Summer Camps 2017

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MAINE’S GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS 2017 • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 6, 2017

PREPARE NOW FOR SUMMER CAMP SEASON!

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ummer camp season is just around the corner. Each summer, millions of children depart for campsites around the country to swim, hike, craft, and enjoy the companionship of friends.

Summer camps in North America were first established in the 1880s and were attended by children without their parents for overnight stays. By the 20th century, summer camps had become an international phenomenon, and various organizations hosted traditional summer camps or camps geared toward religion, sports, music and other subjects and activities.

According to the American Camp Association (ACA), each year more than 14 million children and adults in the United States attend camp. America is home to more than 14,000 day and resident camps (8,400 are overnight camps and 5,600 are day camps).

Nonprofit groups are the largest sponsors of summer camps.

Many people put off summer camp planning until it is too late.

Parents should keep in mind that camps begin registration early in the year and have specific cut-off dates for enrollment. Parents who want to beat the crowds this year can use this guide to help plan a summer camp agenda.

2017 Summer Camps Special Section Publisher: Richard J. Warren Senior Editor, Special Sections: Matthew Chabe s Print Sale Manager: Todd Johnston Layout: Coralie Cross Cover Design: Callie Picard Creative Manager: Michele Dwyer Creative Services: Callie Picard, Jocelyn Davis, Ben Cyr, Carolina Rave

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· Attend an orientation seminar. Take the time to visit prospective camps for a tour, and use this open house as an opportunity to learn more about the programs offered. If available, find a camp employee to discuss your child’s eligibility for enrollment. Some camps may offer webinars for convenience. · Fill out the enrollment package completely.

Each camp has their own requirements for registration. Expect to submit some personal information, including a medical background and proof of insurance, names and numbers of emergency contacts, and any other pertinent information as it applies to the camper.

This may include allergies, fears, physical or mental disabilities, or even preferences in camp courses. · Establish payment schedules. Summer camps vary in price. The ACA says camp costs range from $100 to more than $1,500 per weeWk. However, many accredited camps offer some sort of financial assistance for children from families with limited financial means. If cost is a factor, be sure to broach the subject. · Prepare children for the physical challenges a camp may present. Summer camp activities may be rigorous, and campers may need to be cleared by a physician before starting. Be sure to schedule your child a physical and bring along any pertinent forms. Children also can increase their levels of physical activity compared to the often sedentary nature of winter. Such preparation can prevent injuries when engaging in outdoor and physical activities. · Shop for supplies. Camps are likely to provide a list of requirements with regard to clothing and other equipment campers will need. Make sure kids have enough shorts, T-shirts, socks, athletic shoes, swimsuits, toiletries, and other camp necessities before they leave. · Keep children in the loop. Engage children in the planning process to help alleviate their fears and get them excited about summer camp.

Summer camp can foster lifelong memories. Parents can help kids prepare in advance for the fun that’s soon to arrive.

MAINE’S GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS 2017 • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 6, 2017

STUDENT SUCCESS THROUGH A SUMMER OF FUN AT ALL SAINTS Courtesy of All Saints Catholic School

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s the snow melts and flowers begin to peek out from under the wet soil of Maine’s mud season, deciding where to send your children over summer vacation is not always top of mind. However, summer programs are filling up fast and choosing the right program may be more important than most parents realize.

Educational researchers over the last hundred years have found that students experience significant learning loss when they do not participate in educational activities during the summer months. Studies show that students perform, on average, one month behind where they left off in the spring, scoring lower on standardized tests at the end of summer than they do on the same tests at the end of the school year.

A well-structured, education-based summer program can help close the gap associated with summer learning loss, and even boost your child’s performance for years to come. In fact, research shows that the positive effects of summer learning

programs endure for at least two years after the student has completed the program.

At All Saints, the summer learning program offers exciting hands-on activities to encourage exploration and creativity in a fun but structured setting. Our goal is to keep children learning and engaged in a variety of educational topics through the summer months while cultivating new interests. Led by highly-trained, experienced and certified educators, each theme and activity is specifically chosen to allow students to explore a wide range of subjects through a STEM approach for a well-rounded, high-quality summer learning experience.

