4 Ways to Make the Most of the Camp Summer
June 4, 2024
This MCE blog is a guest post by alumna camper Orli, “your camp big sister.”
Around this time last year, my mind was in full camp mode. Excitement rushed through my veins as I organized my spirit gear by color, designed the perfect merch for my age groups’ last summer, and imagined the feeling of bliss at the opening campfire for one last time.
For eight amazing summers, I had the privilege of calling camp my second home. Now, as an alumna, I have the privilege of looking back on all the extraordinary experiences and memories I created. Although my heart breaks that I will not return to camp this summer, I am eternally grateful for its impact on my life.
When people say camp is the time to experience new things, they mean it. With its judgment-free environment and positive influences, camp creates the perfect atmosphere to get out of your comfort zone.
While at camp, buy in.
Go in with an open and positive mindset, always be up for a challenge, learn your camp cheers, and NEVER say no to a dress-up day. Although some may think they are too cool or old to dress up and learn old chants, it is part of the camp experience. Where else besides at camp could you casually walk around with a lobster hat on your head and a neon tutu on your waist? And even though the cheers may be childish and silly, learn them. The cheers will stay with you forever. The cheers that my friends and I discovered our first summer nine years ago, we still sing whenever we are together.
**While at camp, make use of the lakes. **
Maine camps are on some of the most pristine lakes, so soak in the views and do the various lake activities camp offers. My favorite skill I have ever learned was sailing. At a young age, a counselor taught me how to sail a Hobie 16 all by myself. After learning, I would take my friends out on a boat every day, and some of our best memories came from those hours together in the middle of the lake. Another cool thing these camps have to offer is waterskiing. Truthfully, it is never too late to learn. I was never interested in trying it, but for my last summer, I made a promise to myself: learn to waterski. And that’s precisely what I did. Even though it took me a few tries to get up, I kept trying and eventually could do it. Waterskiing and sailing may not be survival skills, but I left my comfort zone and learned to do such fantastic lake activities.
While at camp, meet new people and make more friends.
The most memorable thing you will get out of camp is the friendships you make. Whether you start camp young or come in late, the bonds you will make are unbreakable. After living in a bunk with only a few girls and games, I have made friends who I can confidently say are my best friends. These friends you make are the people you will go to with all issues (even when home), the people you yearn to see throughout the year, and the people you brag about for being such amazing people. Be welcoming and friendly to everyone; these are the people who will become your go-to’s.
While at camp, take in every moment.
I know everyone says to take in every moment because it flies by, but seriously, take in every moment because it does fly. In what felt like the blink of an eye, I was saying goodbye to camp as I knew it. I will never get to experience waking up on a cool Maine morning as a camper surrounded by my second family again. If I could just experience one more summer, one more dress-up day, or one more sailing period, my heart would be so whole. Take in EVERY moment. Do that activity you would never try, stomp in puddles with goofy rain boots on, and be a camper immersed in the beauty your Maine camp offers.
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.