Camp Modin
Situated in the pristine wilderness of Maine’s beautiful Belgrade Lakes region and currently celebrating our 95th season, Camp Modin is the oldest Jewish camp in New England. Located on a private, unspoiled lake, our 375 campers enjoy a community-oriented environment in which they can learn, grow and develop lifelong friendships, all in a Jewish cultural environment. Camp Modin employs 175 professional teachers, mentors and counselors, all dedicated towards making a difference in the lives of children. The Modin program offers professional instruction in over 60 athletic, waterfront, creative arts and pioneering activities. Extensive facilities and programs include: Lighted tennis and basketball courts, street hockey, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, professional theater, 13,000 square foot recreation center, dance studio, fitness pavilion and gymnastic center, dance studio, two craft studios, photography lab, media center, archery & riflery ranges, nature center, high ropes course and climbing tower, radio station, state-of-the art waterfront, including 90 canoes, sailboats, kayaks, windsurfers and four tournament water-ski boats. Extensive wilderness expeditions and teen programs are available, including white-water rafting and cycling trips, excursions to Montreal as well as throughout New England. ACA accredited and strictly kosher.
Camp Reviews — Memories from Real Camp Families
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| Bev said... |
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| My boys have spent 3 BRILLIANT summers at Camp Modin and they absolutely LOVE it! - This year my 10 year old is "camp-sick", infact, the minute he came home the countdown for the next camp began!
Camp Modin has so much to offer, my kids named a few (and I've added): beautiful, tranquil surroundings, state-of-the-art equipment, great friends/life-long friendships, time to chill, lots of sports, fun activities, the best counselors, art stuff, field trips, color war, wilderness trips, performances, parties, an impressive waterfront, tight security, time to feel connected to their Jewish heritage, a supportive environment to grow, experiment & explore, just to name a few...
Special thanks to camp directors, Lisa & Howie Salzberg and their incredible team for creating such an extraordinary camp/summer home for these lucky kids!
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| Jennifer said... |
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| My oldest son signed up for ½ a summer 2 years ago. On our first call, he asked to stay for the whole summer, which of course we agreed to. On visiting day, his younger brother asked, "Can I stay too?" The following summer, both boys stayed the entire summer! Camp Modin was the best camp experience for both of them. |
| Lauri said... |
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| Transformation and Thank You-- those are some of the words that come to mind as I write to you about Julia and Hayden's Apprentice Summer. There is something about Modin that is truly unique, we felt it when we visited 13 years ago and we feel it every time we visit camp or when our children returned each summer. You are brilliant for continuing the camping experience into the summer leading into the junior year of high school. And the Apprentice program is special, with it's combination of traditions, responsibilities, and privileges, making this culminating year as a camper such an extraordinary life moment. All four of my kids have been transformed by Modin and in particular by their Ape Summer. For Julia and Hayden camp is a place they are free to really be themselves. The relationships with their friends, who they have grown up with, are like sibling relationships, real, intense, honest, and so much fun.
Every summer you ask the kids in your questionnaire, " what would you like to learn or try this summer?" I think since they have been teenagers, they have not answered that question at all. What they don't see, but we do, through pictures and stories is Julia trying every sport during Mo and Din (something she would never do at home), Hayden singing on stage, dressed in a bunny suit or painted for July 4th wearing a tutu (I can guarantee neither would happen at home). You see, Modin is the place to step out and step up, to fit in and to stand out. When Julia and Hayden came home this summer, they were peaceful, confident, fulfilled. Yes, it's their friends, yes, it's being away, but it also is the way you run your camp. The programming is outstanding in its diversity and inclusion. The Jewish elements draw the children together and lock in their identity as Jews for a lifetime. The safety and strictness that is such a priority to you, and drives the kids crazy, is another important element that makes Modin special. Parents demand it, and kids need it. Your staff is the best of the best. My kids talk about their counselors almost as much as they do their friends.
David and I are grateful for all of the wonderful years that Anna, Ethan, Julia and Hayden spent at Modin. Thank you for for giving our children such a spectacular place and time for transformation.
Love to all,
Lauri |
| Dawn said... |
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| As this incredible experience comes to a close with our very own APE 2014, we know he will be coming home with a heavy heart and soul.
Love, support, calm, patience and understanding will be offered with the knowledge that nothing we do or say right now will bring much of a smile.
