The Traditions That Make Camp, Camp

Cooler temps and the first day of fall; we’re in a season of transition. The High Holidays just provided another opportunity to pause, reflect, and think about the traditions that give our families and communities meaning. At camp, traditions are woven into the fabric of summer, creating a sense of belonging and connection that makes each Maine camp unique.

Camp is filled with traditions. Some have been happening for generations. Some are unique to a particular camp. Some are big events, and some are tiny rituals that campers look forward to every summer.

And traditions are one of the things that make camp feel like camp:

• Traditions create a sense of belonging. Campers quickly learn, “This is how we do things here.”
• Traditions connect generations. Older campers remember doing the same things when they were younger, and eventually become the counselors leading those traditions.
• Traditions create anticipation. Campers know the lake swim is coming, or the campfire, or the banquet, or the annual cabin tradition.
• Traditions give summer a rhythm. There are familiar touchstones within a summer that is otherwise full of new experiences.
• Traditions evolve. A camp may have a tradition that’s 100 years old, but each generation puts its own spin on it.
• Traditions become memories. Years later, it’s often the seemingly small rituals that people remember most vividly.

As summer fades into fall, it’s a good time to appreciate the traditions that make camp so special. They give campers something to look forward to, something to share, and something to remember. And year after year, these traditions become part of the story of camp, connecting generations of campers and making each summer uniquely their own.

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.