A dedicated group of Onaway trustees founded the Circle Program in 1993, originally called “On-Our-Way.” The original program had 22 girls enrolled, thru volunteers and a staff members or two. The first camp session went without a mishap and the campers had the kind of expereince that would make the difference of their lives. Now, eleven years later, the Circle Program has grown to 36 girls in a two-year program, 28 girls in a Graduate Program, 45 volunteers, and a year-round staff of five. They served over 215 girls and are building a camp on Spectacle Pond. As we look back on how far they’ve come over the years, they are mindful that they would not be here today without the guidance and support of Camp Onaway.

The Circle Program provides a community in which each girl is a valued and contributing member. Within the context of that community, the Circle Program provides new opportunities for the girls to develop new skills, explore new interests, give back to their larger communities, and be involved in a supportive, positive environment. They do this on several different levels, each of which emphasizes the concepts of responsibility and connection.

The girls who are referred to the Circle Program are ages 9 through 11 and live in the Plymouth, Laconia, Concord and Lebanon areas. They are referred to the program by teachers, guidance counselors and social service agencies. Most of the girls are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. The Circle girls are bright, smart, talented kids with tremendous potential who need better opportunities to develop their potential.

The Circle Program is an independent non-profit organization that belongs to the New Hampshire Lakes Region United Way and Upper Valley United Way.