with activities like swimming, kayaking, canoeing, baseball, softball, lacrosse, ropes courses, archery, arts and crafts and more. Who: Girls ages 6 to 16 When: Residential camp runs for two-week, four-week, six-week or eight-week sessions, dates offered June 26 to Aug. 13 Cost: Starts at $1,750 per two-week session

Camp Birch Hill 333C Birch Hill Road, New Durham, 859-4525, campbirchhill.com
What: Campers can choose their own schedule from more than 50 activities, including land sports, boating, arts and crafts, zip-lining, rock-climbing, ropes courses and more. Who: Boys and girls ages 6 to 16 When: Two-, four- and six-week sessions run various days/weeks from Sunday, June 26, through Saturday, Aug. 6 Cost: Starts at $3,600 for a two-week session

Camp Brookwoods 34 Camp Brookwoods Road, Alton, 875-3600, christiancamps.net
What: A Christian-based outdoor camping experience for boys Who: Boys ages 8 to 16 When: Various one-week, two-week, four-week or eight-week sessions are available, dates offered June 26 to Aug. 20 (some weeks are full or have waiting lists; visit the website for the most up to date status) Cost: Starts at $1,235 for a one-week session and $2,495 for a two-week session

Camp Deer Run 34 Camp Brookwoods Road, Alton, 875-3600, christiancamps.net
What: A Christian-based outdoor camping experience for girls Who: Girls ages 8 to 16 When: Various one-week, two-week, four-week or eight-week sessions are available, dates offered June 26 to Aug. 20 (some weeks are full or have waiting lists; visit the website for the most up to date status) Cost: Starts at $1,235 for a one-week session and $2,495 for a two-week session

Camp Deerwood Route 3, Deerwood Road, Holderness, 279-4237, campdeerwood.com
What: A resident camp for boys with activities like ceramics, mountain biking, riflery, archery, tennis, woodworking, canoeing, kayaking, waterskiing, swimming and more. Who: Boys ages 8 to 15 When: One full eight-week session or two half four-week sessions are available, dates offered June 25 through Aug. 13 Cost: $5,500 for a half session and $9,700 for the full session

Camp Fatima 32 Fatima Road, Gilmanton Iron Works, 931-5500, bfcamp.com
What: Traditional overnight camp for boys, with activities like swimming, kayaking, canoeing, baseball, softball, lacrosse, ropes courses, archery, arts and crafts and more. Who: Boys ages 6 to 16 When: Residential camp runs for two-week, four-week or six-week sessions, dates offered June 26 to Aug. 13 Cost: Starts at $1,750 per two-week session

Camp Foss 242 Willey Pond Road, Strafford, 269-3800; hosted by the Granite YMCA, 232-8642, graniteymca.org
What: Campers enjoy a traditional camp experience with arts and crafts, archery, various sports, swimming, whitewater rafting, ropes courses and more. Who: Girls ages 8 through 15 When: One-week sessions offered each week from Sunday, June 26, through Saturday, Aug. 13; two-week sessions are offered from Sunday, June 26, through Saturday, Aug. 6 Cost: $1,200 for one week and $2,100 for two weeks; discounts are available for New Hampshire residents and YMCA members

Camp Fully Involved New Hampshire State Fire Academy, 222 Sheep Davis Road, Concord, [email protected], campfullyinvolved.com
What: Camp for girls considering a career in firefighting or emergency medical services. Curriculum provides a comprehensive overview of the firefighting profession through hands-on drills and activities. Please note that this camp is very intense and physically demanding. Who: Girls ages 14 through 20 When: Sunday, July 24, through Friday, July 29 Cost: $350

Camp Gottalikeachallenge Brewster Academy, 80 Academy Drive, Wolfeboro; Lions Camp Pride, 180 Lions Camp Pride Way, New Durham; 868-2140, campgottalikeachallenge.org
What: Camp Gottalikeachallenge is a one-week overnight creativity camp. Campers dabble in plenty of hands-on learning and challenging activities, from muscle-stretching games to programs focusing on critical thinking, leadership skills, problem-solving and teamwork. Who: Ages 10 to 14 (going into grades 5 to 9) When: Overnight sessions run Sunday through Friday, dates offered July 24 to July 29 and Aug. 7 to Aug. 12 Cost: $350 for the day camp and $775 for the overnight camp; financial assistance is available. A 10 percent early-bird discount applies for registrations by March 31.

