Something Old, Something New at Maine Camps

As tradition has it … “something old and something new” help make weddings a success. Similarly, a Maine Camp summer takes the best of what’s “old” and what’s “new” to create unforgettable experiences! We know that innovative new programs keep Maine Camps fresh and exciting, and that existing elements give each camp a special and unique culture, feeling, and beloved experiences that have campers returning summer after summer. 

The “something new” can range from camps adding a new ropes course to trying out a new trip or even getting a new camp puppy! The “something old” can include the return of amazing counselors, to a favorite meal served in the dining hall, to a zany all-camp event that has campers doing/wearing crazy things – one of those IYKYK (if you know you know) kind of things! 

We asked directors at our Maine Camps to share a little peak of what’s “old” and “new” at camp this summer; here’s a sampling of what they shared …

Fernwood Cove

Old: Ethical (non-denominational) services that are hosted by 7th, 8th, or 9th graders each week of the session. They pick a theme and focus on the values of Fernwood Cove and talk about their camp experiences. Our values are: Friendship - Respect for the Outdoors - Diversity - Traditions - Loyalty - Community - Simple Living - Personal Growth.

New: Greenhouse and Arts Center that are being finished this spring! 

Kippewa

Old: Ladies Delight Lighthouse on our own Lake Cobbosseecontee - constructed in 1908 and believed to be the only active inland waters lighthouse in Maine.

New: Kippewa Point is counting down the days until we welcome our campers for a traditional two-week camp experience! 

Camp Matoaka

Old: The ’shoe find’ in our college league games.

New: Bowling alley - Lakeside Lanes opening summer 2023.

Camp Micah

Old: Friday night services on the hill while the sun is setting.

New: Obstacle course in the woods with multiple obstacles to conquer.

Camp North Star

Old: Trip to a Portland Sea Dogs game where the campers and staff get to walk on the field before the game.

New: Lots of things at the waterfront … expanded waterpark with new elements, new and larger docks for sailing and windsurfing, and new Topaz Uno+ sailboats.

Tripp Lake Camp

Old: Can’t wait for the familiar smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air at Cookie Line and the sounds of voices harmonizing in prepartion for Sing Song.

New: Get ready to relish TLC’s hottest new sport: Pickleball!

Camp Vega

Old: The tradition of our early morning “Anchor Swim” from the Vega swim docks to the peninsula point across the lake.  Each age group has one morning per summer to try it and those who participate get their names on the annual “Anchor Swim” plaques that hang in the Dining Hall for either a “Single Anchor,” one-way (dock to point) or “Double Anchor,” there and back.

New: The expansion of our water inflatables at Swim.  We’ve had a massive slide for a few years and are expanding with additional features.

Camp Wildwood

Old: Great times as an entire camp down by the Campfire.

New: Brand New MasterCraft boat.

All our camps can’t wait to welcome staff and campers back to enjoy everything “old” and “new” at Maine Camps 2023!

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.