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Sudbury’s Liberty Ledge/Sewataro Advisory Committee is tasked with evaluating uses of the Camp Sewataro property in the coming months, and their charge included a requirement to tour the property. For readers who haven’t visited, this photo essay provides a virtual opportunity to see the sites and assets across the property. Many thanks to Camp Sewataro’s Community Engagement Coordinator, Kristen Drummey, for providing a tour of the property.
From the Haynes Road Entrance
This gallery includes photos from the eastern entrance to the property (near Haynes Rd.). There’s a large parking area on the right-hand side of the driveway that leads into the property. The red structure has a residence and is adjacent to a horse riding ring. Turn left to find a trail to the fishing pond. The bench was installed in memory of a local student through a fundraising effort by her scout group. Pet waste receptacles were installed throughout the property by the Camp Operator when the contract with the Town was updated to allow for pet walking on the property.
Heading South Towards Julian’s Way
These pictures highlight some of the features on the southern-most portion of the property. The fishing pond is home to HOPEsudbury’s annual Fishing Derby. Pollen was heavy on the day this picture was taken, which added the yellow sheen to the water. A functioning “waterfall” connects the upper swim pond to the lower fishing pond. The golf practice area includes hitting bays and a putting/chipping green. A nature area is used as part of camp programming, featuring a gathering area with a circle of rock seating. Nearby bat boxes were installed by a Sudbury Girl Scout group. A birdhouse is adjacent to the seating area. The “gaga pit” is a popular recreational feature. “Gaga ball” is a dodgeball-style game.
In the Center of the Property
Cement pads at the center of the property will soon have tents installed. Those tents serve as a “home base” for camper groups during camp season. The arts and crafts building is due for repairs after a pine tree fell on it during a recent storm. The Camp Sewataro team has a proactive tree management program, and collaborates directly with the Town of Sudbury on repairs like this. A “tiny library” adds whimsy in the woods nearby. Some of the unique structures and outdoor sinks enabled Lincoln-Sudbury Adult and Continuing Education to operate their programs during the Covid-19 pandemic. Aggressive pollen covered the bright blue basketball court but the view of the swimming pond from the court highlights one of Sudbury’s most unique full-court basketball courts. Is there anything quite like dropping a trey with water views?
The Western Edge
The western edge of the property has multiple amenities and some unique green spaces. The green field in front of the Magic Tree House is used frequently for younger campers. A wood-construction climbing playground (called the Fox Adventure climbing structures) also includes a small zip line for younger campers. That area is available to residents September 1 through May 31 each year. The Magic Tree House was hand-built by the prior owner of the property.
The second largest lodge on the property is the Meeting Hall. That is regularly reserved for community groups and events. There is overhead lighting inside, and colorful artwork is on display. The ropes course is popular with older campers. It’s located at the middle of the western edge of the property with Greystone Lane meandering along the other side of the fence. The tennis courts and “softball” field are available to the public – just make sure to abide by the summer hours (6 p.m. to dusk on weekdays, and 9 a.m. to dusk on weekends) from June through August.
The Northern Corner
The northern corner of the property is another access point, complete with gravel parking and accessible paved parking spots near Liberty Lodge. The accessible parking spots also have a paved pathway into a ramp entrance to Liberty Lodge, the largest lodge on the property. Inside Liberty Lodge, a number-based system on the ceiling helps to organize dismissal and pickup when inclement weather forces campers into a covered area. The pathway out the front of Liberty Lodge offers views from one of the highest points on the property. There are also several residential and garage storage structures in this area. The playing field and the courts are available to residents all year. When camp is in session they are available weekends dawn to dusk and on weekdays 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Liberty Lodge is the most frequently booked structure on the property throughout the year.
One of the houses on the property is used in multiple ways. The kitchen is used for cooking activities with campers. Other rooms are used for storage. The camp has provided space to store the Sudbury Community Food Pantry’s boxes for years. Two of the residential units on the property have occupants. Two are used for offices.
Moving East, and Downhill
This side of the property slopes back down towards the red barn. There is a larger zip line for the older campers, a target paintball range and garden area. There are a number of specimen trees in this area, including a mature juniper. The lower fields and picnic area are available to residents all year. When camp is in session they are available weekends dawn to dusk and on weekdays 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Back to the Center
The camp operation is based in the structure at the center of the property. In the winter the house up the hill is the primary office. Two accessible benches are located along the driveway.
Swim Time
Four shallow swimming pools and the nearby swimming pond with docks provide water entertainment. The Camp Operator installed accessible parking spots near the swimming pond as part of a series of accessibility investments in recent years. The camp will be running a resident swim program again this year. Details here.
Back to the Eastern Entrance
Just north of the parking lot off Haynes Road there is a field where horses graze at night. One overlooked element is a path through the tree line in the northwest corner of that field, which leads to another field.