Camp Mi-Te-Na 65 YMCA Road, Alton, 776-3000; hosted by the Granite YMCA, 232-8642, graniteymca.org
What: Campers enjoy a traditional camp experience with arts and crafts, archery, various sports, swimming, whitewater rafting, ropes courses and more. Who: Boys ages 8 through 15 When: One- and two-week sessions offered from Sunday, June 26, through Saturday, Aug. 20 Cost: $1,200 for one week and $2,100 for two weeks; discounts are available for New Hampshire residents and YMCA members

Camp Quinebarge 100 Sibley Road, Moultonborough, 253-6029, campquinebarge.com
What: An overnight camp offering activities like swimming, boating, fencing, archery, horseback riding, ropes courses, a zip-line and much more. Who: Ages 7 to 15 When: Residential camp runs for two-week, four-week, six-week or eight-week sessions, dates offered June 26 to Aug. 20 Cost: Starts at $3,400 per two-week session

Camp Sno Mo Hidden Valley Reservation, 260 Griswold Lane, Gilmanton Iron Works, hosted by Easterseals, 364-5818, easterseals.com/nh
What: Campers participate in aquatics, a ropes course, shooting sports, arts and crafts, fishing, hiking ecology and more. Who: Children and young adults ages 11 through 21 with disabilities and special needs When: Sessions run overnight Sunday to Friday, dates offered June 26 through Aug. 26 Cost: TBA: registration details will be available soon

Camp Walt Whitman 1000 Cape Moonshine Road, Piermont, 1-800-657-8282, campwalt.com
What: An co-ed overnight camp offering activities like ceramics, woodworking, drama and music programs, ropes courses, weekly hikes, whitewater rafting, sports and more. A one-week program for families is also available in August. Who: Boys and girls entering grades 2 through 10 When: Full and half-length sessions are available, dates offered June 25 through Aug. 12. The one-week Family Camp runs from Monday, Aug. 15, through Friday, Aug. 19 Cost: Ranges from $7,650 to $14,200; the cost for the one-week Family Camp is $700 for adults, $500 for kids ages 4 to 17 and free for kids ages 3 and under

Cohen Camps Camp Tel Noar, 167 Main St., Hampstead, 329-6931, camptelnoar.org; Camp Tevya, 1 Mason Road, Brookline, 673-4010, camptevya.org; cohencamps.org
What: Jewish educational and cultural camps where campers will enjoy swimming, boating, outdoor learning, athletics, arts and crafts, plus shira (singing) and rikud (Israeli dancing). Who: Grades 3 through 10 When: Session dates offered Wednesday, June 29, through Wednesday, Aug. 17 Cost: Starts at $6,000 for a three-and-a-half-week session

Water Monkey Camp 298 Merrymeeting Road, New Durham, 617-855-9253, watermonkeycamp.com
What: Campers will enjoy wakeboarding, waterskiing, wakesurfing and wakeskating on Merrymeeting Lake in New Durham. Who: Ages 10 through 17 When: Sessions run Sunday through Saturday, dates offered June 19 through Aug. 6 Cost: $2,500/week, all-inclusive. Sibling discounts of $300 are also available.

Windsor Mountain Summer Camp 1 World Way, Windsor, 478-3166, windsormountain.org
What: A co-ed overnight camp offering a variety of activities, including sports, arts, music, swimming, boating, ropes courses, cooking, videography and more. Who: Ages 7 through 16 When: Two sessions are offered, lasting either two weeks or four weeks. Dates run June 28 through July 23, and July 26 through Aug. 20, with mini sessions also available within those dates Cost: Varies, depending on the length of the session

SCIENCE

Brainwave STEAM Camps The Nature of Things, 10 Groton Road, Nashua, 881-4815, enrich2day.com
What: A variety of STEAM day camps with themes such as Legos, animation, Minecraft engineering and architecture, illustration, visual art and more. Who: Ages 6 through 14 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, dates offered June 27 through Aug. 26 Cost: Ranges from $320 to $400 per week, depending on the session; includes all supplies. Extended care is also available at an additional cost.

Camp Invention Locations in Amherst, Merrimack and Strafford, 800-968-4332, invent.org
What: Program immerses elementary school children in hands-on STEM activities that reinvent summer fun, led by local educators. Campers can choose a camp where they make their own robotic cricket, design and operate their own virtual park, invent things at a maker studio or test experiments in a lab. Who: Grades K through 6 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, beginning in June Cost: Ranges from $245 to $250, depending on the camp location

Camp Summer Science SEE Science Center, 200 Bedford St., Manchester, 669-0400, see-sciencecenter.org
What: This one-week science camp features several science exploration topics through hands-on activities. This year’s topics are Slimy Science, Brain Games, Exhibit Design Lab and Reverse Engineering. Who: Ages 7 to 13 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., dates offered July 11 to July 15, or July 18 to July 22 Cost: $300

FIRST Place Lego Invention Challenge Camp SEE Science Center, 200 Bedford St., Manchester, 669-0400, see-sciencecenter.org
What: Campers use Lego Mindstorms robots in small teams to design, build and program autonomous robots and will have an opportunity to try out in an upcoming FIRST Lego League Challenge. Who: Ages 9 to 14 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., dates offered July 18 to July 22 or July 25 to July 29 Cost: $300

iD Tech Program Southern New Hampshire University, 2500 N. River Road, Manchester, 888-709-8324, iDtech.com
What: Campers will learn to code, design video games, mod Minecraft, engineer robots, model 3D characters, build websites, print 3D models and more. Who: Ages 10 to 17 When: Days and times vary, dates offered June 27 through Aug. 5. Cost: Starts at $1,079 per week

iSpy Camp SEE Science Center, 200 Bedford St., Manchester, 669-0400, see-sciencecenter.org
What: A new program offered by the SEE Science Center this year, iSpy Camp gives campers an introduction to crime scene investigation and forensic science and espionage through a variety of critical thinking projects and hands-on experiences. Who: Ages 8 to 13 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., dates offered Aug. 1 to Aug. 5, or Aug. 8 to Aug. 10 Cost: $300

