Maine Camp Brothers and Sisters
August 27, 2024
One of the most special traditions at Maine Camps is big and little brothers and sisters. Many Maine Camps pair younger campers with older camps which is a great way to forge community. Beyond campers’ peers in their cabin and age group, camp big and little brothers and sisters give younger campers another avenue to feel connected and it gives older campers the opportunity to serve as role models.
One of our camp directors shared this picture from this summer of one of their oldest campers greeting her camp little sister before “camp sister lunch.” As the director said, “it shows the authentic love and joy” of the campers.
Camp “brothers” and “sisters” have fun together. They may go tandem tubing together, make friendship bracelets, shoot hoops together, and have a meal or two together. The big brothers and sisters may help their younger brothers and sisters learn camp songs and traditions. And, big siblings are there for younger campers who may want advice or some extra TLC.
Some camp “brothers” and “sisters” are assigned in a camper’s first year and remain constant for ensuing summers. Other camps pair new “brothers” and “sisters” each summer. Some camps connect siblings before the summer so big siblings can outreach to littles to introduce themselves and get younger campers psyched for camp. Others wait ‘til campers get to camp.
As a parent, you can’t believe how fast it goes from being the little brother or sister to being the big. It’s a source of pride for campers (and their parents) to experience and to see the growth and development.
These little and big brother relationships are meaningful at camp and can extend to life beyond in college, careers, and more. It’s a wonderful Maine Camp tradition.
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.