Summer Camps 2022

Maine’s Guide to

SUMMER CAMPS

THE BEST SUMMER FUN !

A special advertising section of the Bangor Daily News April 8, 2022

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MAINE SUMMER CAMPS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 8, 2022

FACTORS TO CONSIDER

BEFORE CHOOSING A SUMMER CAMP

Summer camps give kids a chance to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Choosing the right camp is an important decision that parents and kids should make together.

Courtesy of Metro Creative Summer camps can provide the opportunity to form lifelong friendships and discover rewarding hobbies that can enrich campers’ lives for decades to come.

Choosing a summer camp is no small task, as the options at families’ disposal range from overnight camps to weekday afternoon camps to camps that specialize in certain programs, such as music or dance. Cost also is likely to factor into families’ decisions, as the American Camp Association notes that cost can vary greatly depending on which camp families choose. For example,

KIDS’ INTERESTS Consider your kiddo’s interests and personality before choosing a summer camp. Parents might want their children to attend the same summer camp they visited as youngsters, but each child is different. Just because mom and dad liked a particular camp does not mean their children will. The ACA notes that summer camps should align with children’s interests and maturity level.

the ACA notes that the average daily fee at a resident camp is $85, while the same fee at a day camp is $43.

When looking for a summer camp for kids, families should make the decision together. Kids should be involved in the selection process, as they’re more likely to have an enjoyable camp experience if they had a say in where they will be spending their summers. The following are some factors families should consider as they look for summer camps, courtesy of the ACA.

LOCALE Locale may only be a consideration for families considering overnight camps. Kids will likely be familiar with the locations of local day camps, but overnight camps might be set in mountain ranges, near the ocean or environments less familiar to youngsters. Kids who love the ocean might benefit from oceanfront camps that focus on marine biology, boating or other activities involving the water. In the same vein, youngsters who like camping and hiking might be more likely to embrace camps located in mountainous regions.

SESSION LENGTH Camps may last as little as one week or up to a couple of months. Session length should be considered by families looking at both local day camps and overnight resident camps.

Parents who want their children to enjoy a largely schedule-free summer might not want to commit their children to lengthy camp sessions, even if those sessions are close to home. If parents think their children can benefit from the same structure they’re accustomed to during the school year, then an overnight camp that stretches for several weeks might be what they’re looking for.

MAINE SUMMER CAMPS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 8, 2022

HAVE A MEMORABLE SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE! Courtesy of Metro Creative

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As hours of sunlight increase, thoughts may turn to summer vacation. For many children, summer vacation wouldn’t be the same without camp.

Adults may have their own fond memories of going to summer camp when they were children because of the opportunities it presented to be independent and meet new people. Campers often bond over shared experiences, whether they are planned activities or unexpected “disasters” like a rainstorm washing out a canoe trip. That is why so many parents choose to carry on the summer camp tradition when they have their own children.

However, some kids may not be ready to jump right into the summer camp lifestyle. Such youngsters may need extra reassurance and support to make the most of their time at camp. The following are some tips for making summer camp an enjoyable experience.

PLAN AHEAD

Families can visit the camp in advance and get a lay of the land. Knowing what to expect in terms of facilities and activities can assuage some anxiety. It also will help campers hone in on what to pack and what to expect over the summer.

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TRY MANY NEW ACTIVITIES Summer camp is about expanding boundaries and interests. Campers should sign up for many activities, including those that normally may be out of their wheelhouse. A camper may be pleased to learn that a new craft activity or a sports game piques his or her interest.

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MAINE SUMMER CAMPS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 8, 2022

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CONNECT WITH FELLOW CAMPERS IN ADVANCE If the camp has a social media presence, follow the camp’s posts and connect with other like-minded campers even before they arrive. Talking with others who share similar interests can help campers feel more comfortable about meeting up once they arrive at camp.

DEVELOP A RAPPORT WITH CAMP COUNSELORS The saying “you only get one chance to make a first impression” extends to campers meeting camp counselors. When campers interact with counselors for the first time, they should be outgoing, polite and open to new idas. Counselors will appreciate easygoing campers and could be good resources of useful information, such as how to score an extra dessert at mealtime.

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FOLLOW THE SAFETY RULES

While campers may spread their wings a bit at summer camp when not under the watchful eyes of parents, any mischief should not come at the expense of safety.

Campers should stick to the safety protocol so that camp is not memorable for the wrong reasons.

Summer camp season is on the horizon and campers can take several steps to foster memorable and fun experiences along the way.

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CHANGE ANOTHER CAMPER’S EXPERIENCE

A camper who recognizes a fellow camper is reserved and shy can invite that person to come sit with other friends at meals or to participate in an activity. This can help build a lasting friendship and make camp that much more enjoyable for someone in need.

MAINE SUMMER CAMPS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 8, 2022

SHOW THEM YOU CARE

WITH A PACKAGE FROM HOME

By BDN Special Sections

Whether it’s your child’s first time at an overnight camp or something they look forward to every summer, all kids love to get mail from home. Care packages with small treats and mementos from home are a great way to stay in touch and send a little love while your child is away.