It's that final confirmation that Modin was undoubtedly the right choice a decade ago.
There is nothing we could have provided each summer to compete with all that Modin added to his life.
These intangible and tangible experiences and friendships went from formative to indelible.
Thank you for helping us raise our son better than we could have done alone. |
| Hope said... |
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| Bobby is home safe and sound. We can see that Bobby had a wonderful summer at Modin. His tears and intense good bye hugs to friends and Counselors said it all. He was singing Jewish songs on the way home. And he said he got better at basketball and soccer (though he did say he wishes there was even more sports at camp).
He seems filled up in a way I can't describe in words. But, I'm sure you guys know what I mean since you are the masterminds behind Modin. There is a spirit, a warmth, a sense of Jewish identity, a sense of kindness that I feel throughout the entire Modin community.
Thank you for taking such good care of Bobby this summer. |
| Dan said... |
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| I'm so grateful for the opportunity I was given this summer to work at Modin. Not only did I enjoy the connection I made with my fellow counsellors, I feel like I've learnt new skills for my career in teaching. The time spent with the kids and the relationships we formed is something I will never forget.
Once again, thank you for the time I got to spend at Modin this summer. It exceeded all my expectations and I couldn't imagine having done it anywhere else. |
| Stacy said... |
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| Thank you, once again, for "the time of our life!"
When our kids leave for Modin, our minds are so calm knowing that they will be safe and well cared for . We know that your safety and security measures are top of the line and that everything is well planned and executed. We love that!
We love that our children are in a nurturing family-style environment that mimics the values we have at home. Respect, kindness, and acceptance are the norm and their camp friendships are held in the highest regard. Our kids count the days until they can be at camp again. And during the year, they take every opportunity to visit with camp friends in every city, as often as possible, because the bonds they have created are so strong.
On a personal note, our entire family wants to specially thank you for the uncomparable priviledge of being color war captain. We understand this to be the greatest compliment and honor that you have bestowed first on Josh, and then to Andrew. We cannot thank you enough for respecting our children and giving them a change to lead and respresent their friends at their most favorite place on earth! |
| Ariane said... |
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| As you know it was our first 'sleep away' experience and we were blown away with the professionalism and care of all the Modin staff.
Thank you both so much for making our son's summer one that will be remembered for all time. His first sleep-away experience was wonderful and he absolutely loved all his experiences at Camp Modin.
From the outset we knew he was in very good hands. Every element of camp preparation, communication and then camp life was so well organized and ensured all the kids were well looked after and were having the most fun!
Our young boy returned home with many new stories, a greater level of maturity, a wider respect for others, new sport skills and a huge sense of achievement. Thank you for enabling this wonderful growth. He is eager to return to Modin.
Many thanks again.
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| Warren said... |
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| Our very warmest thank you to each of you and the entire Modin team for our son's third truly exceptional summer at camp with you. He had an absolutely phenomenal time at camp these past weeks and very much feels that Modin is a "home away from home" for him. Not only did he experience a fun-filled first session with you with all of the incredible activities you run, but - significantly - his emotional growth and development is also evident to us in a multitude of ways. His confidence and sense of himself have been nurtured at Modin these past summers and these past weeks as an Eagle have provided to him wonderful new growth opportunities. He feels very much actualized as himself at camp and greatly cherishes the many different bonds he has been able to forge with his counselors, bunkmates, other campers and specialists. He also feels a warm ease with each of you for which we are also very much appreciative.
