10 Camp To Do's

Maine Camp summer 2026 is right around the corner. Here’s your home-stretch checklist of to do’s before camp begins:

1. Camper Forms

Be sure all required forms are completed and submitted through your camp’s portal through partners like Campminder and CampSite. These typically include:

• Camper profile forms (personality, interests, goals, and anything staff should know)
• Medical forms
• Activity selections

These forms are more than just paperwork—they help camps create a safe, supportive, and personalized experience for every camper.

2. Communication Setup

Most camps use an online management system to handle communication during the summer. Make sure you:

• Log in and confirm your account is set up
• Enable photo access so you can see camp updates
• Set up letter-writing features
• Add grandparents or family members who may want to stay in touch

Pro tip: Send a letter before camp starts so it’s waiting when your camper arrives.

3. Medications

Make sure all medication forms are completed and submitted through your camp’s portal, including clear instructions for dosage and timing. Send medications according to camp guidelines—often in original packaging or pre-packaged through a partner service—and be mindful of deadlines. Camps have trained health staff who manage and administer medications safely. If your camper uses emergency meds (like inhalers or EpiPens), confirm whether they should carry them or if they’ll be stored by staff.

4. Packing

• Start with your camp’s official packing list—and stick to it closely. Camps are intentional about what campers bring, and some items (like rugs, big storage bins, heated hair tools, or certain clothing) may not be allowed.
• If your camp works with an outfitter, set up an appointment. Outfitters can simplify the process by helping you gather almost everything your camper needs in one place—and often label items for you, too.

5. Trunk Shipping

• If your camper is using a trunk, now’s the time to arrange shipping. Services like Ship Camps make it easy to send luggage directly to camp and back home again.
• Double check deadlines, and consider organizing items inside the trunk in labeled, waterproof bags to keep everything dry and for easy access.

6. Transportation Plans

Finalize how your camper is getting to and from camp:

• Flying? Camps often coordinate chaperoned flights.
• Bus? Many camps offer group motorcoach transportation from major cities with trusted partners including Custom Coach & Limousine, Cyr Bus Line, and Northeast Charter & Tour.
• Driving? Make sure you have arrival and pickup details confirmed. Camps are great partners in helping coordinate travel, and agencies like Atlas Travel can assist with both camper and parent logistics.

7. Visiting Day Travel

If your camp has a Visiting Day, now’s the time to plan:

• Book your hotel early (options near camp fill quickly!) There are lots of great options ranging from inns and b&b’s to larger hotels and resorts near camp, in popular areas like Portland, and in scenic coastal areas—near camp, in popular areas like Portland, and along the coast.
• Arrange flights or car rentals if needed

Pro tip: Turn Visiting Day into a mini vacation. Whether it’s exploring the coast, hiking, eating delicious food, or relaxing by a lake, Maine offers incredible opportunities to extend your stay and enjoy time in “Vacationland.”

8. Emotional & Skills Prep

Preparing your child emotionally is just as important as packing their trunk.

Talk with your camper about:

• Trying new activities
• Making friends
• Anticipating a range of feelings including homesickness, happiness, disappointment, and excitement. And that well-trained, caring counselors and directors are there to guide and help navigate.

You can also build independence at home by practicing:

• Bulding personal care skills independently (showering/hair washing, nail trimming)
• Picking outfits to wear and putting clothing away
• Making the bed
• Keeping shared spaces clean

For additional guidance, plan to attend the MCE Dr. Tracy Brenner Webinar (May 7 at Noon EST) about preparing campers and parents for a successful camp summer. Learn more and register here

9. Tuition & Final Details

Make sure all tuition payments are completed by the deadline. Double check any remaining logistics in your camp portal so there are no last-minute surprises.

10. Get Excited!

You’re almost there! Camp is a place where kids grow in confidence, build lifelong friendships, and create memories that last forever. With a little preparation now, you’ll set the stage for a smooth start—and an incredible summer ahead.

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.