100-Day Countdown to Maine Camp Summer '23! Here Are 8 To Do's Now

This is one of the most exciting blogs we write all year. We’ll shout it from the rooftops – this week marks the 100-day countdown to Maine Camp summer 2023 and we can’t wait!!! 100 Days – we got this! We’re conjuring images of all the fun and happiness this summer will bring. And first, a few to do’s …

8 To Do’s for Maine Camp Summer 2023

1. Enroll. If you haven’t enrolled yet – you should now. Many camps are full, however, spaces are still available at some camps. And, if your children are already enrolled, families should remain up-to-date on payments. Learn about Maine Camps at www.mainecampexperience.com
2. Camper profile on your camp’s site. Likely your camp works with a resource like CampMinder for forms, photos, and more. Make sure you have filled out your camper profile so directors know more about your child to help him/her have the best summer! It also helps directors make cabin assignments. Many ask for a recent picture of your camper so staff can learn who they are and seamlessly greet campers when they arrive.
3. Medical. Schedule your child’s annual physical exam before your local doctor’s office books up. Have your child’s doctor fill out their medical forms so you can submit the forms to camp. And, if your child takes medicine at camp, work with your camp to facilitate medicine getting to camp through a service your camp may use such as CampMeds.
4. Camp shopping. This is a fun one! Now’s the time to start shopping for what your child will need for their Maine Camp summer. The goal is for campers to be dressed comfortably for active days and nights! Your camp likely has a packing list and it’s good to stick to the list so you don’t overpack. Camps often work with outfitters such as Amerasport and The Camp Spot where you can buy most of what you need including: trunks, t-shirts and shorts, bedding and PJs, and fun stuff like stationery, bandanas, tutus, stickers, headlamp, some little non-electronic games like playing cards and an autograph pillow. And, the great thing is – the outfitters will label the clothes, too!! Families can also buy their kids a Crazy Creek chair from the outfitter or direct.  
5. Labels! Speaking of labels … everything should be labeled! Clothing, sports equipment, water bottles, and more. Lots of campers’ stuff looks alike, so it’s best to mark it before it goes. If there’s stuff you have beyond what you get from the camp outfitter, two things are a must: 1) a Sharpie and 2) stick-on labels - you can order from Label Daddy, for example.
6. Trunks. Now’s the time to plan how your child’s trunks/duffels will get to camp. Many camps work with companies like Ship Camps and Camp Trucking to transport trunks between home and camp pre-summer and back home at the end. You may have already received an email from the trucking company, or you can ask your camp about the best way to transport.
7. Transportation. Speaking of transport … now’s also the time to plan for how your camper will get to and from camp. Many camps work with a great charter bus company such as Cyr Bus Line or Northeast Charter for transportation. For campers further away, there are flights including chaperoned and charter. Your camp can work with you on the arrangements. Many use a great travel booking company such as Atlas Travel. 
8. Visiting Day plans. If you haven’t yet, now is the time to make your reservations if you are going to visit your child at their Maine Camp this summer (many camps – especially 7-week camps – have a day that parents can come visit). You should book your hotel now. Some people prefer to stay in hotels or inns nearest to their camp, while others prefer to stay in a city like Portland or along the coast for a resort-like experience that may expand beyond Visiting Day. Here’s a list with some options. https://www.mainecampexperience.com/Plan-Your-Trip-To-Maine/Places-to-Stay-in-Maine and think about if you plan to drive or fly. 

Most of all … get ready for the best summer yet! Camp will be here before we know it.

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.