Spring To Do's for Maine Camp Summer!

Hang on, we’re almost there - and it’s gonna be a fun ride!! Spring arrives this week and the time for our campers to be back at their summer “home away from home” is getting even closer! We’re just one season away from quality time at beautiful Maine Camps, having fun with camp friends and enjoying incredible camp activities and traditions. As directors are hiring staff, developing programming, and finalizing building projects, camp families have some to do’s too. 

Here’s a checklist of what Maine Camp families should do now to plan for the summer ahead:

1. Enroll at a Maine Camp if you haven’t already. Spots are becoming more limited, but spaces still remain. You can use our Select-A-Camp tool or contact our Campcierge™ for personalized camp guidance: laurie@mainecampexperience.com
2. Set up a login with your camp’s online information management system such as CampMinder and fill out your camper forms sent by your child’s camp. This includes health forms (make that annual doctor’s appointment if you haven’t yet!) and camper profile (which helps directors get to know your child better and helps with cabin assignments). This system will also likely be the portal to view camp pictures during the summer if your camp posts images.
3. Make sure you’re current with your payments for camp, which includes tuition, as well as any special trips or other incidentals.
4. Transportation – determine with your camp how your child will arrive and depart from camp. Your camp’s director and office team can assist with information and help facilitate the transportation which could include a motorcoach bus to camp, a chaperoned flight, etc.
5. Baggage – most campers use duffle-style trunks to transport their clothing and other items. You can purchase trunks from your camp outfitter or other local stores. You should connect with your camp about how trunks get to camp. Some parents bring them up or ship through UPS. Many camps work with Camp Trucking for seamless transport to and from camp. 
6. Camp apparel – whether your child’s Maine Camp is a “uniform” camp or not, you will likely need some apparel with camp logos – for everyday wear and/or for trips out of camp, intercamp games, etc. Shop in person or online with your camp outfitter for logo clothing and so much more including: bedding, a chair, sleeping bag, stationery, PJs, flashights, and more. Consult your camp’s packing list to ensure your camper will have what s/he needs. Another great thing is that the outfitters can sew in name tags for you, which is important because everything should be labeled. Maine Camp outfitters include: Amerasport, The Camp Spot and Bunkline Outfitter.
7. If your child takes medication, you should be in touch with your child’s camp about getting medicine to camp and usage at camp. Many camps work with a company that helps facilitate the process such as CampMeds.
8. Make your travel plans for parents and younger siblings to visit Maine. If your child’s camp has a Visiting Day, you should make hotel reservations if you haven’t already. Some families like to stay at a hotel or small inn as close to camp as possible. Other families like to stay at a hotel in a city like Portland with many restaurants, shops, and activities. And some prefer to stay at a hotel/resort for a vacation feel with beach, golf, and gorgeous coastal views. You can ask your camp director for recommendations or see hotel recommendations here: https://www.mainecampexperience.com/Plan-Your-Trip-To-Maine/Places-to-Stay-in-Maine

Spring is almost here and we’re excited for baseball, the end of the school year, and the start to Maine Camp summer 2022!

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.