CHOCORUA ISLAND (Church Island) is the site of America's first resident boys' summer camp. established in 1881 by Mr. Ernest Balch.

In 1903 a group of Mr. Balch's relatives and former campers organized the Chocorua Chapel Association. Mr. Clinton Crane, the owner of the island, made it available for worship services and in 1928 he generously donated it to the Association for that sole purpose.

For 100 years Sunday services, weddings and christenings have been conducted on the island from late June to early September.