Greetings from Tracy's Desk!

As each summer approaches, The Summer Camp staff works hard to ensure that the necessary components are firmly in place, directing our enthusiasm towards the goal of creating an excellent season for campers and counselors alike. Yet, despite all preparations, one element of the Maine summer will remain forever outside of our control: weather.  This summer was absolutely spectacular. The breezy, sun-drenched days and deep blue skies made camp a true Camelot.

We worked with 350 girls from New York, New Jersey and each New England state over five sessions, being led by a principally new set of staff who represented all areas of the United States.  I was pleased to see the positive impacts of our Counselor-in-Training and Leadership
Programs. Our Leadership campers participated in a broad curriculum whose emphasis centered largely upon volunteerism, mentoring, and exposure to opportunity. Some of the charitable organizations at which our girls volunteered include The Organic Farmers of Maine, Humane Society of Knox County and The Washington Manor Community Home. Our Leadership counselors also maintained the tradition of including college visits in the summer itinerary, and toured Unity College, Thomas College, Southern Maine Community College and University of Southern Maine. Along with these activities, the girls remained active and engaged in camp life, assisting in activity groups and taking on responsibility leading and planning evening activities for all of camp. It was a likewise terrific year for the CIT program, which hosted eighteen young women, the largest amount of participates in our camp’s history. Each CIT had previously experienced our mission as a camper – one of whom has been a summertime fixture for twelve years – and it was our pleasure to guide them through the process of using that knowledge to become mature, confident role models. Several of these CITs will be returning next year as counselors and I am confident they will add a unique depth to our staff.

We jokingly referred to this summer as The Summer of Inspections. I am proud to say that we passed all assessments with flying colors. Under new regulations from the State of Maine, we were visited by the State Health Inspector, American Camping Association Accreditation Visitor, and a Federal Food Program Representative. Indeed, camp had never been so spotless. Of course these official endorsements are important and valuable to our ongoing philosophy, yet I cannot help but feel that they merely validate what we all know to be true: The Summer Camp is a positive, healthy environment for girls. While a nourishing meal or a safe waterfront dock system is an essential component of a happy and carefree summer, no inspection adequately sums up what should be known about The Summer Camp. It’s so rewarding to see young women emerge through our programs radiating a maturity and confidence they credit to years of healthy risk-taking, generous role models, and an environment of true security. I firmly believe that the need for The Summer Camp is stronger than ever before, and that the achievements of our campers are the greatest testaments to its worth.

Warmly,
Tracy St. Onge-May