Sleepaway Camp Planning Cycle Recommendations

November 7, 2012

Sleepaway camps (such as Maine Camp Experience camps) are an invaluable place where kids build skills, make new discoveries, help others, become more independent, relish time-honored traditions, become part of a universal community, and develop lifelong friendships. Below are key timeframes for planning summer at sleepaway camp. FALL 2013 campers

  • Peak time to confirm attendance and send deposits. Book Visiting Day hotels. 2014 campers
  • Begin discussions with trusted sources about types of camps to consider, and use good online resources for guidance and insights (e.g., www.mainecampexperience.com).
  • Create a list of criteria you might want in a camp.
    • Camp Selection Criteria: Help narrow the pool by asking yourself: Coed or single gender? 7-week or shorter sessions?  Religious or not?  Uniform or not?  Programming that is very structured, more fluid with electives or a combination of these?  Swim in lake or pool?  Daily waterfront activities?  Vacation destination opportunities? WINTER 2013 campers
  • Determine which type of camps you might like and obtain information and videos from camps.**
  • Schedule calls or in-person meetings with directors to learn which camp may be the best fit. 2014 campers
  • Determine which type of camps you might like and obtain information and videos from camps.**
  • Schedule calls with directors to understand their philosophies and if their camp might be a good fit.   SPRING 2013 campers
  • Enroll in your selected camp and secure Visiting Day hotel.
  • Prepare for the upcoming summer: complete forms, schedule medical appointments, shop for trunks, clothes, bedding, stationery, labels; attend new camper events to ease the transition. 2014 campers
  • Peak time to book summer tour appointments with camps.
  • Plan a vacation with the tours to get a sense of the camp’s area; is it one you can build lifelong summer memories around?
  • Attend any open houses/meetings for new campers.   SUMMER 2013 campers
  • Enjoy sleepaway camp! 2014 campers
  • Tour the campus and accommodations, observe and chat with campers and staff, and learn about the type of instruction and programming.
  • Select the camp and prepare for amazing adventures ahead! **A great resource for camp information is our website http://www.mainecampexperience.com – complete with a “personal guide” to assist you – where parents can learn about 30 premier camps in Maine, and find everything to plan a fun and memorable visit to Maine.

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