10 Ways You Know Summer Camp Is Coming Soon

The first day of spring has come and gone (long gone, at this point), but still it is cold and rainy outside our windows. But fear not! I saw some flower buds poking out of the ground just this morning, and after a looooong winter there are signs everywhere that summer and camp are just around the corner. Starting with the 100-day countdown in mid-March, the ball is rolling and each day brings us that much closer to summer camp 2015. To get you in that summer camp state of mind, here are the Top 10 Ways we can tell Camp will be here soon, brought to you by Laurie, our Maine Campcierge_™_!

1. Time To Get Those Camper Forms Done! Our Maine Camp Experience member camps have lots of useful online tools available to help you complete camper profiles and medical forms before camp, and to email letters, read camp updates, and see camper photos during the summer session. Now’s the time to get reacquainted with MCE partners like CampMinder and Bunk1.
2. Time to Schedule Camp Trunk Pick-up! If your camp uses a baggage carrier, now’s the time to register so they can schedule a pick-up for your camper’s trunks. Many of our camps use Camp Trucking.
3. Time to Take Inventory! Parents everywhere are pulling out last year’s camp trunks to see what they still have from last year, and what they need to get fresh for this summer. It took some coaxing, but I finally got my camper to try on her summer clothes from last year to see what still fits and what I need to buy new. We also checked out things like last year’s fan, flashlight, and stationery supply. Worth it!
4. Time to Go Shopping! Getting the camp gear is a surefire way to get psyched up for summer!  My daughter loves to circle items in the camp catalog and go for the shopping appointment. Campers have fun getting camp clothing from outfitters such as Amerasport and Camp Spot, and heading to Modell’s for sports gear. This year, as a “veteran,” I’ve already been happy to help some first time camp parents who have asked what they should get for their campers. If you need help – email me!
5. Time to Make Those Transportation Arrangements! Every camp has different ways to get kids transported to camp. Some take chaperoned flights; others have a place to meet an all-camp bus. I recently made my camper’s arrangements, and if you haven’t already done so, now is the time to lock in those travel plans!
6. Time to Pay the Bill! I recently made my final 2015 payment to camp; that felt good!
7. Time to Pick Out Electives! One of my daughter’s favorite parts of camp is the elective periods within the scheduled camp day. Electives give campers the chance to try new things or have more time to do the things they love most. Now’s the time to review and choose!
8. Time to Think About Visiting Day! This is the fun one for parents and siblings! I recently reconfirmed our transit and accommodations, and as it gets closer I’ll start planning out what we’re going to do up in Maine. The Maine Office of Tourism and Portland’s Convention and Visitors Bureau websites are my top go-to sites to start my planning. We can’t wait!
9. Time to Go Over the Basics! I like to send my daughter off with some basic skills to make her independent life at summer camp a little easier. So about this time, we start to go over “how to make your own ponytail,” “how to trim your nails,” “how to make your own bed.” They are little things, but when your kid is standing alone in his or her bunk – they’ll be glad you shared these little tips! (and, of course, their counselors will be there to help) 10. Time to Get Choked Up! I’ve already started asking my kid to write home a little more than last summer, even though I know (and am so thrilled) she’s busy having fun. We are talking about camp a lot – going through all the administrative stuff that needs to be done, but also just dreaming, reminiscing about last year, and getting excited. Each year is a new adventure for both of us, and we’re so excited that this year’s is coming soon! Thanks Laurie! If you have more questions for our resident expert and Campcierge__™, she will be leading a Maine Camp Experience Facebook discussion for new camp parents on April 22, starting at 8pm (more details to follow next week). She’ll also be serving as a panelist on a Momfluential Twitter #CampChat about ‘21^st Century Skills Learned at Camp’ on April 15 at 1pm! Beyond that, you can always email her and she’ll be happy to help out. Now bring on the warm weather!__  Maine Camp Experience Resources & Tools

Looking for the perfect Maine camp for your child?  Try out our helpful tool where you can select a camp by choosing: type of camp (girls, boys or coed) and session length (1-8 weeks).  It helps to narrow down a few camps to a manageable list that includes rates.  Then you can research these camps in more depth.

Next, be sure to  to discuss these camps as well as for free, year-round advice and assistance on choosing a great Maine summer camp for your child.

You can share your own Maine camps memories & expressions of gratitude on our Memories of Camp section of our website.

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