LEtGO Your Mind STEM Program 15 locations throughout New Hampshire, in Amherst, Bedford, Concord, Derry, Dover, Durham, Londonderry, Manchester, Nashua, New London, Pelham, Portsmouth, Salem, Strafford and Windham, 731-8047, letgoyourmind.com
What: Campers explore STEM subjects through activities with Lego bricks, motors, simple machine elements, robotics, stop-motion animation and programming Minecraft. Who: Ages 4 through 13 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., dates offered June 20 through Aug. 12. Half days from 9 a.m. to noon are also available for kids ages 4 and 5 in certain locations Cost: Varies, depending on the location, the camper’s age and the length of each session; see website for details.

Manchester Community College Camps 1066 Front St., Manchester, 206-8161, manchestercc.edu
What: MCC offers week-long summer day camps for students entering 6th through 8th grades, as well as a separate track for those entering 3rd through 6th grades. Programs include Nuts, Bolts and Thingamajigs, STEM Camp, Solid Modeling, Robotics Camp and a Girl’s Career Camp Who: Grades 3 through 8 (varies depending on the camp) When: Sessions run Monday through Friday from 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., various dates offered from July 11 through Aug. 11, depending on the camp Cost: $175

McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center 2 Institute Drive, Concord, 271-7827, starhop.com
What: Campers will learn about astronomy, aviation and Earth science through hands-on activities and adventures. This year’s seven themes are Codename: Robot Camp, Storm Chasers, Up, Up and Away!, Biology Blitz, Blast Off!, Discover the Dinosaurs, and Star Hunters. Who: General age range is 5 to 14 but varies depending on the program theme When: Most sessions run Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 2 or 3 p.m., dates offered are June 27 to Aug. 12 (no programs on Monday, July 4) Cost: Generally ranges from $276 to $345 per week, depending on the camp theme

Seacoast Science Center 570 Ocean Blvd., Rye, 436-8043, ext. 16, seacoastsciencecenter.org
What: In Treks 4 Tots (ages 4 and 5) and Seaside Safari (grades K through 5), campers will explore the seven different habitats in Odiorne Point State Park as well as the live animal exhibits and hands-on exhibits in the center to develop a greater understanding and appreciation of the natural world. Safari Stewards (grades 6 through 8) is a field trip program. Each session will have its own theme. See website for details. A marine biology camp is also available for high school students. Who: Pre-K through high school When: Sessions for Treks 4 Tots and Seaside Safari run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (half-day option available for Treks 4 Tots, from 9 a.m. to noon), dates offered June 20 through Aug. 26. Dates for Safari Stewards vary, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 11 through July 15, Aug. 1 through Aug. 5, and Aug. 15 through Aug. 19. Marine biology camp runs Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., dates offered July 18 through July 22 Cost: Varies depending on the length of the session and the camper’s membership status

SeaPerch Camp SEE Science Center, 200 Bedford St., Manchester, 669-0400, see-sciencecenter.org
What: SeaPerch is an innovative underwater robotics program. Campers will be guided through the nuts and bolts of building their own remotely operated vehicle. They’ll learn about robotics, engineering, science and math within a marine science context. Who: Ages 13 to 17 When: A one-week session runs Monday, July 11, through Friday, July 15, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day Cost: $300

SPORTS

Auburn Parks & Recreation Summer Basketball Camp 483-5052, auburnnh.us/parks-andrecreation
What: Campers will have the opportunity to work on ball handling and defensive skills as well as how to move and handle themselves on the court, practicing in daily full scrimmages. Who: Students entering grades 5 through 8 When: A one-week session for kids entering grades 5 through 8 will be held from Monday, July 11, through Friday, July 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: $199 for the full week

Caramba Skills Soccer Camp Locations in Concord, Nashua and Chichester, 496-3579, soccerskillscamp.org
What: Soccer program specializes in skill development for goaltenders, defenders, midfielders and strikers. Players are divided by age for the first half of the day, then by ability level for the second half. Who: Grades 1 through 12 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, times vary depending on the location (half-day option available), dates offered July 11 through Aug. 4 Cost: $225 per week for a full-day program, and $145 per week for a half-day program

Challenger Sports Soccer Camps Various NH locations, 800-878-2167, ext. 280, challengersports.com
What: Campers will develop core soccer skills and understanding of the game as well as sportsmanship and leadership skills. This year’s programs take place in conjunction with the Hopkinton Recreation Department, the Weare Athletic Club, the New Boston Recreation Department, the Gilford Parks & Recreation Department and the Meredith Parks & Recreation Department. Who: Ages 3 to 14 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday; exact dates and times vary depending on the location; see website for details Cost: Varies, depending on the camp and the location

The Derryfield School Field Hockey Skills & Shooting 2108 River Road, Manchester, 641-9426, derryfield.org/summer/sports-camps
What: Derryfield School head field hockey coach Kelsey Federico will lead this three-day camp. The first hour will focus on the fundamentals of passing and receiving for players of all positions, and the camp will then progress into goal scoring drills. Who: Rising 7th- to 12th-grade field hockey players When: Sessions run Monday through Wednesday, from 1 to 3 p.m., dates offered June 20 to June 22 or Aug. 8 to Aug. 10 Cost: $150

