A Special Advertising Section of the Bangor Daily News•Friday, March 28, 2025
THE BENEFITS OF ATTENDING SUMMER CAMP
COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE
Summer camp is something akin to a rite of passage for millions of youngsters each year. Many adults look back fondly on their experiences at summer camp, often crediting such times as formative periods in their lives.
CAMPERS CONTINUE TO SOCIALIZE THROUGHOUT SUMMER: Socializing isn’t just for the school year. While children in high school might be independent enough to come and go with their friends during summer break, kids who are still in elementary school or middle school might not be old enough to handle such freedom. That can make it hard to stay in touch with friends, which in turn can contribute to feelings of boredom and loneliness. Camp provides ample opportunities for young children to socialize during a time of year when they might not see their school friends as often as they’re used to.
CAMPERS CAN EXPAND THEIR HORIZONS: Though some summer camps are exclusive to residents of certain communities, many tend to feature children from numerous towns or municipalities. Such camps provide an opportunity for campers to expand their horizons by engaging with youngsters who come from different backgrounds. Indeed, the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University notes that summer camp may be the first time children spend substantial amounts of time with people whose backgrounds differ from their own.
CAMP CAN GET KIDS OFF THEIR DEVICES: Modern children are growing up in a digital world, and parents know how hard it can be to get kids to put down their devices and get outdoors. But the key to making that pivot could be access to outdoor play spaces. A 2025 study from researchers at the University of Michigan published in the journal Health and Place found that efforts to reduce kids’ screen time are more successful when children are given a chance to play outside. Many summer camps are structured around outdoor play, making them a potentially invaluable ally as parents seek to help children cut back on the time they spend using their devices.
CAMP ADDS STRUCTURE TO SUMMER DAYS: Once a school year ends, the structure a school day provides vanishes into thin air. Couple that with extracurricular activities that go on hiatus during summer vacation, and kids accustomed to structure are left with little to do and no need to schedule their time. That can add an aimlessness to summer days. Camp can provide the structure kids are accustomed to but still offer a break from responsibilities like homework or the commitments required of extracurricular activities.
QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE ENROLLING IN A SUMMER CAMP
COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE
What is the history of the camp?
A camp that has been in business for decades is not necessarily superior to one that opened more recently, but it’s still worth asking how long a camp has been around. It might be easier to determine if a given camp is what you’re looking for if it’s been around awhile. Such camps may have a significant number of Google reviews and may even provide testimonials from past campers and parents.
A camp that’s been around awhile also can share information regarding its return rate, which indicates the number of youngsters who have come back each summer. A strong return rate can indicate campers enjoy their experiences each summer.
Who is eligible to attend camp?
Some camps restrict enrollment to youngsters within a predetermined age bracket, while others may be exclusive to legal residents of the town where the camp is being held. Eligibility is not only a significant variable in regard to determining who can and cannot attend a given camp; it’s also notable because parents may want their children to attend a camp that will feature some familiar faces. Attending camp alongside classmates or neighbors or teammates can calm kids’ nerves and make them more excited about going to camp each day in the summer. But camps open to children from other towns also can be beneficial by allowing children to expand their social networks.
Millions of children spend a significant portion of their summers at camp. The American Camp Association reports that 26 million children enroll in summer camp each year, and many of those youngsters make memories that last a lifetime while building lifelong friendships along the way. In addition to inquiring about hours of operation, insurance and pricing, parents can ask the following questions before enrolling a child in summer camp.
What is the experience of camp staff?
Camp directors and staff members spend a lot of time with campers each summer, so it’s important that parents ask who these people are, how they’re trained, and how much experience they have. No business can avoid employee turnover completely, so parents who hold out for a camp that’s had the same employees for decades will likely find themselves with an unhappy non-camper come the start of summer. But questions about turnover rate, training, and the counselor selection process are viable questions to ask prior to enrolling a child in a particular camp.
Who is eligible to attend camp?
Kids might grow bored if camp features the same itinerary each day, and parents might feel such camps are not worth the investment. Ask about the typical camp itinerary, including field trips, daily activities, special events, and entertainment. The more entertaining and fun a camp is, the more likely youngsters will love spending time there.
