Celebrating 90 Years of Summer Fun at Camp Massasoit
Springfield College is celebrating the 90th anniversary of Camp Massasoit this summer. Hosted at the College’s beautiful East Campus, this milestone marks nine decades of experiential learning, outdoor adventure, and youth development in western Massachusetts.
The American Camp Association-accredited camp has provided children ages 5 to 15 with opportunities for physical, cognitive, and social development. The program emphasizes four core pillars of the Springfield College "Humanics" philosophy:
- Respect Yourself: Promoting self-discovery and positive decision-making.
- Respect Your Counselors: Learning from professionally trained staff.
- Respect Your Peers: Fostering trust, peer leadership, and diversity through team ventures.
- Respect The Environment: Instilling a sense of protection and conservation for the natural world.
Profiled below are former directors of Camp Massasoit who helped carry on one of the great traditions at Springfield College.
Bliss ’34 and Adeline ’39 Sargeant, Camp Massasoit Directors, 1938-1942
It will be a festive summer at Springfield College East Campus with the 90th anniversary of Camp Massasoit being celebrated at the College’s outdoor learning center. For long-time donor Pat Sargeant, it’s a special time of year as she continues to honor her father Bliss '34, and mother, Adeline '39, whose documented leadership continues to impact camp attendees and their families.
John Hedbavny '68, G'70 - Camp Massasoit Director, 1979-1981
John Hedbavny '68, G'70, is a dedicated educator and youth development leader whose journey was deeply shaped by his time at Springfield College. During the summer months of 1979, 1980, and 1981, he displayed his values of leadership, service, and community, while serving as camp director for Camp Massasoit.
Paul Katz '78, G'04 - Camp Massasoit Director, 1982-1986
Springfield College alumnus Paul Katz '78, G'04, poured his heart into leading Camp Massasoit, embracing every summer as a chance to inspire, guide, and create unforgettable experiences for the campers and staff he cared so deeply about.
Katz’s path to leading East Campus and Camp Massasoit actually started when he was a camp counselor at Camp Massasoit as an incoming first-year student. Like all the other staff, he lived in a cabin on the grounds and participated in the academic course, “Intro to Camp Counseling.” Katz would go on to earn his undergraduate degree in Environmental Education, which led him to explore different career paths than originally planned.
Bob Accorsi, G'80 - Camp Massasoit Director, 1988-1991
Springfield College faculty emeritus Bob Accorsi, G'80, has an authentic love and appreciation for East Campus that started more than 40 years ago. After earning his master’s degree in the spring of 1980 from the College, he took advantage of an opportunity to be a shuttle driver for Outdoor Pursuits, also known historically as Freshman Camp. Accorsi’s experiences at East Campus have included spending time as Camp Massasoit director, Outdoor Pursuits faculty-leader, and overall ambassador for the College’s outdoor learning laboratory.
Ted France '91, G'93 - Camp Massasoit Director, 1992-1995
Springfield College professor of Physical Education and 2026-27 Distinguished Springfield Professor of Humanics Ted France '91, G'93, has called East Campus home for nearly 40 years. During his first year as a professor in the early 1990s, France served as director of East Campus. During this time, it was a conversation he had with a well-respected colleague that also led him to a leadership role with Camp Massasoit.
Michael Phelan, G'96, Camp Massasoit Director, 1996-1999
At a young age, Springfield College alumnus Michael L. Phelan, G'96, was able to experience the joys of summer camp through the generosity and assistance of others. As a result, Michael and his wife, Melissa, G’00, made a commitment to pay it forward, and established the Camp Massasoit Campership Fund as a way to ensure that all kids have the chance to enjoy their summer months in a camp setting at East Campus.
Michael Boulden '96, G'98 - Camp Massasoit Director, 2002-2007
Michael Boulden ’96, G’98, returned to Springfield College during Reunion Weekend 2026, reconnecting with the many people who helped make his years on Alden Street unforgettable. The visit also gave him a chance to reflect on how profoundly his time leading Camp Massasoit at East Campus shaped his life.
Boulden served as director of Camp Massasoit from 2002 to 2007, stepping into the role during a pivotal moment in the camp’s history.
