The Final Stretch of Camp Summer 2024
August 6, 2024
Summer has flown by and it’s hard to believe that Maine Camp summer 2024 is in the final stretch. Campers are already or will soon take their final bows on camp theater stages. They’re completing their art and woodworking projects in studios, and wrapping up sports leagues and Olympic competitions. Campers will sail, swim, and waterski for their final times this summer. They’re painting bunk plaques that feature their names along with symbols, themes, jokes, and memorable moments.
Much like the Olympics have a Closing Ceremony to wrap the preceding events, Maine Camps have end-of-season closing ceremonies. Olympic closing includes a parade of flags and athletes, speeches, a final medal ceremony and the extinguishing of the Olympic flame. The Olympic flag is handed over to the next Olympics destination - in this case, it’s Los Angeles, which will host the summer games in 2028.
At Maine Camps, there are also several beloved traditions that each camp hosts. Many have a last-night banquet with a traditional end-of-season meal. For some it is lobster; at others it is the campers’ favorite dinner. At some camps, the oldest group decorates the dining hall and helps set the menu.
A final campfire is often the crowning part of the summer. Oldest campers often lead the way down to the campfire - many times with candles that they light and carry to lead the way one final time as all younger campers follow behind. Camp directors and staff talk about this summer and about the graduating campers. And the oldest campers often share words about what this summer and the cumulation of all the previous summers have meant to them. It’s heartwarming and bittersweet that these incredible young adults - many who started as young children - have grown up at camp. They may pass the torch to the next ages group. Everyone sings songs from this summer and from forever ago, and there’s hardly a dry eye. Campers wrap their arms around each other - sad to say goodbye, but lucky to have had these experiences. Many camps burn the year’s numbers (this year 2024) in the campfire or set it out aflame on the water.
When campers go back to their cabins, many may push their mattresses and sleeping bags together as they talk well into the night about the fun times they’ve had. The morning departures and goodbyes are sad and hard, but means the camp summer was a success. Campers grew close with camp friends, learned new skills, and became more independent and confident.
Parents who are ready and excited to see their campers, should tread lightly as their children may feel “campsick,” missing their camp life and friends. Maine Camp summer 2024 has been one for the books!
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.