The Derryfield School Field Hockey Goalkeeping Camp 2108 River Road, Manchester, 641-9426, derryfield.org/summer/sports-camps
What: Derryfield School head field hockey coach Kelsey Federico will lead this three-day camp, which will focus on the fundamentals of saving and clearing, as well as diving, split saves and more. Who: Rising 7th- to 12th-grade field hockey players When: Sessions run Monday through Wednesday, from 2 to 4 p.m., dates offered June 20 to June 22 or Aug. 8 to Aug. 10 Cost: $150

The Derryfield School Girls Basketball Camp 2108 River Road, Manchester, 641-9426, derryfield.org/summer/sports-camps
What: Run by Derryfield School faculty member Courtney Cheetham, this camp will include skills stations, breakout groups, games, a contest of the day and other activities revolving around basketball. Who: Girls entering grades 4 through 10 When: Dates TBA Cost: $250

The Derryfield School Summer Strength & Conditioning 2108 River Road, Manchester, 641-9426, derryfield.org/summer/sports-camps
What: Program focuses on the essentials of foam rolling, mobility and motor control, as well as proper strength training and conditioning, to maximize the results of a camper’s performance and minimize the risk of injury. Who: Rising 9th-graders to newly graduated 12th-graders When: Sessions run June 21 through Aug. 11 Cost: Ranges from $220 to $460, depending on the number of sessions taken and the length of each

Foster’s Golf Camp Derryfield Park, 581 Bridge St., Manchester, 622-1553, fostersgolfcamp.com
What: Campers travel to different par-3 courses across New Hampshire and participate in practice clinics, chipping and putting contests, time on the driving range and at least nine holes of golf with instruction. Trophies and certificates are awarded at the end of the session. Drop-offs and pick-ups are at Derryfield Park in Manchester. Golf camps take place at a variety of locations, depending on the day of the week. Who: Ages 7 to 16 of all experience levels. When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 20 through Aug. 26 (no camp on Monday, July 4) Cost: $325 per week

Granite State Lacrosse Camp Joppa Fields, 176 Joppa Hill Road, Bedford, 867-9421, granitestatelacrosse.com
What: Boys of all abilities and positions will learn lacrosse skills and take part in full-field games to work on team concepts taught earlier in the day. Each camp also features a goalie school. Who: Boys ages 5 to 17 When: Sessions run Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon, dates offered June 27 to June 30, July 11 to July 14 and July 25 to July 28 Cost: $195

Hogan Camps Various NH locations, 340-1719, hogancamps.com
What: Specialty basketball and soccer camps under the direction of Paul Hogan, Director of Athletics and longtime men’s basketball coach at NHTI in Concord. Programs include the Point Guard Basketball Camp, Rip City Basketball Camp, Shooter’s Gold Basketball Camp and a Specialty Basketball Camp Who: Boys and girls entering 1st grade and up; individual camps vary on the age range When: Sessions run various days and times, tentatively beginning the week of June 20 Cost: Varies, depending on the camp

Junior Fitness Camp Executive Health and Sports Center, 1 Executive Way, Manchester, 624-9300, ext. 206, ehsc.com
What: Campers receive instruction in tennis, golf and basketball and will take classes in yoga, Zumba and healthy eating. They also participate in group exercise classes, arts and crafts, team games and outdoor pool. Who: Ages 5 to 12 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 20 through Aug. 12 (no camp on Monday, July 4) Cost: Call for details

Magic Touch Soccer Academy 120 Huse Road, Manchester, 232-2314, magictouchsoccer.com
What: This soccer camp is oriented around a playful and game-like atmosphere with a focus on building a player’s technical skills, using music as a unique foundation to teach creative flair with the ball. Who: Boys and girls entering grades 9 through 12 When: Sunday, Aug. 7, through Thursday, Aug. 11, from 5 to 8 p.m. Cost: $140

NH Climbing Camps NH Climbing and Fitness, 10 Langdon Ave, Concord, nhclimbinggym.com
What: Programs include Summer Indoor Camp, in which campers can learn basic top-rope climbing; and NH Adventure Camp, in which campers take hiking-based field trips across the state. Each day is loaded with top-rope climbing of the facility’s 40-foot walls, bouldering games, crafts and more. Who: Ages 6 to 12 When: Summer Indoor Camp sessions run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and NH Adventure Camp sessions run Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., dates offered June 27 through Aug. 19 for both programs. Cost: Varies; see website for details

NH Hoop Skills Stan Spirou Field House at Southern New Hampshire University, 2500 N. River Road, Manchester, 645-9662, nhhoopskills.com
What: A basketball camp for girls featuring SNHU women’s basketball coach Karen Pinkos as the director. Campers learn the basic fundamentals, rules and sportsmanship of basketball through fun-filled instruction and exercises. Who: Girls entering grades 2 through 9 When: Session One runs Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., dates offered June 27 through June 30. Session Two dates TBA Cost: $255