Spanning an eleven week period, the program boasts a new adventure each week with themes based in art, science, history and social studies.

For example, during “Snap, Crackle, and Pop” week, children learn about sound and how it works, build their own instruments, learn sign language, and make some noise as they try out

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different instruments . For those interested in history, join us for “Once Upon a Time” week, where we step back in time to the Middle Ages with stories, plays, castle construction, catapults, music and crafts of the time. Future world travelers will enjoy “Globe Trotter” week, where they’ll get to travel around the world exploring the customs, food, music, and dance of Texas, Hawaii, Mexico and China (don’t worry, we’ll have them back by dinner time each day). Other weeks include “Out of this World” space exploration, “Cooking up Chemistry,” “Feathers, Furs, and Fangs” for our animal lovers, and “Into the Woods,” where we explore Maine’s ecosystem.

The All Saints summer program is a full-day program open to students from all school districts, grades K-8. Both catholic and noncatholic students are welcome and accepted for a summer of learning, fun, exploration and adventure. Children can be signed up for specific weeks at a rate of $150 per week, or for the entire eleven week program where you will receive one week free. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis as space is limited. For more information on our themes, pricing and FAQ, please visit allsaintsmaine.org/summer or contact Kate Bielinski at 207-947-7063.

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MAINE’S GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS 2017 • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 6, 2017

MAINE’S GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS 2017 • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 6, 2017

PINE TREE CAMP: A SPECIAL PLACE TO CAMPERS WITH DISABILITIES Courtesy of Pine Tree Camp

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estled among the pine trees in Rome, Maine, you will find a special place that many call “heaven on earth.” What makes this summer camp so special?

Pine Tree Camp, a program of Pine Tree Society, offers a traditional summer camp experience to Maine children and adults with a wide range of intellectual and physical disabilities. Our campers cover a wide spectrum — from those needing minimal assistance, to those requiring extensive support in all aspects of daily living.

The barrier-free, 285 acre setting is completely accessible ensuring that campers, regardless of ability level, are able to enjoy typical summer camp activities. Our counseling staff provides constant care and support to campers to ensure that they are meaningfully participating in all activities. Counselors live in cabins with campers and are hands-on 24/7 to ensure that campers are safe and cared for.

Summer camp is all about making friends. That’s no different at Pine Tree Camp. Our counseling staff is trained in providing support to campers in making friends. The result is a close bond between cabin mates and connections that live well beyond the summer.

Since it began in 1945, Pine Tree Camp has never turned a camper away due to inability to pay tuition. This open-door policy is in place thanks to thousands of generous donors across Maine and beyond. Learn more or apply today. Visit pinetreesociety.org or call 207-386-5990.

CHALLENGE THE MIND, DEVELOP STEM INTERESTS AT MSSM SUMMER CAMP Courtesy of MSSM

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his summer, challenge your camper’s mind and develop their interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) at the Maine School of Science and Mathematics (MSSM) Summer Camp.

This year marks MSSM’s twentieth year of summer camp. Join the celebration in a week-long experience designed for campers aged 10 to 14.

MSSM campers choose from a variety of handson science, technology, engineering and mathematics courses. Campers partake in interactive learning experiences while enjoying a traditional summer camp experience. MSSM offers over 20 different courses including rocketry, computer programming, built-to-last engineering, making math magic, physics olympics, and LEGO robotics, to name a few.

MSSM also provides a variety of afternoon activities such as sports, crafts, swimming, and exciting evening programs. There’s something fun for everyone!

MSSM Summer Camp offers financial aid scholarships in the amounts of $350 and $200 for qualifying families. Join MSSM this year for another exciting summer of learning and fun! For more information or to complete an application, visit mssm.org.

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MAINE’S GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS 2017 • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 6, 2017

IMAGINATIONS GET THEIR ROCKET FUEL AT CAMP ® INVENTION !

Courtesy of Camp Invention

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n exciting, weeklong summer adventure for K-6 graders awaits with activities that explore connections between science, technology, engineering and innovation.

A nonprofit program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame®, Camp Invention allows children to experience real-world problem solving, creative thinking, invention and teamwork. Modules include challenges and achievements from the brightest thinkers around—the inductees of the National Inventors Hall of Fame!