Great Summers Happen at the Y!
Experience the Magic of Our Summer Camps!
Courtesy of the Bangor Region YMCA
CAMP ACORN AT THE Y for K – 2nd graders:
Children attending Camp Acorn will stay at the Bangor Region YMCA and experience diverse and fun enrichment activities with a focus on play-based learning in a highly structured environment. Camp Acorn offers young campers opportunities to swim, enjoy community exploration excursions and time spent outdoors every day, all while having fun and making friends.
“Camp Acorn is an exceptional summer camp that strikes the perfect balance between learning and fun,” says Leslie Flowers. “My son had an absolute blast swimming, playing, and engaging in structured learning activities. The teachers were not only patient and kind but also incredibly professional. I couldn’t be happier with the experience my son had at Camp Acorn. It’s a camp that truly cares about the growth and development of each child. I highly recommend it to any parent looking for a summer camp that combines education and enjoyment!”
– Camp Acorn Parent
CAMP
G. PEIRCE
WEBBER DAY CAMP PROGRAMS
for K – 10th graders: Located on 55 beautiful acres in Hampden on the Souadabscook Stream, our Camp G. Peirce Webber has sports fields, an in-ground pool, archery range, playground, ropes course, hiking trails, and a 300-ft zip line. This popular traditional day camp program is for campers entering kindergarten through 6th grade who are looking to fill their weeks with different fun activities in a safe environment. Families who give Camp G. Peirce Webber a try will want to return every summer!
“I liked seeing my friends, and the nice counselors everyday, especially my counselor Ben. He was really cool, and fun to play with. He made me feel welcome. My favorite activities were zip lining, archery, STEM activities like when we built a boat to float in the water, gaga, swim, karaoke, and the werewolf game. I think camp is perfect.”
- Camp G. Peirce Webber Camper
Adventure Day Camp is for youth entering 5th to 10th grade who love camp, spending time with their friends, and are looking to test their limits on thrilling adventures. This summer program is designed to give campers new challenges and exciting experiences each day when they leave Camp G. Peirce Webber, giving them the opportunity to meet new friends and build relationships while exploring what our beautiful state of Maine has to offer. Time will be spent exploring the outdoors, hiking, swimming, and visiting the Bangor Region YMCA Camp Jordan. Campers should come ready for an outdoor adventure every day!
The Bangor Region YMCA has everything you need for your child to learn, grow, and thrive, whether your child is 5 years old or in high school!
Our day camps and overnight camps provide a safe, positive environment, encouraging each camper to step out of their comfort zone to explore, gain self-confidence, and become their best self.
CAMP JORDAN OVERNIGHT PROGRAMS
for 7 year olds – 12th Graders: Campers who are ready for an incredible overnight camp experience will love experiencing the magic of Camp Jordan, our 200-acre campus located along the beautiful shores of Branch Lake in Ellsworth, where campers from not just across the country, but across the globe, go home with an unforgettable experience and lifelong friends.
Mini-Camp is a half-week program that gives campers ages 7 to 9 years old an opportunity to explore new skills while under the supervision of specially trained staff. These children experience camping away from home with lots of individual attention, but without the extended stay.
Our Sleep Away program for campers ages 7 to 15 years old is formulated to reflect the appropriate challenges of each stage of child development. At Sleep Away Camp, children embark on a personal quest, enjoying activities of their choice from water sports, our ropes course, crafts, performing arts, archery, field sports, and more!
“This was my daughter’s 1st sleep away camp experience and I cannot put into words how happy and proud I am of her to continue our family tradition/legacy at Camp Jordan. Once again you have provided an entire generation with memories that will last a lifetime!” – Camp Jordan Parent
Adventure Seekers is a wilderness expedition program for teens ages 13 to 15 years old who are looking for an exciting and elevated camp experience. Our various expeditions incorporate backpacking, rock climbing, paddling, wilderness survival and so much more! Adventure Seekers will explore the best and most iconic parts of Maine. Join us for one of our three amazing trips this year: Acadia Sampler, Baxter Backpack or our White Water and West Branch Adventure!
