End-of-Summer Maine Camp Traditions

Although there’s still lots of fun to be had at Maine Camps as we head into the final days of Maine Camp summer 2023, it’s also time to talk about end-of-camp summer traditions. The culminating days are often filled with exhilarating events and heartwarming traditions that forge deeper bonds among campers and a stronger love for the camp. 

While each camp has their own ways of culminating each summer, here are six of our faves:

- Group Sing - campers of many age groups write lyrics about the camp summer set to popular song tunes. No matter which song and age group win - all are anthems of the summer and are sure to leave nary a dry eye in the house! Many campers will remember and sing these songs for the rest of their lives. - 5 Year Club and Beyond - many camps recognize and celebrate the longevity of campers and counselors at their camp. It’s these campers and staff who help the spirit and traditions keep going strong. It’s amazing, though not surprising, to see how many campers return 5+ years and staff - many of whom may be celebrating 20 or 30 years or more! Celebrations can include commemorative t-shirts or sweatshirts and a special activity or meal. - College Days/Color War/Jamboree/The Cup/Olympics - and many other terms for all-camp competitions. Many MCE Camps (but not all) feature these exciting, multi-day events that start with a dynamic “break” to commence the games and proceed with campers split into teams to play several friendly competitions throughout the days. Events usually include everything from boating races and bucket brigade at the waterfront to land sport games to song/plaque/float competitions, to rope burn. For every group and skill level, there are age-appropriate events that can include: Silent Lunch or Dinner (no talking or laughing allowed! lol), tug-of-rope, fruit loop sorting, leapfrog contests and more. Often complete with campers sporting team colors and spirit gear - these are hard-fought events. No matter who wins or loses, the whole camp comes back together at the end to unite as one. - Final Shows and Reprise Shows - camps will often have a final showcase of shows, songs, and arts created during the summer. Some will be originals, presented for the first time, and some are encores of faves of the summer. - Banquet/Last Dinner - many camps have a ceremonious final dinner. It may include special food like lobster or steak or everyone’s favorite food the camp chef prepares. It may also include celebratory decor set by the oldest campers or the kitchen team. - Closing Campfires - we get choked up just thinking about these. They are full of love, support, community, and camaraderie. Campers come together for a final time to reflect about the camp summer. Values, achievements, and contributions are recognized, and graduating campers are called up. Often candles are lit, readings are read, songs are sung, and there are many hugs and some tears. It reminds everyone how lucky they were to have the incredible experiences and meaningful connections made in such a beautiful place. 

After campers pack up their trunks, they may push their beds together or put their mattresses or sleeping bags on the floor for their final night of sleep (which isn’t always so full of sleep since campers want to get in their final fun together). And, many campers and counselors write each other bus/plane notes for each other to read while they’re journeying home. ‘Til then … wishing all the most incredible experiences as we start to conclude summer 2023, which has been one for the books!

Tune in to next week’s MCE blog from Dr. Tracy Brenner, “The Camp Counselor,” about kids acclimating back home. Spoiler alert: the term “campsick” may become part of your vernacular.

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.