NH Tomahawks Girls Lacrosse Camp Back River Sports Complex, 15 Camp Allen Road, Bedford; Joppa Fields, 176 Joppa Hill Road, Bedford; girls.nhtomahawks.com
What: Players will be divided by position, age and ability, and will focus on improving fundamental skills in lacrosse, including offensive moves, shooting, cutting, feeding and one-on-one defense. Goalies will have specific training and integrate in with the rest of the camp for game play. Who: Girls ages 5 to 17 When: Three weekly sessions run from 9 a.m. to noon this year, dates offered Monday, June 27, through Thursday, June 30, at the Back River Sports Complex; Monday, July 11, through Thursday, July 14, at Joppa Fields; and Monday, July 25, through Thursday, July 28, also at Joppa Fields Cost: $195

Nike Basketball Camps Locations in Manchester, Derry, Nashua and Hampton, 800-645-3226, ussportscamps.com/basketball/nike
What: Camp for basketball players who want to improve their skills. Includes lectures, team games and daily emphasis on fundamental development. Who: Boys and girls ages 8 to 16. When: Sessions run Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dates vary depending on the location; see website for details. Cost: Most camps range from $299 to $335 per week, but may vary depending on the location

Pro Ambitions Hockey Day Camps Tri-Town Ice Arena, 311 W. River Road, Hooksett; Conway Arena, 5 Stadium Drive, Nashua; proambitions.com
What: At the Battle Camp, players learn skating skills and game theory elements while engaging in a situational battle. The Boston Bruins Camp features training in all aspects of ice hockey, plus daily appearances and autograph sessions with members of the Boston Bruins organization. A goaltending camp is also offered. Who: Ages 6 to 16 When: The Battle Camp and the goaltending camp both run from Tuesday, July 5, through Friday, July 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Boston Bruins camps run from Monday, July 18, through Friday, July 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: $699 per week

Seacoast United Soccer Club Locations in Bedford, Concord, Milford, Epping, Portsmouth and Nottingham, seacoastunited.com
What: Campers are introduced to the Seacoast United Soccer Club’s developmental approach to the sport of soccer through competitive games and clinics with fun technical challenges and gameplay. Who: Ages 6 to 15 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, multiple dates and times offered from June 27 through Aug. 26 (no camps on Monday, July 4) Cost: Ranges from $124 to $245, depending on the week

Soccer Sphere Summer Soccer Camp Various NH locations, soccersphere.org
What: Programs include day and residential soccer camps, high school preseason training, goalkeeper training and more. Who: Boys and girls ages 5 and up When: Four-day sessions run at various days and times, dates offered June 20 through Aug. 5 Cost: Ranges from $120 to $265, depending on the camp’s location and the number of sessions taken per week

UNH Wildcats Camps University of New Hampshire, 145 Main St., Durham, 862-1850, unhwildcats.com
What: Programs offered for basketball, field hockey, gymnastics, track and field, football, soccer, volleyball and more. Day and overnight options are available. Who: Boys and girls entering kindergarten through 12th grade When: Sessions run various days/weeks, beginning the week of June 20 (some dates TBA; see website for the full up-to-date schedule) Cost: Varies depending on the camp

THEATER

Bedford Youth Performing Company 155 Route 101, Bedford, 472-3894, bypc.org
What: Offers a variety of dance and musical theater camps, plus music and movement camps for preschoolers. Who: Age 3 through grade 9, vary by camp When: Dates and times vary by camp, dates offered June 13 through Aug. 19 Cost: $275 for preschool camps and $375 for dance and musical theater camps

The Derryfield School Repertory Theatre Camp 2108 River Road, Manchester, 641-9426, derryfield.org/summer/theatre-camp
What: Campers will practice acting, singing, script writing, dance and improvisation and participate in a performance at the end of the camp. Who: Rising 4th through 12th grade When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., dates offered July 11 through July 22, and July 25 through Aug. 5 Cost: $600

The Majestic Theatre 880 Page St., Manchester, 669-7469, majestictheatre.net
What: Campers will learn the basics of music, theater and dance through activities and will prepare for a performance to be held at the end of the session. “CandyLand” and “RockStar” are week-long half-day camps for ages 5 through 7. “Twinderella” is a two-week full-day camp for ages 8 through 14, and “The Claw” is a one-week full-day camp for ages 8 through 14. Who: Ages 5 through 14 When: “CandyLand” runs June 27 through July 2; “RockStar” runs Aug. 1 through Aug. 6; “Twinderella” runs July 11 through July 23; and “The Claw” runs July 25 through July 30. Cost: “CandyLand” and “RockStar” cost $160, “Twinderella” costs $325, and “The Claw” costs $225.

Merrimack Summer Stage Wasserman Park Theater, 116 Naticook Road, Merrimack, hosted by Merrimack Parks & Recreation, 882-1046, merrimackparksandrec.org/summer-stage
What: In this week-long theater camp, participants will learn about scene acting, vocal work, dance and creative movement, theater games and improvisation. Campers will work together to produce a theatrical program that will be performed on the last day of the program. This year the production will be The Lion King. When participants are not rehearsing, fun crafts and activities will be supervised by staff. Who: Ages 8 through 15 When: Monday, Aug. 1, through Friday, Aug. 5, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: $220 for Merrimack residents and $230 for non-residents. Sibling discounts are also available.

