BU’s Outdoor Education Campus to Close
New Hampshire Sargent Center to end programs in August
| From BU Today | By Jessica Ullian
The Sargent Center in Hancock, New Hampshire, will close this August. Photo courtesy of Flickr, Alberto Montagut
The Sargent Center for Outdoor Education (SCOE), Boston University’s environmental education and retreat center in Hancock, N.H., will close in August because of budgetary concerns, BU officials have announced.
The cost of maintaining the center, which was acquired by the University in 1932 and is currently run by Metropolitan College, is not viable at a time of economic crisis, says MET Dean Jay Halfond. The University is looking to balance its fiscal year 2010 budget, which begins on July 1, 2009, and currently has a $10 million gap.
“This is not a matter of performance,” Halfond says. “Many BU students have benefited by the center’s efforts, and it is a legacy that will not be forgotten. It was simply unsustainable because of the cost of maintaining 700 acres of land in New Hampshire.”
Founded to host the teacher training program for Sargent College, the SCOE — then known as Sargent Camp — was used to help students master swimming and other sports they would be required to know as teachers. Early students slept in tents and bathed in Halfmoon Pond; later, the center’s founder, Dudley Allen Sargent, added a lodge and cabins.
Today, Sargent Center has room for 200 overnight guests in its cabins, dormitories, and canvas tent “yurt villages.” It has functioned as an education and retreat space for BU’s Schools of Management and Education, as well as for the former Corporate Education Center. Since coming under MET’s purview, it has hosted the Residence Life and Orientation and Off-Campus Services offices, the Boston University Scholars, participants in the Upward Bound program, and the Common Ground orientation course held during the summer for new students.
The SCOE also offers an environmental education program for middle school students around the region, hosting approximately 3,000 schoolchildren each year. Corporate retreats have drawn about 4,000 people annually, and the summer outdoor Adventure Camp brings in an average of 600 children and teens ages 10 through 17. Other local universities, including Boston College, Harvard, Tufts, and Northeastern, have held retreats at the facility.
The center also serves as a research base for many BU faculty, particularly in geography and environment and other natural sciences. Thomas Kunz, a professor of biology in the College of Arts and Sciences and the director of the Center for Ecology and Conservation Biology, has been conducting bat-focused research at Sargent Center for nearly four decades.
Kunz says the center has been “an important facility for programs focused on research, environmental education, and outreach,” and that the decision will affect both his research and the teaching methods he uses to introduce students to topics such as biodiversity and climate change.
The facility, with 22 miles of cross-country skiing and hiking trails that are open to the public, has 15 permanent employees and adds 18 to 50 seasonal workers at various times of year.
All programs booked through August 31, 2009, including this summer’s Adventure Camp, will take place as usual, according to Robert Rubendall, the center’s director.
“We intend to run all programs and honor all commitments,” he says.
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On 7 March 2009 at 10:45 PM, Patricia Anderson Klos (SAR'48) wrote:
I looked in vain for comments from my classmates. It seemed to me I spent 5 months of my Sargent College life at camp. It was delightful in the fall, but jumping into Half Mood Lake in May after the snow melt was a jolt! We lived in fresh air conditioned "K"s with out door plumbing shared by lots of other "girls", We remember Miss Applebe on loan from England during war time teaching us to "run you Bunnies" whild trying to teach us Field Hocky. We used to drill Army style, or try to. My favorite sport was horse back riding. I wonder if that secluded little pond is still in the woods where we could go skinny dipping? We probably have been the most active alums in the University in terms of Reunion participation. A lot of that goes back to starting college life at Sargent Camp. We still sing Camp Songs at our 60 plus reunions! Long Live Sargent Camp.
