Closing Campfire at Maine Camps

The best part of a Maine Camp summer? Everything. The worst part? When it’s over. But even in the sadness of goodbye, there’s something magical. In this week’s MCE blog, we’re reflecting on one of the most meaningful and beautiful end-of-camp traditions: the Closing Campfire.

Across Maine Camps, the summer finale is often marked by this sacred tradition. The Closing Campfire unites the entire camp community in one last moment of reflection, celebration, and heartfelt farewell. It’s emotional, moving, and unforgettable — tears are inevitable, but so is the sense of deep connection.

Every camp has its own version of this night, but some elements are universal:

• The final walk down to the campfire, often led by the oldest campers, a symbolic procession that honors their years at camp.
• Candle lighting, whether it’s individual candles held on the walk, flames at the dais, or torches illuminating the site.
• Speeches from directors, counselors, and campers — especially those graduating after many summers. These speeches capture the essence of camp: growth, friendship, lessons learned, and legacies left behind. Campers are thankful and emotional about the experiences camp provided this summer and throughout their years growing up. Directors express gratitude and well wishes to all campers and staff with special acknowledgment to the oldest campers for their leadership, community building, love, and spirit this year and in all the years they watched these campers grow.
• Singing songs that have echoed through the trees all summer long, sung together one last time.
• Other special elements like burning the year’s numbers on the lake and wishboats sent out onto the lake, carrying hopes and memories into the night.

The campfire is the emotional crescendo to a week full of cherished final moments: favorite meals, all-camp games, maybe even a reprise of a beloved camp show. After the fire, campers return to their cabins. Some drift off to sleep, but many stay up talking - reliving favorite memories, and writing bus or plane notes to friends and counselors filled with memories, inside jokes, and love. Some lucky campers may have a few extra days for special events like mother/daughter, father/son, or special camp anniversary milestone reunion celebrations.

Yes, the end is hard. But Maine campers can leave with full hearts, knowing they experienced something rare and wonderful — a summer of laughter, learning, connection, and growth in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

We’re teary-eyed as we close the book on summer 2025, another unforgettable chapter in the long, rich history of Maine Camps. But we already feel the spark of what’s to come — and we can’t wait for summer 2026.

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.