From Camp to College & Beyond - Life Skills Learned at Maine Camps

With “Decision Day” for high school seniors to graduation ceremonies for college seniors, we see the passage of time and our kids getting older. They’re maturing, accomplishing, and setting out for their next chapters. And while parents of young campers may find it hard to imagine … the years fly by and before you know it, first-time young campers become young adults heading to college or into the world.

There are so many benefits for kids who went to overnight camp in Maine that really serve them. Our Campcierge® Laurie just had her Maine Camp alumna daughter return home from her freshman year in college. With firsthand knowledge, she shares these findings.

College students who were campers are …

- USED TO BEING AWAY FROM HOME. This is huge! Parents on college Facebook groups talked about how homesick their children were at college, how hard it was to adjust and meet people, and that some wanted to come home. I think kids who experienced being away from home at overnight camp were used to it and were well equipped to handle this big change. - USED TO MEETING NEW PEOPLE. They’re comfortable to put themselves out there. They can smile and say hi to students they don’t yet know, knowing that these “strangers” may become lifelong friends. They will strike up a conversation and invite a new friend to grab a bite to eat. - USED TO TRYING NEW THINGS. They are curious and confident to explore things like interest clubs and intramural sports  and rush a fraternity/sorority like they did when they signed up to be in the camp play, learned to waterski, or joined intercamp sports games. - LIKELY KNOW OTHER STUDENTS at their college because they went to camp together and/or they’re able to network with campers from other Maine Camps who have that common connection. - USED TO LIVING WITH OTHER PEOPLE. This really helps when sharing a dorm room. They know how to keep common spaces clean, share responsibilities, and be respectful. - ARE EXPERIENCED TRAVELERS. Campers are used to taking a bus or plane to/from camp and on out-of-camp trips and living in a new place. So, traveling to college - sometimes alone on a plane - doesn’t seem daunting, and spending a semester abroad feels comfortable and exciting. - ARE CONFIDENT, RESILIENT, & INDEPENDENT. They can make their schedule (like they did as campers signing up for activities). Get extra help in a class by speaking with a professor or finding a tutor. Install shelves and hang pictures or get help from a handyman or Task Rabbit to help. They can get themselves to a doctor or Urgent Care if they are sick. And they’re able to rally from disappointment like getting a bad grade on an assignment or not getting into their top fraternity choice. They know that time marches on and that one moment or happening doesn’t define the overall experience and that the possibilities and opportunities are huge with each new day. 

So, when families choose to send their kids to overnight camp in Maine, they’re providing their child not only with fun and outdoor beauty for that summer, but also giving them the opportunity to gain skills that will serve them well for the rest of their lives.

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