On 28 February 2009 at 6:59 PM, Randy Charles Collins (SED'76) wrote:
I was selected to be an intern one fall semester in the mid-70's at (what was called then) the Human Environment Institute of Boston University at Sargent Camp. I'll never forget that semester. We had school kids come from the surrounding area, and we taught them the academic curriculum from an ecological perspective. Another Boston University intern from the School of Education was Kathy Thompson who was from New Jersey and, up to that point in her life, not real used to the outdoor life and the natural world. To watch the expression in her eyes and her surprise when she learned something new was just wonderful. I'll miss even the idea that there is a learning center of Boston University in southern New Hampshire. My best to Professor Anton Lahnston and Professor Robert Willcutt of Boston University for turning me onto the H.E.I. of B.U. at Sargent Camp. I'll never forget a truly wonderful eight weeks spent there. (Trevor loved it too!) Ran Collins
On 2n 27 February 2009 at 6:07 PM, Carol Moyer (GRS'85) wrote:
I was one of many students blessed with the opportunity to spend a chilly fall weekend leaning various methods of assessing rodent, shrew, and bat populations at Sargent Camp with Tom Kunz. That was more than 25 years ago and he's still doing it! Amazing. That one weekend stands out in my memory. I can feel the cold at my back and the warmth at my front while huddled in front of a small woodstove. I can see the little brown bats huddled together at the peak of an old barn roof. The staff explaining why they leave the carrots in the garden until after the first good freeze. Too many memories to mention. BU built an indoor white-water river. That says it all.
On 27 February 2009 at 5:35 PM, Louis Zaczkiewicz (CLA'78) wrote:
With all of the usage the facility has, this will be a terrible loss. Perhaps I'm missing something, but the article did not mention specific finances. Was the facility loosing money? If so, how much? As we see the economic crisis worstening every day, we can't keep having companies and colleges making things worse - it's become a self-fullfillng prophecy that companies are closing and laying off people because they think things will be getting worse. Have a backbone BU. Reverse your decision, keep the programs going and don't lay off those workers. How long have they been working for BU?
On 22 February 2009 at 7:30 PM, Claire (Connor) Groll (SAR'84) wrote:
What disheartening news. Sargent Camp holds a special place in my heart and has made a solid impact in my life. As an OT student of Sargent College from 1980-84, I became a medical subject in an exercise study sponsored by Mass. General Hospital , Boston University and a plethora of other supporters such as New Balance Shoes . Sargent Camp became our home base for an entire summer, as we completed our numerous requirements for the study ( i.e. progressive running from 4-10 miles a day, additional vigorous adrenaline-inducing exercise, a regime of carefully measured and calculated food items at every meal, etcâ•œ). The Sargent Camp environment was the perfect location. The rustic and ╢no frillsâ•˙ setting allowed the study to progress in its simplest form, without distraction of city pressures. The only stresses we encountered were self induced ( i.e. high and low ropes courses and the bridge zip). It was an experience beyond measure. Without the backdrop of Sargent Camp! and support of the Sargent Camp staff, I doubt our summer experience would have been so remarkable. Boston University needs to take a deep breath, and realize that Sargent Camp is a treasure to be nurtured and to be preserved for a lifetime.
On 21 February 2009 at 1:19 PM, Ernest M. Christensen (SMG'58) wrote:
And COM "60. So sad, bad executive decision. Is BU with its pricey titution, losing its original focus? During my BU days served as Treasurer to Winter Carnival and recall orientation. What magic memories! The President should appoint acommittee made up of students, staff, and professors to review this decision and come back to him with recommendations regarding this whole matter of closing down the camp. My guess there are many other areas where budget cut backs can be made. Very very poor judgment on the part of this Dean. What do you bet the outdoor life is not a very important part of his life style!
On 20 February 2009 at 8:16 PM, April Frazier (SMG'58) wrote:
I was shocked to read in the Keene Sentinel about the closing of Sargent Camp. I read the article to my family, and my eight year old daughter cried! I will attend the Women's Herbal Conference there for the 15th time this August. My daughter will be attending with me. It will be her 10th conference as I went when I was pregnant with her, and have taken her every year since she was born. My husband is a real outdoors man, and he was always looking for an excuse to drive by the center to walk around the property, and spend some time near the pond. We, as a local family, feel the Sargent Camp is a part of our extended family, and that includes many of the staff that we have befriended in our annual visits there. Count the three of us as votes to find a way to fund the center, even if that means a brief closure as in the past. It would be a tragedy to let the acreage go to the development industry.
On 17 February 2009 at 11:19 PM, Dianne Paille Hu (SAR'58) wrote:
My sister Dorris and I arrived in Cambridge in Sept. of 1954 and found our way to the original Sargent College on Everett St. A few hours later we were on a bus headed for Peterborough.