Triple Threat Theater Camp Londonderry Dance Academy, 21 Buttrick Road, Londonderry, 432-0032, triplethreattheatercamp.com
What: Camp focuses on the core aspects of theater, including acting, dancing and voice. Led by experienced theater educators, directors and choreographers, campers will participate in workshops and rehearsals to prepare for a public performance at the end of the session. Who: Ages 6 to 17 When: Three-week program runs from Monday, July 11, through Friday, July 29; two-week program runs from Monday, July 11, through Friday, July 22 Cost: $850 for three-week program, and $575 for two-week program

Featured photo: SummerQuest at World Academy in Nashua. Courtesy photo.

Animal caregivers weigh in on the best pet for you

By Angie Sykeny and Matt Ingersoll

Cats or dogs — which is the better pet for you? We asked local animal shelters, doggy day care and pet store owners to weigh in on the unique benefits to having either feline or canine companions, and the variety of different qualities present in each. Here’s a look at what they said.

Team Cats

Fascinating

Cats can be fun and entertaining to watch as they all have distinct personalities and their behavior is often unpredictable and full of surprises.

“Contrary to popular belief by non-cat people, cats are not all alike,” Hilscher said. “They are fascinating and very smart. … A cat can get you to do almost anything for them.”

Cathy Bailey, CFO and co-founder of Hearts and Tails Animal Alliance in Weare, said cats have a certain mystique that has “appealed to humans on a profound level for millennia.”

“Cats are … incredibly intelligent … and savvy — apparently the sole navigator of their own destiny,” Bailey said. “Possessing an innate beauty, … a cat is a treasure to behold … and to this day, we love to share our hearts and homes with them.”

Selective

Cats can be hard to please and picky about whom they choose to interact with, which makes winning their approval all the more rewarding.

“They are the ones that pick the time they want with their human,” said Jinelle Hobson, Salem Animal Rescue League executive director. “It’s on their terms.”

“I tend to favor cats because I feel like I have to earn their trust and love more so than with dogs,” Salem Animal Rescue League feline coordinator Tiffany Martin added.

Low maintenance

Caring for a cat is significantly less involved than caring for a dog, making them a good fit for people who work outside the home or travel frequently.

“When my husband and I bought our first home, we decided on a pet cat because we would both be away from home working all day,” said Kristen Westhoven, owner and operator of The Cat’s Cradle,a cat boarding business she runs out of her home in Deerfield. “We knew a dog would need more attention than a cat, so when a friend had a kitten up for adoption, we took him.”

In general, a cat can be alone at home for much longer periods of time than a dog could be, Hobson said, since they already have their food, water and litter box readily available to them.

“You can buy timed feeders and provide them with a cat water fountain so they have food and water,” SARL canine manager Katie Corso said. “They even have litter boxes that clean themselves.”

“If I’m running late I don’t have to worry about them as much, since they have food, water and a potty always available for them,” Martin added.

Seacoast Cat Club
A New Hampshire-based affiliate of the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), a worldwide organization that registers more than 40 breeds of cats with individual pedigrees, the Seacoast Cat Club is open to all cat lovers. Most of their work revolves around their annual show in early May — this year’s show is set for Saturday, May 7, and Sunday, May 8, at the Douglas N. Everett Arena in Concord. “The primary reason for having a show is to have CFA judges handle the cats and judge them according to the CFA standards that are written up for each breed,” Seacoast Cat Club secretary Marilyn Conde said in an email. “The cat who fits the standard best is chosen as [the] best. However, there are also secondary placements. … It’s a hobby and a wonderful way to meet others who share a love of cats.” To become a member, annual dues are $15 per person. Find them on Facebook @seacoastcatclub for more details.

Affectionate

Because dogs tend to be more open with how they show their affection, they are often thought of as the more affectionate of the two pets, but cats can be equally affectionate; they’re just a bit more discerning in how and when they show that affection.

“To some, cats may seem aloof and indifferent, but in my experience, they’re gentle and affectionate … [and] oh so cuddly … when they want to be,” Bailey said.

“Contrary to popular belief, cats are loyal beings, albeit on their terms,” added April Guilmet, board of directors and events coordinator at Happy Tails Pet Rescue in Hudson.

Cats’ displays of affection are typically more subtle than those of dogs, but they’re there if you know what you’re looking for.

“When they give you the slow blink to let you know everything is OK, or when they squish up against you … all is right with the world,” said Adi Rule, vice president of Pet Tails Rescue in Northwood, “and their purrs are just magical.”

Testimonials

April Guilmet, board of directors and events coordinator at Happy Tails Pet Rescue

Cat fosterer (and dog owner)

“I currently have four cats living with me, or rather, they let me live with them. As an avid volunteer, I’ve been known to take my work home with me, and that means all my cats arrived as fosters and decided to stay. Each kitty has a very distinct personality. My rescued coonhound mix, Cannoli, is pretty much attached to me at the hip most days, whereas my cats Squeegie, Mikey, Aspen and Albert opt to seek attention at their convenience, which tends to be when I’m taking a shower or in a WebEx meeting.”

