Chop Point was the dream of Peter Willard, he had grown up in camping and was looking to purchase a summer camp. Peter, his wife Jean, and a group of small group of Christian men and women began looking for camps. In 1966 Peter and Jean visited Merry Meeting Camp for Girls in Woolwich, Maine. It had been in operation for over 50 years. A non-profit was formed that would later become Chop Point Inc, it was able to purchase the property in early 1967. In addition to the Willard Family, Frank and Laura Hayward soon joined the new endeavor. Chop Point Camp was able to open for the summer of 1967.
We have been in continuous operation since 1967 with the exception of 2020. Chop Point has always been primarily geared toward teenagers. Providing them with a summer experience where campers for the past 55 years have had an amazing summer experience that is a combination of freedom, responsibility, adventure, and in recent years being unplugged.
Although Chop Point was organized by a group of Christian men and women, campers and students come from a wide variety of religious and non-religious backgrounds. The Christian faith, as expressed in the Apostles Creed, is presented in an open, interdenominational setting. Chop Point desires to be compassionate and encouraging rather than judgmental. Chop Point’s philosophical foundation is based on Jesus Christ, the most attractive and wonderful person in the world. Saint Paul stated, “In Him are found all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” True Christianity is not ten thousand burdensome rules, but is rather an enjoyable friendship with Jesus Christ.
In camp, small group discussions are held in the cabins after breakfast, where a chapter or passage of one of the Gospels is discussed. The atmosphere is relaxed and campers are encouraged to state their views and opinions and ask questions. On Sundays, campers attend a chapel service with singing and a short time of sharing by a staff member.
The staff hopes to instill in campers a compassion for the less fortunate in the world. One Saturday a session we have what is fondly called a “workday”. Small groups of campers are sent out to do various service projects in the local community. Those who stay in camp take part in other small projects, before an afternoon of open waterfront or a special-all-camp activity.
Who Should NOT Come to Chop Point…
Chop Point’s purpose is not to work with campers who exhibit anti-social, physically violent behavior. At the discretion of the administrators, and in consultation with the staff, Chop Point fully reserves the right to dismiss campers with no refund of fees paid. Grounds for dismissal include:
* being disrespectful to staff,
* illegal use of drugs or alcohol, tobacco or vapes
* and sexual immorality.
Smoking and vaping is not permitted at Chop Point. Campers who have the need to smoke or vape should not enroll.