A Maine Camp Enthusiast Shares Her Love of Maine Summer Camps

What follows is a few words from one of our Maine Camp Enthusiasts, a group of ambassadors who are as excited and passionate as we are about going to summer camp in Maine. I asked Julie Stine to share a few thoughts on what drew her to Maine camps and why she loves them, and here is what she said … I love Maine! I grew up vacationing there with my family on the coast. As the youngest of 5 kids, I can remember rising at ungodly hours in New Jersey, driving before the sun even rose, and arriving to the sweet smells and sights of the Maine Coast. By the time I got to around 10 or 11, though, most of the older siblings had obligations that kept them home, and our family vacations to Maine ended. They revived only after we were all grown with kids of our own and our parents got a place, and we flocked to their rental cottage for a week each August. And now, well, we are all spread out across the country and don’t get together much anymore. But I always wanted Maine to be part of my summer life. About 6 or 7 years ago I found a rental for my daughter and me on the coast, and that’s why 2 years ago, I also looked into a summer sleepaway camp for my daughter Nancy. A friend suggested Runoia, an all-girls camp located in Belgrade Lakes. A glance at their website, several follow-up phone calls, and an interview later, I was sold. Nancy is an only child, and I am a single mom, and boy, when summer comes around, we both look forward to camp! She does, naturally, since she gets to bunk with tons of other girls her age and live independently in a bucolic, adventure-filled environment. Me, because I have the luxury of not being “on” as the parent of record…. I need a break from the constant pressure of scheduling play dates, maintaining a household, preparing meals, and oh, yeah, I forgot, arranging for some down “mom” time i.e..a social life. Sending a child to sleepaway camp does exactly that in a worry-free way. _We couldn’t agree more, Julie! Sending a child to an overnight camp in Maine is the perfect way for a parent to get some time to themselves, while feeling confident that their child is getting well taken care of, expanding their  horizons, and having fun all summer l ong. _Are you interested in joining Julie as a Maine Camp Enthusiast? There are all sorts of ways to get involved, and our Enthusiasts are rewarded for helping us spread the word with some great gifts from places like Cool As A Moose! If you want to help us spread the words about Maine camps, click here to get started! 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.