Animal Care at Maine Camps

Have you hugged a llama today?

In addition to beautiful lakes and the pleasing sight and smell of mature pines, animals are another incredible part of nature at Maine Camps. Many give campers the opportunity to interact with and help care for animals including llamas, rabbits, goats, pigs, ducklings, kittens, donkeys, horses, cows, alpacas, sheep, frogs, fish, snakes, lizards, and more.

Campers - including many coming from cities and suburbs - love being with and helping care for animals they often don’t spend time with at home. Getting to feed, brush, walk, and play instills a love for animals and ecology. It gives campers a sense of calm, peace, and happiness. It helps forge a bond and provides an appreciation for the natural world. Campers really adopt the animals and feel responsible for their care.

Horses at Maine Camps are another highlight. Horses at camp can help young people develop confidence and responsibility, and gain empathy and environmental awareness. Campers can feed, groom, tack, and ride horses in well-developed equestrian programs. At equestrian centers complete with stables and riding rings, there are different styles and levels of riding instruction. Campers also enjoy trail rides and horse care. And, several camps and campers participate in equestrian performance shows at their camps and vs. other Maine Camps.

And camps are for the dogs … where our four-legged friends are often the beloved, unofficial mascots of camp. Campers who have dogs at home may quickly connect with the camp dogs and those who don’t are often excited to “have a pet” at camp. Dogs at camp are cuddly and cute. They make campers happy and can help ease homesickness. Campers can play with the dogs and walk them. Some camp dogs like to greet guests by the office. Others prefer to swim and sunbathe by the lake.

We’re excited for our campers to connect with these beloved creatures this Maine Camp summer!

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.