the maine camp experience

MAKE MAINE YOUR FAMILY TRADITION

There is no question Maine is one of the best states in the country when it comes to overnight summer camps for kiddos.  Each summer kids from every US state and more than 30 countries abroad spend time at Maine overnight camps. Are you ready for the best part? Not only do kids get to spend time in this diverse and expansive state, but families too get to enjoy the Greater Portland region and all it has to offer through their camp connection.  Because, becoming a Maine camp family is the best ways to get to enjoy the destination year after year.

Many campers and their families get their very first taste of the Greater Portland, Maine region through their kids experiencing camp here. Parents bring their kiddos to tour Maine camps the summer before they start making cherished childhood memories here. But, for many families it becomes tradition to return back every year before camp begins to get in a little family bonding time before kids are left in the capable hands of their counselors.

so much to see + do

Once kids are enrolled and attending Maine summer camps, parents and younger siblings who don’t live in Maine year-round often return as much as they can for Visiting Day, camp weekends, or for pre- and post-camp vacations.  Of course, visiting the campers who have been away from home for a few weeks is the key attraction. But, we have to admit visiting Greater Portland with so much to see and do–is one serious perk. Spending time in Portland is a huge benefit and an annual summer highlight that many parents look forward to all year long.  With so many incredible restaurants, activities, and hotels, parents are thrilled to return to their favorites and to try what’s new.

“Lobstertunities” abound and camp parents enjoy eating fresh, tasty cuisine, sampling local craft beers, taking scenic bike rides, hearing live music, and more in Portland.  When kids attend camp in Maine, camp families really become part of the fabric of the community and get to enjoy all the region has to offer.

happy campers

The state of Maine and its natural beauty and splendor have been the cornerstone of Maine camps for more than 100 years.  There are thousands of camps in the country, but Maine Camps truly are the “gold standard.”  Not only do campers and their families get to enjoy everything that Portland and Maine have to offer–everything from eating lobster and whoopee pies to connecting with nature on blueberry picking trips and active excursions like hiking in Acadia National Park and rafting on the Kennebec River, but campers also get to make lifelong friendships, learn new skills, and gain confidence and independence as they are unplugged from their tech devices.

Maine Camp Experience camps feature sessions from 1-8 weeks for kids ages 7-17, are situated on beautiful natural lakes and offer campers daily waterfront activity, land and water sports, arts, outdoor adventures, memorable trips, incredible camp traditions and special events.  Many kids will spend eight or more summers at their camp, which they consider their “summer home away from home.”

Each summer, more than 20,000 kids spend time at Maine camps.  For some, this is the family’s first foray into Maine camps, for others, family members have been attending for many generations so grandparents, parents, and kids may share the same camp songs, stories, lake experiences, and so much more.  

Written by:
Laurie Kaiden, Director and Campcierge™