After weeks of anticipation and preparation, I’m officially writing from Maine where I’ve arrived at camp to kick off another incredible season at our summer paradise. There’s nothing quite like the trip to camp, as Maine takes shape before your eyes and the beautiful greenery and shimmering lakes get me excited before I’ve even arrived at the camp gates. And I’m not the only one – small contingents of counselors have been trickling into Maine over the course of the last several weeks in order to ensure that everything is set for the summer ahead. Leadership staff have been planning staff orientation or communicating with parents who will be sending their children in just a few weeks. Other early staff members might be taking equipment out of storage, setting up departments, or taking courses to become certified lifeguards or ropes course instructors. Of course, the best part about returning to camp is being reunited with all of the co-counselors I’ve had the opportunity to become close with during my time at camp. Camp is, above all, a place where people form meaningful relationships – and this is true of both campers and staff. Just as the campers are always overjoyed to see each other on arrival day, returning staff members are always thrilled to come together again, and these early days of staff arrivals are full of exciting reunions. We’ve already spent hours catching up and learning about each other’s winters, and above all relishing in the excitement of the shared summer to come. Though there are still over ten days until campers arrive at my Maine camp, tomorrow will truly mark the beginning of summer as new staff members arrive in droves and orientation formally begins. Before we know it camp will be in full swing – we’ll be gathered around the campfire, splashing around the lake, and loping around sunny fields. But for now – it’s just great to be back in Maine! — Maine Camp Experience Resources & Tools

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

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.