The Maine Way - Heritage of Outdoor Adventure

Maine has a way of preserving what matters while continuing to evolve.

This fall, L.L.Bean’s flagship store in Freeport reopened following a $50 million “reboot,” marking a new chapter for one of Maine’s most iconic brands. Founded in 1912 with a simple idea - create a better boot for people who love the outdoors - L.L.Bean has spent more than a century helping generations explore the natural world. Its refreshed flagship celebrates that heritage while looking ahead to what’s next.

It’s a fitting story for Maine, where a love of the outdoors and traditions passed from one generation to the next remain part of the state’s identity.

And that tradition extends well beyond a beloved boot or a landmark store. It lives in Maine’s lakes, forests, and waterfronts, and in the overnight summer camps that have welcomed children for generations.

A Heritage Built on Experience

Maine camps have been around for decades - many for more than 100 years. While activities, facilities, and programs have evolved, the heart of the experience remains remarkably consistent: time outdoors, opportunities to try new things, a strong sense of community, and the chance for children to discover what they’re capable of.

For some families, camp is a tradition passed down through generations. Parents return with their children to share a place that shaped their own childhoods, from learning to sail and singing around a campfire to taking part in favorite summer traditions. Their children create memories of their own, adding new chapters.

For other families, camp is a brand-new adventure. They discover the same timeless appeal: spending summer immersed in nature, building friendships, learning new skills, and becoming more independent along the way.

Where the Outdoors Becomes a Classroom

Maine’s natural beauty provides a remarkable setting for these experiences. Campers spend their days swimming in lakes, sailing, paddling, hiking, playing sports, creating art, and exploring interests they may never have discovered at home.

But the value of time outdoors goes beyond the activities themselves.

Children learn to work through challenges, contribute to a community, and gain confidence by trying something unfamiliar. They discover that they can make mistakes, persevere, and accomplish more than they expected. Sometimes growth happens in a big moment, like mastering a new skill. Other times, it comes quietly, in helping a cabinmate or finding the confidence to speak up.

These experiences become part of a child’s story. Over time, they become part of a camp’s story, too.

Old Traditions, New Memories

One of the remarkable things about tradition is that it can connect generations while giving each one something new.

A familiar camp song might bring back memories for an alum who attended decades ago, while becoming a favorite for a first-time camper. A beloved annual event can remain a highlight of summer, even as new activities and experiences become part of camp life.

That’s how heritage stays alive. It isn’t about recreating the past exactly as it was. It’s about preserving what matters while making room for new ideas, new experiences, and new generations.

From L.L.Bean’s enduring place in Maine’s outdoor culture to the camps that continue to shape childhood summers, these traditions reflect something special about Maine: a commitment to getting outside, trying new things, and creating experiences worth passing on.

Maine Camp Experience Resources & Tools

Looking for the perfect Maine camp for your child? Try out our helpful Select-A-Camp 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.