This summer, children will work together to transform the terrain and ecosystem of a distant exoplanet. They will also take risks as budding business owners, blast rockets, fire air cannons, fling rubber chickens, and wire circuits to create their own spy gadget alarm boxes!

Local certified educators lead this week of hands-on activities that fuel children’s confidence in their natural ability to dream and create. Early registration discounts are available. Use promo code INNOVATE15

by May 1 to save $15. Availability is limited, so visit www.campinvention.org or call 800-968-4332 to secure your child’s spot today!

MAINE’S GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS 2017 • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 6, 2017

UNPLUG AND TIE IN WITH ACADIA MOUNTAIN GUIDES SUMMER CAMPS Courtesy of Acadia Mountain Guides

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cadia Mountain Guides (AMG) Summer Youth Camps offer the opportunity to “unplug” from the buzz of technology and focus on human-powered outdoor experiences that encourage interaction with nature and each other. Students experience a variety of action-packed outdoor activities such as rock climbing, caving, hiking, swimming, canoeing and more.

Nestled into the activities are skill sessions including first aid, navigation, plants and animals and geology. Beyond trying healthy new activities and developing outdoor skills, students develop new friendships, learn the value of trust and responsibility, and experience the joy of outdoor sports. AMG offers several camps for different age groups and interests.

Paddle the east branch of the Penobscot, sea kayak on coastal waters, raft the Kennebec, hike Katahdin, and rock climb on sea cliffs—these are but some of the activities in our Multi-Sport Adventure camps for 13 to 18 year olds. You can even combine multiple weeks. AMG offers a series of four rock

climbing-specific camps that teach everything from introductory top rope rock climbing to multi-pitch climbing.

The Young Explorer program is tailored to 9-12 year olds and is available as a five-day overnight or day camp. Young Explorers sample different outdoor activities and learn outdoor skills. Campers may do multiple weeks with minimal repetition, or participate in focused specialized climbing camp. If you’re unsure if your child would like rock climbing, then consider a private half-day family climb to try it out.

Mention this article and save 15 percent on camp sign up.

Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School is a member of Maine Youth Camps, licensed by Maine Department of Health and Human Services, and accredited by American Mountain Guides Association and Professional Climbing Instructors Association.

Leaders are registered Maine Trip Leaders and professionally certified in climbing instruction and wilderness first aid.

Visit ClimbAcadia.org for a complete description of summer camps, and call 207-866-7562 to register.

YOUTH ROCK CLIMBING & ADVENTURE CAMPS Climb • Hike • Paddleboard • Camp • Canoe • Raft • Learn Outdoor Skills • Meet Friends • Have Fun!

SIGN UP TODAY! 207.866.7562

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MAINE’S GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS 2017 • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 6, 2017

SUMMER CAMP OPTIONS ABOUND S

ummer camp is a beloved tradition in many families. Many parents of young children fondly recall spending their summers at summer camp, where they made lifelong friends and learned the finer points of roasting marshmallows and competing in three-legged sack races.

Parents looking for the right summer camp for their kids will soon discover there are various types of summer camps, each offering youngsters something different. The following are some of the summer camp options parents can expect to encounter as they search for the right camper for their kids.

DAY CAMP Day camps are not overnight camps, which means kids will return home each night rather than sleep over at camp. Day camps typically offer many of the activities people have come to associate with camps, including crafts, sports and even day trips to experience local culture or attractions. Many day camps are coed, and counselors typically live within the community.

MAINE’S GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS 2017 • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 6, 2017

FAITH-BASED CAMPS Faith-based camps offer many of the same activities as more traditional summer camps, but do so while simultaneously offering campers the opportunity to celebrate and further explore their religious beliefs.

Some faith-based camps may focus heavily on religion, incorporating faith into daily camp activities, while others may be more subtle with regard to integrating religious beliefs and lessons into camp activities.

SPORTS CAMPS Some summer camps focus on a particular sport, catering to young athletes who want to further develop their athletic talents. Sports camps may feature guest lectures and lessons from notable local athletes and coaches, while some camps may provide instruction from current and/or former professional athletes. Some sports camps are overnight, while others are day camps.

SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPS

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Parents of children with special nee ds can still send their kids to summer camp, as there are ma ny camps that cater to such youngsters. Special needs cam ps may cater to campers who are blind, deaf, learning dis abled, or mentally or physically disabled. Staff at specia l needs camps typically undergoes extensive training, which helps to calm some of the fears parents may have about lea ving their special needs children at camp. Facilities at specia l needs camps are often built to accommodate the specific nee ds of campers.

FAMILY CAMPS

family Family camps are opportunities for the whole ily camps to enjoy the summer camp experience. Fam s families typically tailor their activities around task providing can complete together, with counselors ps may be assistance when it’s needed. Family cam ically stay faith-based or secular, and families typ psites or in overnight, sleeping in facilities on the cam lodging away from home.

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MAINE’S GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS 2017 • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 6, 2017

MAINE’S GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS 2017 • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 6, 2017

WHAT WILL YOU DISCOVER AT MAINE DISCOVERY MUSEUM SUMMER CAMPS? Courtesy of Maine Discovery Museum

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ow in its 16th year, Maine Discovery Museum (MDM)’s summer camp program is a huge hit with kids and parents alike. We “STEM” the summer brain drain by offering a safe, engaging and fun experience.

MDM Summer Camps include amazing choices for budding artists, scientists, builders and performers— programs like “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” “Community Builders Lego Challenge,” and “Science, the Cutting Edge” are just some of the options available.

MDM’s camps combine fun, age-appropriate, hands-on

art and science activities with free-play to enjoy the museum and daily outdoor times.

Not sure if your child is ready for a whole week of camp? Try our half day option for ages five and six!

As one mom said, “I’ve looked around at a lot of other places, but MDM camps are simply the best!”

Come for one week or the entire summer. Enjoy the convenience of early drop off and after-care options. Find the MDM Summer Camp program complete with theme descriptions, tuition and request forms online at mainediscoverymuseum.org or call 207-262-7200 today.

RAD CAMP AT UMAINE OFFERS SUMMER FUN FOR EVERYONE. Courtesy of RAD Camp

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AD Camp is where Bangor-area kids go for exciting, fun-filled summers. Presented by UMaine Campus Recreation and the Town of Orono, RAD Camp features various activities with a myriad of fun-filled themes.

“RAD Camp offers 10 full weeks of camp with a different theme each week,” said Dale Russell, the camp director, “so whether campers come for just one week or the entire summer, they will have a different adventure every day.”

Some of this summer’s themes include Under the Sea, Space is the Place, and Super Hero Week. With the camp’s home base at the New Balance Recreation Center at UMaine, campers get to experience all the campus has to offer. But campers don’t just stay on campus. RAD Camp also features weekly field trips, led by experienced camp staff at camper-to-staff ratios that are at least as low as required by state law, and often lower.

“Our field trips allow campers to explore more of the great state we live in,” said Russell. Typical RAD Camp activities include swimming, rock climbing, canoeing, zip lining, arts and crafts, and even ice skating.

One unique aspect of RAD Camp is the campers themselves.

Because of the camp’s ties to the UMaine, campers come from all over, which allows for the kids to make a whole new group of friends.

If your kids have never been to camp before, or they’re hesitant to try a whole week, that’s not a problem. RAD Camp offers both weekly and pay-by-day options. For the best experience, the full week is suggested; however, camp staff try to accommodate varying needs and schedules the best they can. To find out more about RAD Camp, visit www.umaine. edu/campusrecreation or go to oronorec.com to register.

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MAINE’S GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS 2017 • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 6, 2017

MAINE’S 4-H CAMPS: HONORING LEGACY, SHAPING THE FUTURE Courtesy of University of Maine 4-H Camps

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he University of Maine 4-H Camps at Blueberry Cove, Bryant Pond, and Tanglewood offer summer programs in which campers build connections to the natural world, are physically active, and learn valuable skills – all while having fun and making friends!

From the mountain lakes and streams of Bryant Pond to the river and ponds of Tanglewood to the ocean and shores of Blueberry Cove, water flows from one 4-H Center to another, covering many ecological and demographic communities in

Maine. Our camps bring youth together where they discover simple-yet-profound joys: hiking to see a full moon rise, catching fireflies, and feeling the sense of accomplishment in mastering new skills.