During the few days of the Orientation my body froze at night (the one blanket they told us to bring was definitely not enough), but my heart and soul fell in love with the atmosphere of the camp.
Part of our curriculum included spending five weeks for each of the first three years learning in New Hampshire the outdoor sports for which no facilities existed on the Cambridge campus, and during our senior year we were assistant teachers.
When we returned to Boston for our 50th reunion, we made it a point to go visit the camp for the first time since graduation. They were planning a massive Sargent Camp visitation in a couple of years for all the people for whom it had been such an important part of their lives.
Now, sadly, it appears that not only the reunion but the camp itself will disappear. Why is the university getting rid of something so unique and valuable?
One piece of information obvious by its absence was the future plan for this wonderful resource. Can it not be maintained in its current form and rented out or at least sold to someone who will make all that it has to offer available to future generations?
On 17 February 2009 at 11:07 PM, Whitney Tibolt (SED'96) wrote:
After attending an alumni event held at the School of Management, and seeing firsthand the excess wasted on such a building, I see that BU's priorities are nowhere in line with my own. I also just watched Dr. Paul Farmer's speech at BU. Stop spending money on spoiled rich kids and help teach environmental values.
On 16 February 2009 at 1:54 PM, Lois Winer (SAR'66) wrote:
This "goody goody" sneaked out of Sargent Camp one night with a bunch of classmates, and drove to Peterboro, N.H. to see Alfred Hitchcock's movie, "The Birds." The next day on the soccer field, a bird zoomed in on my white headband, dug his claws in and hung on for dear life! Those of us who saw Tippy Hedren scream when the birds attacked her house, freaked out! I actually believed that this was most likely "pay-back" for disobeying the rules! Diving into the lake to free my sail from the mud after tipping my boat over yet again, struggling to hike up Mt. Menadnock, trying to literally bend over backwards to dance the Limbo under a bamboo stick, and fighting off the hoards of mosquitos were all parts of wonderful experiences at Sargent Camp. It saddens me greatly to think that future generations will never know this "character-building" place.
On 12 February 2009 at 10:58 AM, Xiaohe Cheng (GRS'06) wrote:
Although I never been there, I believe Sargent Center is a fine place. I suggest BU can cut student printing quota from $200 to $100 or $50, so the university can save at least a million dollars to save the center.
On 11 February 2009 at 8:43 PM, Patricia Moy Chen (ENG'02) wrote:
This is disappointing news. I have very fond memories of Sargent Camp which I visited during the last days of summer each year from 99-01 for ENG Student Advisor Orientation. We used this time to bond with our fellow SAs for the year through various sporting events and exploring the grounds. We used the facilities to host team-building and role-playing exercises. Sargent Camp is a refreshing place to meet for such activities/training because the environment is so different from campus; it allows students to bond in a different way. Since it is expensive to maintain just a large plot of land, I hope that there are plans at least to preserve the grounds for the enjoyment of all and not to be given to developers.
On 11 February 2009 at 8:42 PM, Bill Ricker (CAS'81) wrote:
What a sad development. I saw this in the Freep email edition. The Math Dept (in CLA back then) had at least a couple of very enjoyable retreats there for faculty and Pi Mu Epsilon honor society members in the late '70s. I recall snowshoeing with a visiting Computer Science professor's young wife, since she and I were the only ones who preferred such to Nordic skiing. Anvin a different season exploring the pond with a canoe. And other fond memories I shalln't elaborate upon.. (CompSci hadn't divorced from pure math yet than at BU, Which is why I came.) Shouldn't we be asking the Alumni with fond memories if they would provide a little extra to preserve this treasure for future generations?
On 11 February 2009 at 7:42 PM, Ruben Fernandez (SMG'93) wrote:
I never used this facility but it would be great to hang onto it as part of the Athletic Dept so that it can be available to students to learn how to ski, hike, cross-country ski at affordable rates. Now that I live in the Northern California region, I wish I had taken advantage of such a resource. BU should market this facility as much as it markets the new Athletic facility to new and current students and their parents!
