Bear Island is the second largest island in Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, USA. In the summer it is accessible only by boat or helicopter because it is not connected to the mainland via a bridge. In the winter it can be reached by snowmobile. According to the Lake Winnipesaukee Historical Society, the island got its name when a few hunters along with a few members of the Penacook tribe were sent to survey the island. However they encountered a few bears, which they decided to hunt. Originally the island was named "Big Bear Island," which was later shortened to "Bear Island" when the island was annexed by the town of Meredith in 1799. [1]
The island houses two YMCA summer camps: one for boys and one for girls. The boys camp is called Camp Lawrence, and its sister camp is called Camp Nokomis. Both are sponsored by the Bear Island Camps Association under the direction of the Merrimack Valley YMCA.