In the summer of 2024, we had the incredible opportunity to design and produce the 130th Reunion Celebration for Camp Pasquaney, a historic boys’ camp in Hebron, New Hampshire, overlooking the breathtaking Newfound Lake. With a campus built into the hillside, the setting is rustic, scenic, and full of character—perfect for a weekend celebrating more than a century of camp traditions.

Honoring 130 Years of Camp Tradition

Camp Pasquaney’s reunion weekend was packed with activities, but Saturday night was the highlight—a formal dinner for alumni ranging in age from teenagers to campers in their 90s, all united by shared memories and traditions.

The dinner took place under a large central tent, designed to feel welcoming, nostalgic, and sophisticated. With careful planning, we created a space that was both visually stunning and meaningful, perfect for this milestone occasion.

Connecting Through Camp Traditions

A cornerstone of Pasquaney’s culture is its animal clubs system. Every camper is assigned to an animal club—Beavers, Eagles, Bears, Chipmunks, Woodpeckers, and Woodchucks—for their entire time at camp. This creates a lasting sense of identity and belonging, connecting generations of campers across decades.

To honor this tradition, we designed whimsical animal centerpieces. Each of the 65 tables featured a small figurine representing a different club, nestled among moss, wood, and leaves sourced from the camp property.

Guests were delighted as they discovered the figurine representing their own club, creating a playful, personalized experience that sparked nostalgia and conversation throughout the evening.

Cereal for Dinner?

Through the 24 months of planning we learned a lot about Pasquaney’s culture and traditions. One element that stood out was that it is customary for them to have bowls of cereal BEFORE dinner is served. This practice has existed since the camp began 130 years ago.

Knowing this, we couldn’t possibly pass up the opportunity to serve cereal during cocktail hour to kick off the meal in the same way they always have. We worked with the caterer, The Common Man, to develop a custom cereal station which was served out of their branded food truck. It was an unexpected and delightful surprise to guests, and yet another way we weaved tradition and personality into this momentous occasion.

Custom Keepsakes for Guests

Instead of the typical t-shirt or water bottle, we provided custom double rocks glasses featuring the 130th Anniversary emblem. These served as water glasses during dinner and also as a take-home memento—a practical, meaningful souvenir that guests could cherish.

Many guests even purchased additional glasses to complete a set, making this simple item a lasting reminder of the night.

Designing Experiences That Last

The 130th Reunion dinner wasn’t just a meal—it was a celebration of connection, tradition, and memory. From the animal centerpieces to the custom glassware, every detail was designed to honor the camp’s history and bring generations together in a memorable way.

Even today, the little animal figurines continue to “resurface” around camp, delighting staff and alumni alike—a testament to the lasting impact of thoughtful event design.