
Cooking at Camp Mohawk, 1920s
Collection of Cornwall Historical Society
Camp Mohawk was established in 1919 as a summer camp for girls and (separately) for boys. The camp was initially referred to as a “Tri-County Camp,” having been formed by the Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven County Committees of the Y.M.C.A.
Boys camped at Mohawk from June until July, girls from July until August. Camp Mohawk was originally a Christian camping program with religious services and Bible class every Sunday.

Eating watermelon at Camp Mohawk, 1920s
Collection of Cornwall Historical Society

Postcard view of the Birch Chapel at Camp Mohawk
Collection of Cornwall Historical Society
The camp’s chapel was outdoors among the birch trees, blending religious services with nature.
“[Camp Mohawk was] established to provide a wholesome, enjoyable, out-of-door vacation for the boys and girls… from twelve to eighteen years of age and at the same time to help them to attain to a well-balanced Christian character.”
~ Camp Mohawk brochure, 1924

“Governor Templeton with the Boys in Birch Chapel,” from the 1925 Camp Mohawk brochure
Collection of Cornwall Historical Society

Badminton at Camp Mohawk, 2000s
Courtesy of Camp Mohawk
The camp became all-girls in 1967. Today, Camp Mohawk is a traditional summer camp for girls ages 7-15. Camp activities include horseback riding, canoeing, sailing, arts and crafts, and field hockey.