Who We Want to Be from Maine Camps

As we settle into this new school year, the temps feel cooler and the sun sets much earlier. We learn new schedules and routines and we form connections with new teachers, coaches, and classmates. As we leave the past behind, we may think about who we want to be in this new year. This transition aligns with the timing of Yom Kippur, when many of our Maine Camp families think about what they may have done wrong in the past and how they can be better in the future. We are all a work in progress and as we change and grow, we hope to be the best version of ourselves. Camp helps us do this.

Going to camp in Maine is a huge growing experience as kids determine their values and build their character. When kids start at camp, oftentimes around age 8, they may be used to having things done for them and for just thinking about themselves. They may be used to living in their own room, having their bed made for them, and for getting to eat whatever they want, when they want. Some may leave their shower towel on their bedroom floor instead of hanging it up in the bathroom or leave dirty clothes on their floor (despite the fact their laundry basket is right there!). They may be used to being driven to school and to after-school activities. Attending camp gives children a whole new experience and perspective. While living in a cabin with other campers and counselors, kids have to keep their area and the common areas neat and clean. They learn to make their bed and put dirty clothes in their laundry bag. They learn the layout of the camp and their schedule to get themselves to activities once they are acclimated. And, they eat meals and snacks at the times the camp provides. Campers may not win every game and they learn to be okay with it. Caring staff help guide campers through experiences that make kids become more independent, confident, and resilient.

During these camp years, children learn a lot about themselves and the world around them, and they decide who they want to be. Experiences in and out of the cabins allow for interactions and trial and error as kids mature and navigate their surroundings. Do they want to be a person who helps a friend learn how to make a friendship bracelet, teach friends a new card game, or give tips to sink a ball at pop-a-shot? Do they want to congratulate an opponent for playing a good game? Do they want to be a good citizen by helping to keep the cabin clean? Do they want to take small risks to grow like signing up to play an intercamp sports game if they’re new to a sport or try out for the play if they’ve been shy about singing in public? Do they want to learn to ride a bike or try to climb to the top of the rock wall? Do they want to sign up for a nature hike when at home they prefer to stay indoors? Do they want to advocate for themselves to learn what they need to do to get to the next level in swim instruction? All these opportunities stem from conscious choices campers make to try new things and to try to be their best selves for themselves and for the world around them. So, as we think about “who we want to be” in the year ahead, hopefully lessons learned at camp guide us to grow.

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.