Campy Jewelry at Maine Camps

When we think of Maine camps, we of course think of so many things related to outdoor fun — from swimming in lakes, going on hikes, playing sports outside in the sun, to campfires in the woods. But, we at Maine Camp Experience (MCE) know that camp is more than just the wonderful experiences our campers enjoy each summer in nature. Camp is also in the small things, like bracelets!At MCE, some of our favorite camp memories involve crafts— and jewelry-making in particular! From making friendship bracelets, to trading camp imprinted rubber bracelets at intercamp events or even socials, to working in the silver shop, “campy” jewelry is always a fun part of a Maine summer.MCE Blogger Emma says: “Whenever I was asked my favorite camp activity during the year, of course, I noted my love of waterskiing or swimming in the lake, but my all-time favorite activity was always Silver! At my Maine Camp, we had the opportunity to work in the silver shop— whether it was making rings, bracelets, or necklaces, we always loved customizing our own jewelry and completing an impressive project each summer. And, my family and friends loved when I would bring home my creations each summer!”Bracelets at camp can also be a great way to bond with campers of all ages. At many of our Maine Camps, campers in the oldest age group create their own bracelets before they even arrive at camp. These bracelets symbolize their love for camp and their meaningful last summer. But, the oldest age group is not the only age group with matching bracelets. At some of our Maine camps, other age groups will make their own bracelets to signify their unity as a group. And, often camp-sisters will make matching bracelets to wear. Blogger Emma remembers sharing friendship bracelets with her camp-sister and younger campers and keeping them for years after as camp memorabilia! We’ve been told that some of our campers wear their bracelets all year long so that they can think of camp every time they look down at their wrist! Jewelry at camp can be as simple as sitting in your bunk or on a camp lawn with friends, making friendship bracelets together — the traditional camp way: teaching each other new knots, trading different colors of string, lanyard or beads, and sharing your creations with friends and counselors! Across camp, it’s a common sight to see colorful bracelets in progress taped to campers’ water bottles. Anyone who has been to a camp in Maine will tell you that their “camp wrist” is a perfect signifier of their fun and colorful time at camp.We at MCE love the fun that jewelry at camp brings each summer! — 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.