On 11 February 2009 at 5:34 PM, Jack Spencer (CAS'69) wrote:
My mother, Nathalie F. Woods, SAR '31, was in the first graduating class of Sargent, to receive B.U. diplomas. She had fond memories of "roughing it" in New Hampshire and the "brisk" swims in Half Moon Lake. My sisters and brother and I with our families spent a wonderful four days cross country skiing there in the 80's. Clearly, I have a less than unbiased perspective relative to the closing of the facility.
Within that context I am compelled to inquire: how was it that once again the administration, did not request input from alumnae/i before taking such a substantial action? Over the past 38 years, It is nothing short of extraordinary, how perfect the administration's record has been for ignoring or misreading the interests and concerns of its constituents, when making such momentous decisions.
Recently, Brandeis University had the good sense to back down relative to closing its art museum. Perhaps the administration might reconsider its action as well. At least it could try to test the water to determine, if the alumni/ae would contribute to an ear marked fund to underwrite the continuance and possible expansion of the camp's mission and function. In these difficult econmic times it just might prove to be a rallying point for the entire University. A statement that our traditions, humble though they might be, are worth preserving. Consider the Marsh Chapel plaza campaign.
If those within the administration responsible for the closing remain unmoved, then transparent accountability is essential. Clear statements as to what will be done with the property in this abysmal real estate market and, if sold, where the meagher proceeds will go.
On 11 February 2009 at 5:45 PM, Mary Ault Harada (SAR'57) wrote:
A very short sighted move on the part of the university. Sargent Camp has been an integral part of BU's educational facilities since the university acquired the property. As a Sargent undergraduate student in the mid- 50's I spent time there 3 summers plus a couple of winter programs. In this day of emphasis on the environment to shut down the camp and I assume sell it - is just about as smart as the plan by Brandies University to shut is art museum and sell the paintings. This beautiful facilities is not replaceable with a climbing wall in the new campus village. Shame on the BU administration.
On 11 February 2009 at 5:09 PM, Ann Ballantyne (Bal) (SAR'57) wrote:
What a shock to receive this news. I spent two sessions at summer camp after my Freshman and Soph years. I worked very hard to stay away from leeches and not tip the canoe over BUT I also lost a fair amount of weight, to set me on a great path for the rest of my life, to date. I too loved the place and have recently visited after many years. It looked even better than ever. Please, let us know what can be done to hang on to this facility.
On 11 February 2009 at 4:45 PM, George R. Sachs (ENG'62) wrote:
I have fond memories of attending the annual winter carnivals held at the camp each year while I was an undergraduate. One, the first time I had attended the carnival, you couod learn to ski if you had an extra $5 for equipment rental. Not being in that position, I did not persue the sport. Fortunately, or iunfortunately depending on your viewpoin, my bunkmate who had rented the equipment sptained his knee the first time he tried skiing. He than offered me his rented equipment. Not being known for refusing free "stuff", I indulged myself. I have to admit that the little hill served by a rope tow, looked very scary to one unaccustomed to such. Nevertheless, I perservered. This led to a future of many happy years of skiing with my family, teaching them to ski and watching them become experts. Since all of us still live in New England, my children now go skiing with our grandchildren. It certainly would be a shame to see such a venerable part of BU's institution vanish along with so much else in the world that we have enjoyed, because of this horrendous economy.
On 11 February 2009 at 3:54 PM, John Mottalini (CAS'66) wrote:
Penny wise and dollar foolish...there must be a way to "mothball" Sargent Camp, until the budget get straightened out. Once it is gone, there is no way to duplicate it...as anyone who has had to sell a camp knows full well!
On 11 February 2009 at 3:54 PM, Issy K. Tindimwebwa (CLA'75) wrote:
I am saddened by the news. I have fond memories of a retreat as graduate student of Geography in 1972. Can the facility be leased out in the interim until finances get better. We all hate to let go of such an asset to the University! Just a thought (if you have not already considered it).
On 11 February 2009 at 3:18 PM, Lillian Light (CLA'45) wrote:
At this time of looming environmental catastrophe, the last thing BU should be doing is closing this outdoor education center!!! I am disappointed that their cuts could not be made in a less harmful way. Can we do anything to reverse this decision?
