Camp Foss had its inception in the meeting called by President Ralph D. Hetzel of the University of New Hampshire in late May 1919, when he invited several interested men in Strafford County to meet with him and the State YMCA Secretary to consider the organization of a County YMCA. The Constitution and By-Laws were adopted in June after it was voted to form such an organization. Enough money was raised from a few of the city manufacturers, among them Roland Spaulding, Ira G. Studley and William H. Champlin to make the employment of R.W. Giviens as a permanent Secretary and the organization of boys clubs and other work under his leadership began. About 17 boys went to Camp Onway in Rockingham County in 1922, which convinced the Y Committee of the value of such an experience.

In the spring of 1923, the Camp Committee consisting of John Elliott of the Elliott Rose Company, Norman E. Seavey of Dover, Bert R. Cooper and one or two others visited several ponds and lakes in Strafford County to locate a site. Following a conversation with James H. Foss of Center Strafford, it was decided to look at the shore of "Big" Willey Pond, which had long been the picnic ground of the Strafford people of the Blue Hills. The water from this pond had furnished the power for a saw and shingle mill owned by Paul and Warren Perkins, father and uncle of Mrs. James H. Foss. The previous years, the lands around the pond had undergone lumber operation and the site where Camp Foss is now had been cluttered with a lumber camp, horse barns and sawdust pit. (Many a camper will recall Mr. Cooper's remarks about "under the touch of the setting June sun the depressing surround and scattered wreckage of the past winter was given an appearance much beyond expectations." As Mr. James H. Foss owned only a half interest in this site, he had to get the approval of his brother Newell B. Foss before the land could be given to the YMCA for the use of boys and girls of Strafford County.
Two days later, after the site had been viewed and approved by the state YMCA, Mr. Giviens and Mr. Cooper started out to raise the necessary $3,000 to build the needed camp buildings for the first session. Roland Spaulding promised $1,000 if the balance could be raised. This goal was reached and a dining hall and seven cabins were built, with the dedication being held on June 24, 1923. Two years later, enough money was raised to build the "Lodge" which was dedicated on August 23, 1925.

Camp Foss operated as a camp for boys and girls from 1923 to 1964. Since 1965, it has been a resident camp for girls from not only Strafford County but also other cities and towns in the state, as well as other states and countries.

Directors at Camp Foss - 1923 - 2001