Drawing of the future cabin

Camelot Bunkhouse Project 2024

A core part of the MITOC community, and in particular our access to the mountains, continues to be our well-loved “Camelot” cabin, located in central New Hampshire. As you may know, Camelot was built in the 1970s (on a shoestring budget), and it is nearing the end of its useful life. Since 2013, the Outing Club has been working to build new, safe and modern sleeping quarters on the Camelot property, which will ensure that MITOC can fulfill our mission for decades to come.

MITOC partnered with Maclay Architects to design a new bunkhouse for Camelot which will be located approximately 100m from the existing cabin. The new bunkhouse will contain five bedrooms (sleeping ten persons each), a large central hallway, and a covered deck. We anticipate the cost of the new bunkhouse to be approximately $500,000.

With the design now complete, we are actively seeking donations. If you are able, please consider donating to help us hit our fundraising target in 2024. We are breaking ground on site preparation in 2024, and fundraising permitting, we will complete the new bunkhouse in late 2024 or early 2025. This project will ensure we can fulfill our mission for the next generation of MITOCers.

Why does MITOC need 3-season hiking leaders?

MITOC runs all kinds of official hiking trips during the year outside of winter, at monthly circuses, Acadia, and many more. All these trips rely on safe, experienced hiking leaders. It is important to create a group of approved leaders who can lead 3-season hikes so all trips will go smoothly, safely, and enjoyably for all participants.

What are the leader ratings?

How many leaders does each hike need?

Each hike requires one full leader and one co-leader. Hikes of 5 or fewer participants can have just one full leader.

How many people can go on a trip?

There is a maximum trip size of 10 within the White Mountain National Forest. Outside the WMNF, MITOC hiking trips are limited to 15 people.

What are the prerequisites to become a leader?

Ideally the 2 hikes should be on different weekends. However, please submit an application even if you don’t fulfill all of the requirements. Applications are evaluated on a case by case basis. If you have any questions or are unsure if your application has been reviewed please email 3s-hiking-chair@mit.edu

Most new leaders will start as a co-leader. This provides an opportunity to learn under the guidance of a full leader. If you already have outside institutional leadership experience, you may be granted a full leader rating on a case-by-case basis.

How do I become a leader?

You can do these in any order.

I am a co-leader. How do I upgrade to leader?

What constitutes a 3-season hike?

We consider any hike “3-season” if winter conditions are not present, usually roughly April-October, though this varies vastly year to year. During shoulder seasons, the Winter Safety Committee decides whether conditions are 3-season or winter.

Guidelines for leading three season hikes are here.

What are the leader benefits?

Can I lead a hike outside of circuses?

Yes! If you are an approved leader, you just need to notify the hiking chair that you want to run an official trip and announce it to mitoc@mit.edu.

Questions?

Contact 3s-hiking-chair@mit.edu