In Costume at Maine Camps

One of the best and most fun things about being at summer camp in Maine is the opportunity to dress up. Dressing up happens several times throughout a camp summer and oftentimes the sillier the better. With Halloween coming this week, we think about all the fun times and ways Maine Campers get to express themselves and their silly sides when they dress up at camp.

There are many occasions and themes for fun dressing at camp, including: tie dye/groovy days, patriotic on July 4^th, luau, Western, for team themes in Olympics and Color War, for Halloween in Summer events, for skits and plays, and more. As one camp Mom shares, “I like that at my kids’ Maine Camp, dressing ‘up’ is dressing fun not fancy.”

Some dress up outfits are actual “costumes” while others are made out of whatever is on hand. Oftentimes, the more homemade – the better! Kids at camp quickly learn to be creative and resourceful when putting costumes together. Some wacky costumes have featured supplies including: newspaper, candy after Visiting Day, wrapping paper, and even toilet paper! Tutus, bandanas, face paint and silly sunglasses often play a role. Oftentimes, an age group will be given a theme and cabins will work together to create costumes for themselves and/or their counselors. It’s great that campers are having fun while being creative and learning to work together.  

Dressing up is an integral part of each camp’s traditions. One alumna Maine camper, Ali, shared how great it was at her MCE camp that on typical camp nights the girls in the oldest age group would lead evening activities. However, on “Halloween Night” the 12-year-olds were in charge. “The 12-year-olds would come together to practice their collaborative skills and leadership skills to set up a haunted house, a candy scavenger hunt, and a costume contest. It was always a blast!”

Silly costumes promote camp unity and allow campers to express themselves. Campers feel happy and confident in this judgement-free zone that they can express themselves in a fun, creative, and silly way amongst their friends and peers.

So get ready to break out the costumes this week for Halloween – and save the pieces for this summer – who knows how they could get repurposed for some fun camp getups! Getting the opportunity to dress in costumes at camp is just one more great reason to love spending summers at Maine Camps!