Tiffany Martin, feline coordinator at Salem Animal Rescue League

Cat owner

“My cat Bastet was surrendered to our shelter in July 2014 as a 5-year-old black semi-feral cat named Chaos. … At the shelter Chaos was very scared, and no one could pet her or get very close to her; she would run and hide up high. I knew that she was going to be overlooked at the shelter … so I told her she could come live at my house with my then-8-year-old son and me. If she decided she ever wanted pets, she could have them. We would love her for her. … It took just over a month of sitting or laying on the floor, just talking to her, letting her have her time to feel safe … before she started slowly coming out for pets. Now, she’s turning 13 this July, and she is a belly-rubbing love bug. Nothing compares to earning an animal’s trust and love.”

The money factor
Whether you choose to become the parent of a dog or a cat, it’s important to consider the expenses associated with each. According to the ASPCA, the estimated annual costs of owning a cat are around $634, or roughly $53 per month. For dogs, these numbers vary a bit more and are largely dependent on the size of your pooch — the ASPCA estimates the range to be from about $512 per year ($42.66 per month) for smaller breeds like Boston Terriers and Pugs, about $669 per year ($55.75 per month) for medium breeds like German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers, and about $1,040.31 per year ($86.69 per month) for large dogs like Great Danes and Bullmastiffs. For both dogs and cats, all of the required expenses are taken into account, including food and regular medical care, but optional purchases or unexpected medical costs may also apply. The ASPCA also notes several ways that pet owners can save money, like making their own toys or treats. See aspcapetinsurance.com for more of a breakdown on costs.

Team Dogs

Man’s best friend

Cats are known to be elusive and difficult to read at times, whereas dogs tend to be more expressive and transparent. They’re good at developing special ways of communicating with their humans, and that rapport often grows stronger over time.

“I love the fact that we can learn a language that dogs want to learn,” said Amber McCune, manager and co-owner of American K9 Country, an animal care and event facility specializing in dog boarding and doggy daycare, obedience and agility classes, grooming, canine rehab and other services for dog-owners.

Many cats need their “me” time and can get irritated if their human doesn’t allow them to get some space when they need it, but that is not so much the case with dogs. You don’t have to worry about smothering them; if you have attention to give them, they will never turn it down.

“Dogs let you love on them for days,” said Laurie Gouley, social media director at Sato Heart Rescue in Milford. “Cats let you love on them when they allow it.”

If you want a pet that will always be by your side and accompany you as you go about your daily activities, a dog fits the bill. With a dog, you’ll never have to be alone if you don’t want to be.

“A dog makes a good companion,” Corso said. “I think dogs are well-suited to owners who might work from home or have more time to devote to their pet.”

Active

If you live an active lifestyle and spend a lot of time outdoors — or if you don’t but would like to start — a dog might be your perfect companion.

“You can train them, take them hiking, camping, swimming, to the dog park and go out to dog-friendly establishments in your community,” Corso said.

“I love being able to take them everywhere,” added Alyssa Mudgett, kennel technician at Darbster Doggy in Chichester.

Having a dog by your side can also be a great way to help you break the ice with new people and make friends.

“Dogs in particular can improve your social life,” Hobson said. “People stop all the time to give attention to dogs.”

Local dog parks

Derry Dog Park
Fordway and Transfer Lane, Derry
Hours: Sunrise to sunset, year-round
Visit: derrynh.org
Friend-Lee Pets Dog Park
40 Concord Road, Lee (directly behind the Friendly Pets store)
Hours: Same as the Friendly Pets store in Lee (Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Visit: friendlypets.com
Hooksett Dog Park
101 Merrimack St., Hooksett
Hours: 6 a.m. to dusk, year-round
Visit: hooksett.org
Hudson Dog Park
Benson Park, 19 Kimball Hill Road, Hudson
Hours: 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Feb. 28; 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. from March 1 through April 30; 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. from May 1 through Aug. 31; and 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31
Visit: hudsonnh.gov
Longhill Dog Park
Longhill Memorial Park, 42 Longhill Road, Dover
Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through March 31; 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. from April 1 through Sept. 30
Visit: dovernh.gov
Manchester Dog Park
Bass Island Park, Second Street, Manchester
Hours: Dawn to dusk, year-round
Visit: manchesternh.gov
Merrimack Dog Park
Wasserman Park, 116 Naticook Road, Merrimack
Hours: Sunrise to sunset, year-round
Visit: merrimackparksandrec.org
Terrill Park Dog Park
Terrill Park, Old Turnpike Road, Concord
Hours: Sunrise to sunset, year-round
Visit: concordnh.gov
Yudicky Farm Dog Park
1 Groton Road (Route 111A), Nashua
Visit: nashuadog.org

Unconditional love

Dogs live for their human companions, Bailey said, and love nothing more than to make them happy.

“They put their heart and soul into figuring out ways to please people, expecting nothing more in return than some words of love and encouragement,” she said, “and maybe some treats — can’t forget the treats.”

Rule said every reunion with her dog feels like a celebration, even if she’s only been away for a few minutes.

