Trips of a Lifetime

The state of Maine’s geography is like no other state in America. From its magnificent coastline, to the tall mountains, to the huge lakes and long rivers; Maine has it all. What could be a more perfect setting for overnight camps? One of the absolute best parts and highlights of going to sleep away camp in Maine, are the trips! Let’s start with the mountain climbing trips… whether it’s watching the sunset from Cadillac Mountain (1, 528 ft. high) or reaching the peak of Mount Katahdin (5,268 ft. high! The highest mountain in Maine); there is nothing like the feeling of accomplishment you get when you reach the top! All the campers from youngest to oldest get to experience that magical feeling, it builds amazing self-confidence. Making a camp fire, cooking your own food and pitching tents are all skills you learn on these trips. Now onto the lakes! Maine has 2,200 beautiful big lakes and tons of long rivers. Canoeing and kayaking trips are very popular among the campers. Some of my fondest camp memories are canoeing down the Saco River and camping alongside it. Androscoggin River and Sebago Lake are popular trips as well. The list goes on and on. As an older camper you get to go white water rafting which is a huge thrill! Not only does Maine have gorgeous mountains and lakes, but a spectacular coastline. Many camps in Maine take trips to the beach. Ronald Hall, camp director of O-AT-KA says “the variety of outdoor activities and trips does not compare to other states. A big hit with the campers is sea kayaking on the Ocean!” A former camper fondly recalls, “The trips that we took around Maine were amazing. The amusement/water parks, like Funtown/Splashtown and Aquaboggin, were every kid’s dream. Overnights were spent at campgrounds, such as Blue Rock and Acadia, where we went hiking on beautiful mountains and swam in clean lakes.” Most camps also have non-camping or “pleasure” trips where they go to country fairs, visit Freeport, Ogunquit beach, Camden, Boothbay Harbor and my personal favorite, Portland, where there is whale watching. Jason Silberman, camp director of Matoaka said the kids can take a photography class and then go on trips and take pictures of all the natural beauty Maine has to offer. From quaint seaside villages, cultural experiences and experiencing the wonders of nature; Maine has it all. To learn more about overnight camps in Maine, where your children can enjoy these amazing trips and more… visit Maine Camp Experience and get all the information you need to find the perfect camp for your family.