The Thoreau Club

Established in 1951 by Clifford and Dorothy Pulis, Camp Thoreau was the fulfillment of a dream to create a day camp where they could share their love of nature, the outdoors and their camping expertise. Mr & Mrs. Click, as they were known by the locals, understood the value of a wholesome camp experience and believed children should learn about nature’s wonders. Incorporating their own wilderness camping experiences and a quote from Henry David Thoreau’s Walden, “Every morning an opportunity to make life of equal simplicity with nature,” the “Click” Pulis team created a unique camp environment that captured the feeling of the deep woods of Maine in rural Concord, MA. Camp Thoreau, Inc.’s growth over its 60+ year history has been significant and yet deliberate, always conservative and always in keeping with the family’s core values. What started as a traditional summer camp for kids to play and grow has developed into a complex year round fitness, tennis, swim and health club for kids and adults of all ages.