On 11 February 2009 at 2:55 PM, Dr Tom Laga (CFA'64) wrote:
As an Eagle Scout and avid camper/conservationist, I've always lauded outdoor education. So rather than have this facility sold off for cash, I am encouraging The BU Administration to negotiate a deal with Prescott College in Arizona, which probably has the best outdoor education program in America. PC might like a second campus in the East. If they say no, I'd urge the BU Administration to contact the Union Institute & University [formerly the Union Graduate School] headquartered in Cincinnati, OH but with other campuses including one in Vermont. Perhaps all three institutions could share the campus--including courses, outdoor activities and costs. Please email me the results of your immediate contact with PC and TUIU: drlaga@comcast.net. Thank you. Peace, r Tom 2/11/09
On 11 February 2009 at 2:15 PM, Ann Bowes (MET'92) wrote:
I skiied and camped as a teen at Sargent Camp and my sons attended Adventure Camp there for many years. They loved it so much that it inspired my eldest to pursue a degree in adventure education. What a shame to close the facility. It seems that it could be viable with aggressive marketing and fundraising. I did not hear about the financial problems until the decision was made to close. Even if BU doesn't run programs there I don't see why they can't keep a caretaker and rent out the facilities. Please don't sell or let the wonderful facilities go to ruin. I hope Adventure Camp will continue nearby.
On 11 February 2009 at 1:44 PM, Robert Firestone (SPC'82) wrote:
I was a Boston University Scholar, and my fondest memory of all of my 4 years at BU was the freshman year retreat at Sargent Center in NH. I was far away from my family and high school friends in Ohio, and didn't feel like I "fit in" yet at BU or in a city like Boston. The Scholar's retreat to NH opened my eyes to the beauty of New England, and I spent a lot of my college weekends in Vermont and NH as a result of that first trip. 30 years later, and working at a university (Penn), I understand the economics. Certainly BU can earn more money by selling the property. But, it is truly a shame that future generations of students, including BU Scholars, won't get the opportunity to enjoy Sargent in NH. Without that trip freshman year, I might have transferred to a different university after my freshman year.
On 11 February 2009 at 1:41 PM, Carolyn Long (SAR'64) wrote:
When my parents dropped me off for my first day of Sargent Camp, at the end of freshman year, I am told that my mother cried during the ride home to have left me in a cabin with no bathroom and clusters of black flies swarming around all of us. I confess to having had similar emotions myself. All these years later I still recall my time at camp as one of the most valuable of my life. Friendships begun at Sargent College were cemented during our activities where team spirit and camraderie were what really counted. I still maintain many of those friendships to this day. As a girl who grew up in the city and with limited outdoor activities experience, I'm sure there are still some classmates who will remember me having to swim for shore after my rowboat sank to the gunnels and spending another class valiantly attempted to climb back into a canoe during our "tip test". I did finally make it back into the canoe, but in retrospect, my mother was probably right to have worried about me.. Even with all our structured activities, we still had time for lots of fun and laughter. I left at the end of the program feeling physically better than I thought possible and with a greater understanding of, and appreciation for,every sport and activity I participated in and especially for the beauty of the nature that surrounded us. I know times change and we sometimes must let go of things that were meaningful to us. I do wish there were someway the University could find to keep this treasure. The cost saving will be for the short run, the true value could be forever.
On 11 February 2009 at 12:29 PM, anonymous (COM'02) wrote:
This is a shame, especially in the times of "No Child Left Inside" Legislation.
On 11 February 2009 at 11:45 AM, Larry Raimondi (LAW'60) wrote:
For many years my family, extended family and friends, some years as many as 15 of us or more, would get together to enjoy the "Winterfest" & "Summerfest" programs that ran for 3 days. I truly have many fond memories of this facility. I hope BU will find some way to reverse this decision to close it and restore some family oriented programs that made it so unique.
On 11 February 2009 at 10:55 AM, Maggie Brown (SAR'91) wrote:
Having dedicated my life to the Education and Mental Health fields, it saddens me to hear this great facility has been chosen to close. It has positively impacted folks in more ways than we know. The reason is due to the upkeep of the 700 acres. Why not develop a program for troubled youth to give them a sense of contribution and improve their self esteem, by taking part in the care of the 700 acres? Or put it out there to those who have visited and/or benefitted from it and divide them into different work weekend groups? Or offer work weekends to the community & offer a night's stay as a thank you? Or, market "Team Building" packages to corporations to take advantage of the amazing setting? Sadly, I never heard of the facility and I attended Sargent College as a Grad student for four years, and lived in New England for 22 years. Just some ideas to help keep the facility's pulse alive. I hope they help, if nothing more, perhaps get additional creative juices flowing for a different solution than closing it down.
