Fun, Adventure and Learning

The Summer Camp programs meet the changing needs of our first time and returning campers. Our programs include: General Camp, Hiking and Canoeing, Leadership Training, Counselor-in-Training and Literacy.

General Camp (Ages 6-12)

Upon arrival at camp, each girl is welcomed by a handmade afghan draped across her bed, a gift donated by Project Linus volunteers. The General Camp activities and counselors empower girls with feelings of acceptance, understanding and improved self-confidence.

The Summer Campers sleep in small rustic cabins with nine girls their age and three counselors. They participate in new adventures that aid their personal growth through such as: canoeing, kayaking, swimming, sailing, dance, land sports, photography, drama, archery, pottery, knitting, sewing, arts and crafts, science explorers and adventure day trips. For most, this is the first time they have ever had the opportunity to experience such activities. In the evening, Summer Campers enjoy a variety of bunk and all camp activities. These include a talent show, scavenger hunt and dance. During their stay at camp, they spend a night camping in a tent and roast marshmallows for s’mores over an open fire.
 

Hiking and Canoeing (Returning campers ages 12-13)

Our 13-day Hiking and Canoeing program expands the camper’s personal growth in our General Camp program and encourages the campers to trust their peers and develop team working skills. This program uses social, athletic and outdoor skills to meet the challenges of hiking and camping in the Maine woods and canoeing on the Saco River. Completion of these adventures provides a sense of accomplishment for each girls as well as creates trusting bonds and friendships between the campers that lasts a lifetime. The Summer Campers are empowered with greater self-confidence and coping skills through workshops designed specifically for early adolescent girls. A Community Outreach Educator from the Family Planning Association of Maine, works with our Hiking and Canoeing campers in small groups of 8-10 to encourage each girl to believe in herself and abilities. Once the campers complete the Hiking and Canoeing program, they radiate confidence and look forward to embracing new challenges.

Leadership Training (Retunring campers ages 13-14)

Leadership Training activities and workshops focus on empowering teenage girls with greater self-esteem and knowledge to make informed, mature decisions regarding issues that affect the lives of adolescent girls. These workshops include:

• Nutrition and food preparation
• Educational support and college preparation
• American Red Cross Babysitting
• Healthy family planning choices
• Positive self-image and confidence
• Safe and effective communication
• Nonviolent conflict resolution
• Job application, interviews and professional behavior
• Drug awareness and prevention

Leadership Training gives the girls a chance to work with a diverse group of inner city and rural teens as they implement their leadership skills by volunteering at the Good Shepherd Food Bank, the Humane Society of Knox County and the Washington Manor (a residential care facility). At The Summer Camp, they learn how to be responsible leaders- planning and implementing activities for the younger campers. Young women who complete two years of the Leadership Training program move on to work as Counselors-in-Training.
 

Counselor-in-Training (Returning campers ages 15-16)

Our Counselor-in-Training program (CIT) is for girls who have completed the Hiking and Canoeing program and two years of Leadership Training. The CITs attend two consecutive General Camp sessions. Using the skills they learned during previous years at camp, they accept responsibility for providing a safe, fun and educational environment for the General Campers. The CIT’s work alongside camp counselors, assisting them with their everyday duties, including caring for the younger campers. Upon successfully completing two years of CIT, reaching the age of 18, and exemplifying mature decision making skills, many of our CITs return the following years as general counselors.

Literacy (All campers)

The Summer Camp’s Literacy program is uniquely designed to provide academic support and encouragement for girls who are reading below grade level. It is the goal of the Literacy program and staff, to work with each girl individually to assure her of her personal and academic strengths while helping increase her literary abilities. At the end of each session, Summer Campers are given their very own books to take home- a gift from The Patrina Foundation.