While all three camps have the same core goals, each 4-H camp has a slightly different focus based around their location in the state. With a diverse array of programming centered around shooting sports, visual arts and drama, engineering/STEM, primitive skills, sailing or canoeing, gardening and animal care, or place-based ecology, UMaine’s 4-H Camps have something for everyone. Campers build independence by learning to make choices for themselves to shape their own camp experience.

Blueberry Cove, Bryant Pond and Tanglewood are Maine camps for Maine kids, priced to be affordable and with scholarships available for anyone who wishes to attend.

We are hosting FREE Youth Field Days where families can experience what our programs are all about: June 3 at Bryant Pond in Woodstock, June 10 at Tanglewood in Lincolnville, and June 17 at Blueberry Cove in Tenants Harbor from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Traditional camp activities will be offered, as well as lunch and opportunities to enjoy the beauty of our unique locations.

The University of Maine is an equal opportunity/ affirmative action institution. Learn more about all of our programs umaine.edu/4h/youth/camps.

MAINE’S GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS 2017 • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 6, 2017

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BUILD CREATIVITY AND SELF-ESTEEM

AT WINDOVER ART CENTER

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or over 35 years, students at Windover Art Center have learned more than art projects. By taking responsibility for their art works, students at Windover learn to think creatively, and gain an increased sense of self-esteem.

Every day at Windover begins with teachers and students going over the day’s activities. First period might bring the choice of whether to go to the pottery studio, to take photos at the frog pond, to make their very own stuffed animal, or to make a movie—and this is just a small sample.

At Windover, students lead their own learning.

During each class, students are encouraged to find their own creative voice. Photographers look more closely at their favorite things—pets, friends, nature, anything. Pottery students sculpt clay into intricate patterns and attractive sculptures, whatever they want to make. Filmmakers and actors collaborate to write movies and develop their own characters, from costumes, props, and locations to scripting. No matter the class, students are given the freedom to follow their creativity—and given the help to get them there.

At Windover, art is more than beautiful artwork. It’s about decision making, responsibility, creativity, selfesteem and learning to fulfill your dreams!

Courtesy of Windover Art Center

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MAINE’S GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS 2017 • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 6, 2017

MAINE’S GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS 2017 • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 6, 2017

ACADIA HOSPITAL OFFERS SUMMER PROGRAM FOR KIDS WITH EMOTIONAL/ BEHAVIORAL CHALLENGES Courtesy of Acadia Hospital

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ummer is traditionally an opportunity for kids to spend time in a camp environment, having fun, learning new skills and making friends. For some children, however, their emotional and/or behavioral health challenges make it hard to participate.

That’s where Acadia Hospital’s Summer Treatment Program can make a difference. Located in Bangor on the Acadia Hospital campus, the Summer Treatment Program is an intensive day program for children and adolescents who have conflicts at home and/or school, as well as difficulty participating in community activities because of emotional/behavioral problems due to a mental health diagnosis.

“A goal of the program is to reduce individual barriers and assist children in identifying and maximizing their strengths, so they may have more positive experiences at home, in school and in the community,” said Chris McLaughlin, LCSW, administrator of pediatric services at Acadia Hospital. “We have a great team of clinicians, and we are able to incorporate treatment approaches in a fun way, so the kids are able to learn important lessons about health and wellness, social skill development and anger management, among other things.”

This year’s program will run from June 26 to Sept. 1, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

To register, call 207-973-6048. For more information, families and providers can call 207-973-6019.

Space is limited.

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A SPOOKY SUMMER AT

PENOBSCOT THEATRE COMPANY

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egistration is now open for Penobscot Theatre Company’s Dramatic Academy Summer 2017. The programs welcome young performers & technical theatre enthusiasts to join, whether they are brand new to theatre or veterans.

“We are brewing up a tremendous summer of spooky favorites,” said Amy Roeder, director of education. “Our musical session will end in a production of the hilarious Broadway hit ‘The Addams Family’ and our non-musical session ends with a production of the Ray Bradbury classic ‘Something Wicked This Way Comes.’ With all of the thrills and chills this summer, who needs air conditioning?”

