Costumes at Camp

Guest blog post by aluma Maine camper Orli, “your camp big sister”

The best part of autumn is undoubtedly Halloween, the one weekend where we get to dress up in creative costumes and step into the alternate universe of our costumes. With Halloween approaching, I am reminded of all the fun times I got to dress up at camp in Maine. Whether for a social, out-of-camp trip, or Color War, dressing up was always one of the best aspects of going to camp.

Camp creates a judgment-free environment, which allows everyone to embrace fun and silly traditions, such as dressing up. The moment you arrive at camp, you are met with countless opportunities to show your true self by dressing up. Even if you do not want to be the one in costume, you can be part of the action by making costumes or doing stage makeup for the plays. Everyone is included in the fun.

There are so many opportunities to dress up, including many tied to fun traditions. One of my favorites was in my last camper summer … on a camp trip, my friends and I returned to the mini golf/ice cream place we went to as little kids, but this time in complete golf outfits. Though it sounds silly, this tradition is one of the most wholesome and best ways to end my eight camper summers. It’s fun dress-up moments like this that make camp so special.

It’s also fun to make last-minute costumes out of the things you have in your bunk and useful to have spirit wear on hand. Many evening programs include dressing up for a themed event. For example, one evening program we did was MTV Cribs. We got to decorate our bunk and dress up according to our chosen theme. We made our bunk a winter wonderland, complete with a snow machine and hot chocolate station. We wore blue and white and painted snowflakes on our faces. Engaging in evening programs like MTV Cribs is a fun way to make memories.

With luaus, neon, tie-dye parties, Halloween in summer, and more, the opportunities to dress up at camp are endless, so be prepared. You never know what team you will be on or what color you should dress up in, so it’s good to bring some different colored clothes and accessories (bandanas, beads, glasses, socks, etc.). And whatever you don’t have, camp will provide or you can borrow and share with friends.

Have a fun and safe Halloween, and get excited for the exciting dress-up days at camp.

Maine Camp Experience Resources & Tools

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 contact our Maine Camp Guide, Laurie to discuss these camps as well as for free, year-round advice and assistance on choosing a great Maine summer camp for your child.