Sandy Island first began in 1898 and was originally know as Camp Buena Vista, which means beautiful view. With only tent camping, Camp Buena Vista offered a vacations destination exclusively for men. The camp's first prospectus described it as "a summer resort for young men working on small salaries and receiving short vacations where they could enjoy healthfully and economically their summer outings."
Owned by the Boston YMCA, the camp was renamed Sandy Island Men's Camp in 1920. By 1932, the camp, still exclusively for men, offered two dormitories with combined accommodations for fifty men.
It wasn't until World War II ended that many of the young men who summered at the camp, married. That brought some decline in the numbers, as wives did not understand a retreat exclusive to men. It was decided that Sandy Island Men's Camp would now offer a summer destination to families, and the facility became known as Sandy Island Family Camp.
Sandy Island Family Camp is now over 110 years old. The island, comprised of 66 wooded acres, is completely dedicated to family camping. 54 lakefront cabins dot the north and south sides of the island. The Lodge, the center of the camp's social activities, was built in 1938. Its large stone hearths, exposed beams, and wooded floors are reminders of its history. Still in use today, families gather each day to enjoy activities from talent shows to the ever-popular "Sandy Dances."
Dances are held in the Lodge on three evenings each week. They have become a defining part of the Sandy Island experience. Line dances have been developed by campers and staff throughout the years there. The late Bob Patterson, program director for 28 years and "dance aficionado," was an instrumental part of this dance culture.
As Big Sandy II ferries campers over to the island, guests greet each other with embraces while exchanging news from the year since they last met. This season, one family will return for its 57th consecutive year! There is just over 98% retention and an average longevity of 27.5 years.
