Things We Hold Onto From Maine Camps

Whether your last summer at a Maine camp was this past summer or 50+ summers ago, anyone who has gone to a Maine Camp Experience (MCE) Camp knows that camp is something they take with them throughout their lives, in all forms. From the tactical skills to the memories, and beyond, here are some of the things campers hold onto from camp:First off, Maine campers hold onto their many learned skills. From landsports to watersports and painting to theater productions, the beauty of camp in Maine is that it exposes campers to a diverse range of sports, games, and arts. MCE blogger Ali reflects: “As a camper, I could have never predicted how influential camp activities would be in my later life. But, as an adult, I’m so thankful that my Maine camp taught me how to partake in so many activities that now make me a well-rounded adult. I have my Maine camp to thank for my ability to jump into a tennis game and show off my waterski skills!”Campers also hold onto their appreciation of nature. At Maine camps, kids learn the beauty of getting away from screens and playing outside. While at camp, they learn to love living amongst nature. When they leave camp on trips, they learn to explore nature by foot, canoe, bikes, and more. Campers are taught to take care of the world around them. Many of our Maine camp alumni tell us that they have their Maine camp to thank for their love of hiking, canoeing, and enjoying nature.Additionally, campers hold onto their memories. Any past or current Maine camper could tell you the 100+ times they laughed so hard that they cried while at camp. Ali tells us “My memories of being both a camper and a counselor at Maine camp are endless. When spending time with camp friends, we could sit around for hours and hours to recount our favorite memories, laughing harder each time we tell them.” Camp memories can come in all forms. After each summer, campers leave camp with many tactile items that will remind them of camp forever. From ceramics, to yearly cabin pictures to annual yearbooks, Maine campers have things tucked away in every corner of their rooms to remind them of camp.Last, but certainly not least, campers hold onto their friendships and relationships. There’s truly nothing better than carrying friendships from the camp world into the “real world.” Camp friendships are born from experiences spent together in some of the most important developmental stages of life. Without school and other distractions, campers are able to connect on levels that they may not be able to with their home friends. Summer after summer, campers look forward to seeing each other at camp. But when campers leave camp after their final summer, the friendships they take with them – which often last through the college years and into adulthood, including sharing lifetime milestone events together (even giving life to the next generation of Maine campers) – are the most constant memory of their camp, which can last a lifetime. — 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.