Camp Runoia

Julie

We arrived and felt immediately at home. After taking care of paperwork, we made my daughter’s bed and tacked up a few photos on her wall. Having been at Runoia for all of 20 minutes, my daughter (a first-time camper) then bid me a “Toodle-Oooh” from her top bunk. A quick hug followed, and I shambled back to the car, a mixture of worry and sadness. Needless to say, she thrived for 3 1/2 weeks. She is eager to return, and I’ll know not to stress over whether she is enjoying herself.

Kate

I was only a camp counselor, never attended over night camp. My daughter is an only child living in NYC. Not the best place to be in the summer and to be at camp, a sisterhood for a girl that loves to be with other kids is heaven.

Gavriella

Playing tetherball between every camp activity with friends. Who knew playing tetherball could be so fun.

Kathleen

My daughter fell in love with summer camp in Maine when we first went to tour Camp Runoia. That first summer she jumped in with both feet doing every activity camp offered. She continues to look forward to Runoia every summer and has fallen in love with Maine as she begins to have opportunities to explore Maine - most recently hiking Mt Katahdin. There are many happy memories of Camp Runoia but my most special memory of her camp experience began with some family sadness. This particular summer began with my mother finally succumbing to her 10 year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was in Hospice care when it was time for Grace to leave for camp. Grace said her good-byes with mixed emotions. The plan was that we would pick your up for the services. Grace also decided that she wanted to know when Grammie died. Pam Cobb supported Grace in this decision and provided the love and support that she needed at a difficult time. What I remember most about this time is when we brought her back to camp after a difficult wake and funeral for a 9 year old girl. She ran back to loving staff and friends like she was coming home. This is why my husband and I have worked so hard to provide a summer camp for all our children. Camp provides a safe, supportive and loving environment allowing children to develop confidence, independence, resiliency which will carry them far in life.

Melissa

I have had two girls at Camp Runoia for the past several years. I send them to camp so that they can experience living outside of their comfort zone: challenging activities, friends from other parts of the country (and world) and no parents! They come back home to me better off for having had the experience; more independent, confident and a bit more comfortable in their own skin.

Amy

Sailing a boat by myself on Great Pond at the age of 10. Liberating and empowering for a young girl!