Campers entering 5th to 12th grade have the opportunity to attend our Leaders School program which is an experiential based (learn by doing), fast paced, group focused program that encourages healthy risk taking, mutual support, and a greater connection to the outdoors. This program is designed to help campers in middle school and high school develop critical leadership skills and be their most authentic self.
Spots are filling up quickly in all our summer camp programs! To register, visit bangory.org or campjordan.org. Don’t delay or else your child will end up on this year’s wait list!
Financial assistance is available thanks to the support from our Y’s Annual Giving Campaign! Families are encouraged to apply early and must submit their financial assistance application by May 16th, 2025. Hurry, funds are limited!
DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF NATURE
COURTESY OF MAINE AUDUBON
This summer, let your child discover the wonders of nature at Maine Audubon’s Fields Pond Audubon Center Day Camp! From exploring hidden trails and tracking wildlife to engaging in hands-on nature activities, each day offers a fresh opportunity to learn about wildlife and habitat in Maine. Campers will not only discover the beauty of the natural world but also unlock their own curiosity, creativity, and passion for conservation.
Every week, we dive into a new theme — like birds, bugs, and the mysteries of water. Campers will study aquatic life in the pond, investigate pollinators up close, and learn how to be a steward of these special wild places. Campers spend lots of time outdoors, do hands-on science projects and creative art activities, and learn about wildlife and habitat from Maine Audubon’s experienced environmental educators.
But don’t just take our word for it! Alexandra Weaver, a long-time camp parent, shares why her kids keep coming back year after year: “I love that my kids spend time outdoors and connect with nature, rain or shine. The camp staff at Fields Pond are always a pleasure to chat with, and I know they’re passing on their love of nature and conservation to my children.” She adds, “They’ve attended for several years and never tire of the experience. Hikes and outdoor group games are particularly enjoyed!”
This year, we’ve expanded our outdoor learning space, so there’s even more room for campers to explore, discover, and make new friends. Scholarships are available, and Maine Audubon members get discounts.There’s also easy parking/drop-off just seven minutes from downtown Bangor!
Learn more and sign up at maineaudubon.org/camps
• SUN
• TRAVEL
• ICE CREAM
• JOURNEY
• SHELL
• BERRIES • SANDALS • SUMMER • PLAY
FRIENDS
CAMP
WATER
GRASS
SUNFLOWER
HOT
THUNDERSTORM
JAM OUT THIS SUMMER AT MAINE FIDDLE CAMP
COURTESY OF MAINE FIDDLE CAMP
Maine Fiddle Camp is an outdoor Maine summer camp experience. Campers stay in rustic bunkhouse cabins without electricity or in their own tents or RVs. Youths stay in cabins but may stay in tents with their family if they wish. All campers have convenient access to bathrooms and hot showers.
Good music and good food are elegantly combined at camp. The wholesome meals and snacks are eaten outdoors under tents, and classes are also held mostly outdoors. Mornings are spent in classes, with campers grouped by ability for small group instruction. Afternoons offer time for special-interest workshops, to practice on your own or with a friend, or for non-musical fun such as swimming. In the evenings there are concerts, dances, coffeehouses, and variety shows featuring performances by both staff and campers, all under the big tent, as well as jams for various levels, and sometimes other activities. Spontaneous jams are apt to happen almost anywhere, at any time, as campers enjoy swapping tunes and sharing the music they are learning in their classes.
Musicians of all ages and ability levels are welcome at Maine Fiddle Camp. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. A weekend or week at Maine Fiddle Camp makes a great family vacation. Rates are affordable — it’s twice the camp for half the price! Scholarships are available. Space is limited — early registration is encouraged. Tunes are taught by ear, in the traditional manner. Prior to each year’s first session, a new collection of tunes is posted on the website in both sound recording and sheet music formats and campers are encouraged to take advantage of this valuable resource year-round.
Maine Fiddle Camp focuses on the traditional dance music of the ScotsIrish, French, and Scandinavian traditions as they’ve evolved in Maine. Our large staff of traditional musicians play and teach fiddle, piano, guitar, banjo, mandolin, cello, bass, penny whistle/flute, mandolin, accordion, harmonica, vocals, and more, in workshops, performances, jams, song swaps, and dances.