SOME THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

Be sure to send your package early to ensure it reaches them while they’re still at camp. Camp mail delivery may only happen at certain times of the day, so if your child is only gone for a week, be sure to send it sooner rather than later.

Don’t forget about the other campers. Sending treats that can be shared with fellow bunkmates is a great way for your child to make friends and spread the love.

Care packages don’t have to be huge. Smaller is usually better. A few treats and treasures go a long way in combating homesickness and perking up someone’s day.

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MAINE SUMMER CAMPS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 8, 2022

WHAT TO PACK

PHOTOS

A picture of a beloved pet (or even a favorite stuffed animal or toy) doing something silly, hanging out in the child’s room while they’re away or just being extra cute is a great way to say hi and gives your child something to share with their bunkmates. It may even help them break the ice with a new friend.

CANDY AND SNACKS

Nothing perks up a kid like a sweet treat. Think individually wrapped small candies or snack packs that can be shared amongst friends. Just be sure to confirm with the camp that treats are allowed and be cautious of allergies.

PUZZLE BOOKS OR TRAVEL GAMES

Campers who are gone for long stretches may find themselves with some downtime. Sudoku puzzles, mazes and tiny travel games to play with friends can help fill up those slower hours.

GLOW STICKS

Part of the fun of an overnight camp is nights by a fire pit — and you can help light up the dark walk back to the bunk with glow sticks, bracelets or other fun shapes.

NOTE FROM HOME

Don’t forget to send your love in a note from home. In case your child is feeling homesick, don’t dwell too much on what’s happening at home without them there or how much you miss them. Instead, tell them you love them and remind them to have fun!

MAINE SUMMER CAMPS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 8, 2022

LEARN & EXPLORE

THIS SUMMER Courtesy of All Saints Catholic School

Once again, All Saints Catholic School will be providing an exciting opportunity for your school-age children to come learn and explore with us in our educational Summer Program.

Our Summer Program will begin at 7 a.m. and close at 5:30 p.m. each day, and will offer a new adventure each week over a 10-week period, with themes based in art, science, history and social studies. Students will begin the summer learning about “Gardening” and will plant, care for and harvest the school’s garden. Campers will also learn about “Animals,” participate in a “Space” week and give back to the community during the week of “Community Service.” During our “Music and Dance” week we will learn more about musical instruments, styles of dance and types of music.

Education researchers 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 the summer than they do on the same tests at the end of the school year. A well-structured, educational-based summer program can help close the gap associated with summer learning loss, and even boost your child’s performance for years to come.

The All Saints summer program is a full-day program open to students from all school districts, preschool through grade five.

Both Catholic and non-Catholic students are welcome and accepted for a summer of learning, fun, exploration, community service and adventure. Children can sign up for a whole summer or specific themed weeks. Rates are $40 a day for the Summer Camp program. Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis as space is limited.

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MAINE SUMMER CAMPS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 8, 2022

SUMMER CAMP IS BACK AT PENOBSCOT THEATRE COMPANY

AND IT’S GOING TO BE AN

EPIC ADVENTURE! Courtesy of Penobscot Theatre Company Join in the fun of live theatre this summer during our multi-week day camps.

Onstage or backstage, experienced or first-timers are all welcome during our two sessions. Campers can join us for either or BOTH sessions to experience to full epicness.

For campers ages 7-18, PTC’s Dramatic Academy epic summer camp starts June 20. The fun begins with the electrifying hit, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, based on the popular book series by Rick Riordan, which tells the story of Percy’s quest to retrieve The Bolt from Zeus’ enemies and return it to Olympus.

Or campers ages 7-18 can join us on July 25, and bring creatures of Middleearth to life in The Hobbit. Bilbo and Gandalf face the evil dragon Smaug.

During their journey to Rivertown, Bilbo finds a curious ring in the possession of Gollum.

In each session you will be cast in the production, rehearse the parts and bring the story to life onstage in a final weekend of performances. Ever want to share the stage with a dragon or minotaur? Dramatic Academy’s Summer Camp is your chance!

Want to learn more about Dramatic Academy?

Email: education@penobscottheatre.org

TINY THESPIANS (AGES 5-6)

Calling all Tiny Thespians! Come work on your own Epic Adventure story in a shorter version of our day camp. What story will you tell? How did a cyclops and Medusa become BFFs? Or how Bilbo and Gandalf met a Giant Eagle? It’s your story, you decide. The Tiny Thespians will perform their piece on the opening night of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical or The Hobbit.

TECH TRACK (AGES 12-18)

Don’t want to be onstage but love theater? We have Maine’s only Tech Track Program for kids just like you! Available for both sessions, Tech Track teens will be immersed in scenic, lights, sound, costumes and more! Why be an actor when you can build a dragon! From Olympus to the Shire, we can’t wait to create with you!

Reserve your spot this summer before the general public!

Scan the QR code OR visit www.penobscottheatre.org/summer2022