7 Reasons to Gift Camp

As the holiday season approaches, many of us are searching for the perfect gift — something meaningful, exciting, and memorable. Parents and grandparents should consider giving the gift of an experience that lasts a lifetime: summer at a Maine overnight camp. Here’s why this is not just a gift, but an investment in a child’s growth, happiness, and future.

1. The Gift of Independence and Confidence: Overnight camp is one of the few environments where kids are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones, make decisions on their own, and navigate new experiences. Without the immediate guidance of parents, campers learn to solve problems, build resilience, and trust their instincts. The confidence a child gains from mastering a camp activity, making new friends, or simply surviving their first week away from home is unparalleled. These are skills that can’t be wrapped in shiny paper but will be carried for a lifetime.
2. Unplugging and Reconnecting: In today’s digital world, children are often glued to screens, missing out on the joys of face-to-face connections and the natural world. Overnight Maine Camp offers a chance to unplug from technology and reconnect with nature, peers, and themselves. Whether it’s hiking through a forest, swimming in a crystal-clear lake, roasting marshmallows by a campfire, or stargazing on a clear night, camp provides moments of joy and reflection that no video game or social media app can replicate.
3. Building Lifelong Friendships: At camp, friendships form in the most organic way. Sharing a cabin, collaborating on team challenges, and laughing over shared meals create bonds that often last well beyond the summer. Many campers find their “camp family,” a supportive community where they can be themselves without judgment. This network of friends becomes a source of strength and joy, even when the camp session ends.
4. Memories That Outlast Material Gifts The most vivid memories likely come from experiences rather than things. Time at camp gives kids stories to tell, skills to show, and memories that last a lifetime. Unlike toys that break or become or clothes that go out of style, the memories and lessons from camp grow with the child.
5. Tailored to Every Interest: There’s a camp for every child. Whether your child loves sports, performing arts, science, or outdoor adventure, there’s an overnight camp that caters to their interests. By choosing a camp that aligns with their passions, you show them that you truly understand and support what makes them unique.
6. A Gift That Encourages Gratitude: Experiential gifts like camp teach kids to appreciate opportunities and value experiences over possessions. When your child reflects on their time at camp, they’ll likely feel a deeper sense of gratitude than they would for a physical gift.
7. A Break for Parents, Too: As much as parents adore their kids, a little break can be refreshing and rejuvenating. Sending your child to camp gives you the gift of time — time to relax, focus on your own hobbies, or simply enjoy a quieter pace. Meanwhile, parents can feel comfortable that their kids are well supervised and enjoying enriching experiences. Plus, when kids go to camp in Maine, parents also enjoy the “Pine Tree State” with visits for Visiting Day and pre/post-camp trips. Maine, a.ka.a. “Vacationland,” is full of great sights, meals, and adventures in Portland and beyond!

How to Give the Gift of Camp When gifting camp, you can make the experience even more exciting by presenting it creatively. Wrap a camp brochure with a gift related to camp life, like a Campfire Player, themed stationery, or a Crazy Creek chair, cozy bunkwear, and colorful spirit gear. Great resources include: Amerasport, The Camp Spot, Crazy Creek, and Campfire Player. Include a personalized note explaining why you think they’ll love this adventure.

Overnight camp is more than just a holiday gift; it’s a transformative experience. It’s a chance for children to grow, explore, and create lasting memories. This year, give a gift that stands out — a gift that doesn’t just entertain for a moment but enriches a lifetime.

Your child’s next great adventure awaits at camp. And, it’ll likely be the best gift they’ve ever received.

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.