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| Stephanie said... |
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| We just wanted to shoot over a quick email to let you know how much we appreciate all you do at that camp to keep the kids safe and happy. Both of our kids had nothing but smiles and positive things to report about camp! Both have returned with some "Modin" blood as they emphasize how important it is to be respecful and kind in order to get to become an Apprentice (teen leader) and counselor. The operation you run is more than I could ever imagine and a place I look forward to sending my kids year after year to continue to grow and have fun in a way that we feel fortunate to have found. Thank you again. |
| Cheri said... |
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| My husband and I continue to be so incredibly overjoyed with how happy our childen are at Camp Modin. Not surprised one bit, just overjoyed. It is without a doubt, their happiest place on earth. Their voices are full of happiness, contentment, excitement and peace. And they feel safe and loved. What a beautiful way to spend the summer. I got an email from our friend last night who said that she spoke to son (a first time camper) and he was the "happiest she has ever heard him. What and unbelieveable camp". I responded ... "Yep!" |
| Amy said... |
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| I need to say thank you. My son has been at Modin since he was eight years old and is now sixteen. It wasn't always easy to persuade him to go to camp. He called me the other night and told me that he is having the greatest time of his life and he doesn't want it to be over. I replied now you understand what an amazing experience camp can be. Modin is a magical camp for campers and counselors and I really commend you for creating such a special place that kids learn to love and grow. Once again thank you all. |
| Lisa said... |
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| Just a note to thank you. As we conclude our daughters' summers as campers, we are deeply grateful to you for being partners with us in shaping their lives. Their modin experiences have changed their lives -- and ours--for the better. Thank you for your many kindnesses and your consistent professionalism. |
| Lauren said... |
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| For the record, we were hoping the boys would hate camp so they wouldn't want to go back. We grew up in WI and didn't go as kids, but thought we had to give the boys the opportunity to try. The rest is history... They have even convinced us to let them go full session. While our summers of family time and travel will forever change, we couldn't be happier about their passion for Modin. Thank you doesn't seem adequate to show our appreciation to you and your team. |
| Mark said... |
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| When I drive to Modin tomorrow morning to pick up our daughter, I think it will be my 30th time visiting the camp. Unfortunately, there are no more of our little one are waiting to go to camp. Not having a kid at Modin, just a half hour away from our summer home in Mount Vernon, will feel funny for us. I want to thank you and the team you’ve put together every year for making our kids’ summers as special as they have been. |
| Cheri said... |
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| The camp experience that you provide for our children each and every summer is truly incredible. What you did for our son this summer, is simply a memory of a lifetime. When we see that beaming smile on his face ... well, it just doesn't get better than that. And our daughters face in videos and pictures, smiling from ear to ear ... makes us so happy. |
| Stacey said... |
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| How can I possibly put into words how thankful we are for all you have done these past years for our daughter? It is hard to imagine how sad she must feel tonight knowing that it is already the last summer banquet, since I am feeling so sad sitting home in NJ just thinking about it.
You have given her the greatest times of her life, and the greatest friendships imaginable. She is truly a better person for every moment she has spent at Modin.
I am eternally grateful for the care, and happy times you have given to her at camp, and for the incredible program you run. The closeness she shares with her counselors, is beyond measure. They have been amazing role-models for her these past years - the definition of "counselors"! There is no other place in the world like Modin - it is really beyond compare. Thank you, thank you, thank you, a million times.
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| Jared said... |
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| This was by far the best summer I have ever had and I dont know how the summer would be without camp. I dont know where I would be without Modin. I look forward to coming back to Modin next year along with seeing Modin friends at reunion. |
| Emily said... |
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| I just wanted to say thank you for the past 12 years. I have gained so much from being a part of the Modin family first as a camper and then as a counselor. There is something truly special about Modin and I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to be in camp for so many years. Camp has impacted me in so many ways and the past few years as a counselor have been an incredible learning experience. As a camper I never realized how much time, effort, and devotion is required to run a camp, let alone one as special as Modin. You run an amazing camp that will forever be in my heart and every other Modinite who is lucky enough to have spent a summer there. Thank you for everything I've learned, achieved, and gained from my summers. |
| Matt said... |
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| I want to take the time to thank you profusely for the opportunity to work at your fantastic camp. I did not expect to love it as much as I did and there were many times during and after camp where I considered leaving my job to be able to come back year on year. There is a real community at Modin with such closeness, that it is something to be proud of as indeed I am proud to have been a part of it however briefly. |
| Joe said... |