“[I love] their soulful eyes, tappy paws and heart-healing smiles,” she said.

Testimonials

Charles Stanton, executive director at New Hampshire Humane Society

Dog owner

“In my family, we have two rescue dogs: a bassett/American bull terrier mix and a shih tzu mix. They are bonded companions for one another and provide lots of daily entertainment for each other and our household. They are both moderately active and enjoy multiple walks per day. Polly, the basset mix, tends to be more of a snuggler and wants to be beside you on the couch, while Sophie is a bit more independent. All of our daily activities are arranged with them in mind.”

Gail Fisher, owner and founder of All Dogs Gym & Inn

Dog owner

“I have had at least one dog (and as many as eight) in my home since I got my first apartment. … Currently I have an 8-and-a-half-year old Chinook (New Hampshire’s state dog) named Larry and an 18-month-old Basset Fauve de Bretagne (French hound) named Brio. Both dogs love the sport of scent work — searching for and finding specific odors. Larry enjoys playing with his younger brother, but Brio has far more energy … and definitely benefits from going to doggy day care. Truth be told, it is Larry and I [who] benefit from Brio expending his energy in day care and coming home tired and relaxed. I can’t imagine life without the love of a dog.”

Alyssa Mudgett, kennel technician at Darbster Doggy

Dog owner

“My rescue pup, April, fits my family perfectly. She matches my younger dog’s energy, and they are wonderful together. She’s also going to be my hiking buddy this summer. I’m truly grateful to have brought her into my life. She’s been nothing but great, and you can tell that she’s grateful as well.”

Jill Crane of Paws on Pine

Dog owner

“Beyond the kennel dogs, which feel like our own, we have two dogs. First is Wilson, a 15-year-old chihuahua, who is a foster failure as they call it. He came to us in very bad shape and I couldn’t bear it for him to ever leave and start over. His personality is huge and captivates everyone he meets. Our second dog is Ivy, a mixed breed larger dog that we adopted three years ago. She’s an amazing [combination] of [a] lively player and the calmest, sweetest hugger you’ll ever meet. These two are best friends, a huge part of our kennel life and the best traveling companions ever.”

Everyone Wins

While choosing one over the other ultimately comes down to your own individual lifestyle, there’s no denying that both cats and dogs can make great pets.

“Any furbaby provides unconditional love to its human,” Hobson said. “Whether it’s a cat or a dog, pets in general improve our moods, reduce stress, provide us comfort and sense of relief and, of course, humor.”

Thinking about your own daily activities is the best way to make a decision for you, said Charles Stanton, executive director of the New Hampshire Humane Society.

“The question of pet ownership is more about what is best for the family and for the home,” he said.

Cathy Hilscher, owner of Cats Kingdom in Manchester, agrees.

“I do feel dogs are better fits for family households and small children for sure, overall … but if you are a cat person, you love your cat just as much as a dog person loves their dog,” she said.

Local animal shelters

• Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire (545 Route 101, Bedford, 472-3647, rescueleague.org)

• Animal Rescue Network of New England (PO Box 1053, Pelham, 233-4801, arnne.org)

• Darbster Doggy (109 Dover Road, Chichester, 635-4495, darbsterfoundation.org)

• Darbster Kitty (332 Kelley St., Manchester, 856-9233, darbsterfoundation.org)

• Franklin Animal Shelter (19 Rescue Road, Franklin, 934-4132, franklinanimalshelter.com)

• Greater Derry Humane Society (PO Box 142, East Derry, 434-1512, derryhumanesociety.com)

• Happy Tails Pet Rescue (14 Pine Road, Hudson, 595-7387, happytailspetrescue.org)

• Hearts and Tails Animal Alliance (PO Box 593, Goffstown, heartsandtails.org)

• Humane Society for Greater Nashua (24 Ferry Road, Nashua, 889-2275, hsfn.org)

• Manchester Animal Shelter (490 Dunbarton Road, Manchester, 628-3544, manchesteranimalshelter.org)

• Mary’s Dogs Rescue and Adoption (984 1st New Hampshire Turnpike, Northwood, 608-3374, marysdogs.com)

• New Hampshire Humane Society (1305 Meredith Center Road, Laconia, 524-3252, nhhumane.org)

• New Hampshire SPCA (104 Portsmouth Ave., Stratham, 772-2921, nhspca.org)

• Peace and Paws Dog Rescue (PO Box 1155, Hillsborough, peaceandpaws.org)

• Pet Tails Rescue (PO Box 86, Northwood, 942-8905, pettailsrescue.org)

• Pope Memorial Humane Society of Cocheco Valley (221 County Farm Road, Dover, 749-5322, popememorialcvhs.org)

• Pope Memorial SPCA (94 Silk Farm Road, Concord, 856-8756, popememorialspca.org)

• Salem Animal Rescue League (4 SARL Drive, Salem, 893-3210, sarlnh.org)

• Sato Heart Rescue (PO Box 686, Wilton, satoheartrescue.org)

• Second Chance Ranch Rescue (449 Joe English Road, New Boston, secondchanceranchrescue.com)

Featured photo: Courtesy photos.