Book Maine Camp Tours NOW - Why and How

It may feel like your kids just started day camp this summer, but if you blink twice, overnight summer camp sessions will be over - many ending around August 10th*. With that in mind, if overnight camp is on your radar for next summer, NOW is the time to plan and take camp tours. It’s also good to think about your timing and availability as your personal summer plans book up.

The first year age group for many Maine Camps is age 7/going into third grade (there are some campers who start a year earlier, or campers can start anytime older, too). So, a good time to tour is age 6/going into second grade, give or take a year.

5 REASONS TO BOOK MAINE CAMP TOURS THIS SUMMER

- Nothing beats getting to see the camps first hand while they’re in action. You can get an idea of what the camp looks like and what the campers are like. You can talk to directors and staff onsite. You can see the facilities and activities. There’s also a feeling you get when you see the camps. - You may think your child is young right now, but a whole year’s growth is a long time for them to develop and they may be a lot more mature and ready by next summer. - Many camps fill early - Maine Camps are sought after; seeing the camps will help you make your decision so you’re ready to act when enrollment opens. - Seeing the camp makes parents and campers more excited and more comfortable for the ensuing summer when the child/ren are heading off to camp. They know the lay of the land and what to expect. - Maine is beautiful in the summer. In addition to touring camps, families can enjoy quality time in “Vacationland” where there are beautiful sights, fun activities, and delicious cuisine. Our Campcierge® Laurie can give great ideas of where to stay/eat/play: laurie@mainecampexperience.com

HOW TO PLAN TO TOUR MAINE CAMPS:

- Make your target list of camps based on factors including: desired session length, size, type (coed, single gender, brother/sister), programming, values, and budget. The Maine Camp Experience website (www.mainecampexperience.com) features overviews, videos, testimonials, and more about 40 incredible camps. - Use resources including our [Select-A-Camp Tool](https://www.mainecampexperience.com/Find-a-Summer-Camp/Select-A-Camp) and free personalized guidance from our Campcierge® Laurie: laurie@mainecampexperience.com - Ideally we suggest seeing between 2 and 4 camps. We recommend seeing one in the morning and one in the afternoon so there’s ample time to get to the camp, tour, ask questions, and digest before putting it away and seeing another. Also, oftentimes, afternoon tours start after lunch and rest hour. - Decide if you’d like to take younger siblings along or if better for them to stay back (either at home or doing a vacation activity in Maine with the other parent).  - Stay hydrated, dress comfortably, bring sunscreen, get ready for fun!

If you aren’t able to tour right now … the good news is that some camps host tours and visits in August and September - after camp sessions conclude. Also, many families (especially those not on the East Coast) do choose their camp without having toured first hand (by speaking with directors, viewing videos, etc.).

*There are also a few days you can’t tour camps such as Visiting Day, all-camp trip days (may be possible but not ideal), closing days.

Get started planning today. As tens of thousands of families can share - there’s no place like Maine Camps!  Alumni love their camper experiences and talk about the everlasting impact that Maine Camps have had on both their formative years, and 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 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.