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| I have been fortunate to call Modin my home away from home for the past 6 summers. Throughout my life many things change; friends, interests, and hobbies but the one thing that remains definite throughout the years are my plans for the summer. Modin has offered me a warm nurturing environment in which I was able to grow both physically and emotionally. The countless friends I have made, both counselors and campers alike, are friends that I know I will keep in touch with forever. Not a day goes by where I do not day-dream or a reminisce of an event from camp. Just thinking about events such as world cup, rope burn, war canoe, and even the mundane makes me so fell so connected to the summer and my bunk. All the little things remind me of camp and make me wish I could be back in Maine again sooner. One of the most amazing things about Modin is how people from all different backgrounds are able to come together as one camp community and coincide as one. Both campers and counselors at Modin are always looking out for one another and they all truly care about each and every person. This trait is rapidly becoming less popular in this day and age and it is one of the many reasons that Modin is so special. These lessons will accompany me wherever life takes me, and for the rest of my life. And although I would be able to go on all day about Modin I choose to relive and cherish the times that were spent at camp and never forget all that Modin has taught me. |
| Debbie said... |
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| When we arrived at Camp Modin we were blown away by the poise and maturity of the staff and we extend our highest praise for the selection of an incredible team who appear to provide to the campers truly excellent role models. The Modin staff is exceptional and we offer our warmest compliments and highest praise to all my sons counselors who we believe each contributed to my sons sense of ease, security and comfort at camp. There is really no way to convey in words the range of emotions we feel about the obvious joy and exuberance our child felt at Modin. He loved every activity in which he participated; and enjoyed every out of camp activity including going down big water rides at Splash Town; and loved cabin life, meals, and the list goes on and on. He has also spoken movingly of the Modin Shabbat and Havdalah services. For all of this, we are deeply grateful. There is really no way to convey in words the range of emotions we feel about the obvious joy and exuberance he felt with you at Modin. |
| Lisa said... |
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| I want to write to you to express our admiration and gratitude for the program that you run at Modin. While each camp had it strengths, Modin impressed us with its wonderful programming, size and amazing (amount of and quality) of staff. The best testament is the letter we received this week stating in all caps "I AM DEFINITELY COMING BACK TO MODIN NEXT YEAR"! |
| Lois said... |
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| Does the directors and counselors at Modin actually realize the depth of your impact on the psyches of your campers? Modin has and will continue to have a deep impression on the person my child is. I believe he made lifelong friends. Modin is a place where kids are willing to really be themselves, try new things, and learn to love others who they may not have otherwise chosen to be in their inner circle. |
| Carol said... |
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| Each one of my kids is glowing. Every year, upon their return from Modin, I marvel at the look in their eyes, a look of total bliss. I always wish for them to continue the year with this feeling of absolute happiness. Their summers at Modin, in such a beautiful setting as Maine, have given them friendships that I believe will last throughout their lives. Thank you for providing our kids with a safe haven, summer after summer, I wish it could continue into their adult lives. |
| Martin said... |
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| I just cannot thank Modin enough for all it has done for my children. Their experiences at Camp Modin have truly shaped who they are in so many ways. It is such a comfort for us to know they are really at home away from home when they are with you during the summer. Thank you for believing in our kids. It means so much to us! We are so grateful to have found Camp Modin and are grateful for their experiences. |
| Stacey said... |
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| Each summer I breathe a sigh of relief knowing that my children are safe and secure and fully engaged in camp and fun. When I look at the photos or read the blogs, I am often brought to tears over how great a summer these kids are given at Modin. My children really do live all year for their summers at Modin. They love the kids in their bunk like brother/sisters, adore their counselors, they love being in Maine and are beyond happy with every detail of the summer. I don't know what the secret is in creating the Modin magic, but I am so grateful that we found Modin and appreciate all that you do to give my children such special summers. |
| Dawn said... |
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| For New York City kids, there is nothing like a summer in Maine! We send our three children to Camp Modin, and they love the camp with a passion I have never seen before! I never went to camp, and I would have loved Modin myself
Modin's incredible group of kids and staff is bolstered by the beautiful surroundings in Maine. The campers get to climb Mount Washington and Mount Katahdin. They swim, sail and waterski on Lake Salmon. And we as parents get to visit the beautiful state every year when we make a mini vacation out of visiting weekend!
And then there is Giffords. Wow! Nothing, and I mean NOTHING tastes better!
Modin is such a big part of our kids and our family's lives. How about week long camp for parents???
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| Judy said... |
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| I have sent my five children to camp at Camp Modin and personally wish I had the opportunity to attend the camp myself. Camp Modin has given my children a sense of connection that cannot be duplicated. Their commitment to people has been fostered by the very nature of Modin's program, as well as their overall enjoyment of life. Along with that has been the opportunity to experience the wonders and beauty of Maine; from the adventurous trips such as Acadia to the simple outings to Giffords. Traveling to Maine for visitng day has also afforded us the opportunity to explore the surrounding area. Benig a Modin family for 12 years has given us 12 great vacations, from Camden to Bar Harbor. I am so grateful to Camp Modin for being partners with us in raising our family.
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