O 11 February 2009 at 9:12 AM, Sarah (COM'06) wrote:
Do we know if BU is keeping ownership of the Sargent Center, and just cutting out maintenance and staff fees by shutting down? Or is the university trying to sell the land? It's an amazing property near my hometown, and I would be very sad to see it in the wrong hands!
On 11 February 2009 at 8:40 AM, Bob Aglione (COM'88) wrote:
The cold reality of this economy won't squash the fond memories of two annual visits to Sargent Camp's RA training. Lessons learned and friends made there, in that environment, are timeless and life-affirming. A warm shout out to all those who have been inspired by that place and best wishes to all those who will create their own new place, somewhere else.
On 11 February 2009 at 8:33 AM, Dr. Emma M. Cappelluzzo (SAR'55) wrote:
Sargent Camp..Sargent Winter Camp/Newton Public Schools..Sargent Summer Camp...BU Footbal Training Camp...in those years it was a critical thread running thru my training, my education and my learning. I was lucky. I got to be there in all the seasons. The finest teachers, role models and friends gathered there. We worked hard, played hard and were tempered by the beauty, the music and yes the great cooking that Jimmy spread before us. To all those who came before me and all those that followed we can say, I am sure, Sargent Camp was a great experience. We move on - we do not forget.
On 11 February 2009 at 8:31 AM, Patricia Brassard Small (SAR'74) wrote:
This is a devastating loss. How at this time of emerging priorities for "green" technologies and ecological studies, can the University be so short-sighted? I am willing to bet that the facility could be maintained on a cut-back schedule and lower budget (which would prevent deterioration of the property) -- and other programs could also cut back on their spending to make up the difference. Why in the world is MET solely responsible for this? I think it is something for the University at large to consider.
On 11 February 2009 at 7:44 AM, Jennifer Smith-Castro (CAS'98) wrote:
This is really unfortunate. I have many fond memories of the Sargent Center. I attended three programs there over my time at BU and it will be sorely missed. None of those programs could really be carried out in a traditional classroom setting. This is a great loss to the BU community.
On 11 February 2009 at 7:31 AM, Scott White (CFA'86) wrote:
In 1969, Wilkins School (Amherst, NH) was a participant in the "Adventure Camp" at Sargent. I still remember it 40 years later as one of the students. It will be missed.
On 10 February 2009 at 11:51 PM, Karishma Shah (CAS'07) wrote:
I feel very sad that Sargent Camp will be closed. I went there twice with the CAS honors program, once as a freshman, and once as a leader for the freshman. It was a great experience and a lot of fun! I hope that something like this will open up again soon for the students.
On 10 February 2009 at 11:14 PM, Carol Burnes (CAS'66) wrote:
It is a travesty to lose this place, by our own description it serves many for many purposes and I can't believe it can't somewhat pay for itself. It sounds like an invaluable resource.
Back in the sixties, after Bu School of Ed, I took kids there for the Wayland Public School System,on retreat. It was a great experience.
I think it is a shame to let it go and wonder how much energy has been put into making it pay for itself.
On 10 February 2009 at 9:32 PM, Caroline D (COM'85) wrote:
I don't suppose there is anything in the Recovery & Reinvestment Act that benefits Higher Ed that can be used to stop this from happening?
On 10 February 2009 at 9:29 PM, Caroline D (COM'85) wrote:
What a travesty and such a loss to so many people besides BU. I am surprised that BU could find NO WAY to make this Center economically viable. It seems to bring in quite a bit of business from outside sources and surely something else within the University could be cut instead? What will happen to all that land and facilities? PLEASE DO NOT sell the land to developers! I lived in NH for nearly 20 years and it is being destroyed by over-development.
On 10 February 2009 at 8:45 PM, David S. LaPensee MSW (SSW'78) wrote:
I remember getting some RA training there in 1977, it is a loss, the times are taking there toll everywhere. What a shame.
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