Session 1 The Addams Family (musical)

For ages: 4-20 Session dates: June 26 – July 23 Performance dates: July 20, 21, 22 & 23 res everyone’s This magnificently macabre musical featu Addams Family! favorite creepy next-door neighbors: The Come meet the family!

Session 2 Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury

For ages: 4-20 Session dates: July 31 – August 20 en came early One strange and dark year long ago, Hallowe ow Show rolled when Cooger & Dark’s Pandemonium Shad Will Halloway – into town. Two boys – Jim Nightshade and t the carnival are about to discover the diabolical truth abou classic tale. ’s in this gripping adaptation of Ray Bradbury

Both sessions offer Tech Track, a special course of study for young people aged 13 and up interested in working behind the scenes, including set design and construction, stage management, prop design and construction, costuming, lighting, and sound. Because production and performance go hand-in-hand, Tech Track participants will learn alongside their performing peers.

Courtesy of Penobscot Theatre Company

Faculty for Dramatic Academy Summer 2017 will include teaching artists Ben Layman, Amy Roeder, Grace LivingstonKramer, and other experts in the craft.

Classes will run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (lunch noon-1 p.m. optional) for students aged 4-6; and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. for students aged 7 and up. Tech Track will run daily Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. A limited number of scholarships and teen counselor positions are available for each session. An early bird discount is available for those who enroll before May 1. Penobscot Theatre Dramatic Academy summer programs are approved programs for families who qualify for a child care tax credit.

For more information and to register, visit www.penobscottheatre.org and click on the Education tab.

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MAINE’S GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS 2017 • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 6, 2017

THE MAGIC OF THE BANGOR YMCA WILDERNESS CENTER AT CAMP JORDAN

Courtesy of the Bangor YMCA

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eople always ask the Bangor YMCA what makes the programs at their Wilderness Center at Camp Jordan so special. No matter who you ask—campers, counselors, directors, the CEO and even alumni—they all seem to agree: it’s the camp’s special “magic.”

That Camp Jordan magic is what everyone who’s spent their summers on the shores of Branch Lake in Ellsworth talk about when reminiscing about camp. It’s a feeling that touches the hearts of campers and counselors alike, and has been doing so for over 109 years.

What creates Camp Jordan magic is its people, and the words that hang on the walls of the King Dining Hall: “We are born not for ourselves but to help others.” The Bangor YMCA’s camp staff live by this slogan and pass it to their campers. Campers don’t just leave Camp Jordan with memories of water tubing on Branch Lake or of friends cheering them on down the zip line. They also take with them the memories and feelings of the kindness they experience there.

It’s the Y’s counselors noticing that one of their campers is outgrowing their clothes and taking the initiative to spend their day off buying new clothes to bring to this camper so he can be comfortable for the rest of the summer. It’s the support of alumni who want to “pay it forward” and give campers from low-income families the opportunity to experience the camp because they’ve experienced first-hand the positive impact it can make in a child’s life and know their life would have not been the same without it.

“We work together as a family to help youth and teens grow, helping them take a step closer to the best versions of themselves that they can be,” said Jodie Burckhard, the director of camp programs and services. “With some campers, we see their self-confidence grow over the weeks or become open to try new things. With others, we see an increase of awareness of those around them; an understanding of the obstacles others may face and meeting kids their age from different countries and backgrounds. But what is even more amazing, is that once our campers age out of our programs, they want to come back as counselors so they can continue the tradition of helping others the same way their counselors helped them.”

It is the combination of the memories that caused the uncontrollable laughter, the acts of kindness, the unforgettable friendships, and the feeling of acceptance and family created by the people at the Bangor Y’s Wilderness Center at Camp Jordan that makes it so magical. Whether campers are on the shores of Branch Lake for our Sleep Away Camp (8 to 15 year olds), are out exploring Maine with our Adventure Seekers (8 to 17 year olds), or are developing their leadership skills with our Leaders School program (middle and high school students), every camper leaves with a little Camp Jordan magic in their hearts.

For more information about The Bangor YMCA Wilderness Center at Camp Jordan, visit CampJordan.org or call 207-667-4772.