Summer Camps 2020 by Bangor Daily News

Maine’s Guide to

s p m a C 2020

Inside:

5 REASONS

WHY SUMMER CAMP IS A GOOD CHOICE FOR KIDS HOW TO BE

PREPARED

FOR THIS SUMMER CAMP SEASON

FACTORS TO CONSIDER

BEFORE CHOOSING A CAMP

and much more! A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION OF THE BANGOR DAILY NEWS • APRIL 3, 2020

MAINE SUMMER CAMPS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 3, 2020

REASONS

WHY SUMMER CAMP IS A GOOD CHOICE FOR KIDS

Summer vacation offers students a respite from lessons and the routine of school, while opening up a world of warm-weather fun and activities. In Maine, we’re particularly fortunate to have a huge variety of summer camps for kids with interests in everything from the great outdoors to music to science to theater and everything in between. Kids of all ages can benefit from the experience of attending a summer camp. Here are five reasons why summer camp might be the right fit this year.

Explore talents Summer camps help young people explore their unique interests and talents. Under an organized, yet often easygoing, camp schedule, kids can dabble in sports, arts and crafts, leadership, music, theater, science, community support, and so many other activities that may not be fully available to them elsewhere.

Physical activity

Lots of camps build their itineraries around physical activities that take place outdoors. Campers may spend their time swimming, running, hiking, playing sports, climbing, and so much more. This can be a welcome change for kids accustomed to living sedentary lifestyles. Regular physical activity has many health benefits and can set a foundation for healthy habits as an adult.

Gain confidence Day and sleepaway camps offer campers the opportunity to get comfortable in their own skin. Camps can foster activities in self-esteem by removing the academic measures of success and fill in with noncompetitive opportunities to succeed. Campers learn independence, decision-making skills and the ability to thrive outside of the shadow of their parents, siblings or other students.

Try new things Camp gives children the chance to try new things, whether that’s learning to cook, exploring new environments or embracing a new sport or leisure activity. Opening oneself up to new opportunities can build character and prove enlightening for children.

Make new friends Camp is a great place to meet new people and make lifelong friends. Campers flood in from areas near and far. This provides kids with a chance to expand their social circles beyond their immediate neighborhoods and schools.

Camps benefit children in a variety of ways. Lessons learned in camp can strengthen values, build confidence, develop coping mechanisms when adversity strikes, and enable campers to make lifelong friends.

MAINE SUMMER CAMPS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 3, 2020

COURTESY OF ACADIA MOUNTAIN GUIDES

Acadia Mountain Guides Summer Youth Camps offer the opportunity to get outside away from devices and social media and to have real interaction with peers. Students experience a variety of action packed outdoor activities such as rock climbing, hiking, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, white water rafting, and rappelling. Nestled into the activities are skill sessions on first aid, navigation, plants and animals, geology, knot tying, outdoor cooking and camping. Summer camp is an opportunity to connect with others through face-to-face experiences. Beyond trying healthy new activities and developing fundamental 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. The Young Explorer program is tailored for 9 – 12 year olds and is available in four day overnight and day camp options. Young Explorers sample different outdoor activities and learn different outdoor skills, allowing students to do multiple weeks with minimal repetition or participate in a more focused specialized climbing camp. If you are unsure about rock climbing, consider a private half-day family climb to test the waters.

Multi-Sport Adventure camps provide 13 – 18 year old teens a variety of week-long paddling, hiking, camping, rafting, and climbing combinations to choose from. They go everywhere from the Northwoods of Maine to Mount Desert Island. The RockPro series is ideal for teens wanting to focus on climbing. With four experience-specific camps, the seven day RockPro series will advance your camper’s rock skills for both indoor and outdoor experiences. Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School is a member of Maine Youth Camps, licensed by Maine DHHS 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 AcadiaMountainGuides.com for a complete description of summer programs and camps or call (207) 866–7562.

We are offering full refund if parents need to cancel camp for any reason associated with COVID-19. Parents can be assured that booking now will still reserve their space and if their camper can’t make it then we will glady refund them.

MAINE SUMMER CAMPS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 3, 2020

CAMP INVENTION: A HANDS-ON STEM CAMP WHERE CREATIVITY REACHES NEW HEIGHTS! COURTESY OF CAMP INVENTION

Camp Invention® is the nationally acclaimed, nonprofit summer enrichment program created by the National Inventors Hall of Fame® (NIHF) for kindergarteners through 6th graders. At Camp Invention, children are presented with opportunities to collaborate and explore STEM concepts through fun, hands-on challenges designed to build confidence, persistence and creative problem-solving skills. Since 1990, this one-of-a-kind program has been helping children unlock their potential to become creators, innovators and entrepreneurs. PHOTO CREDIT: CAMP INVENTION Each year, Camp Invention offers an all-new experience that is directly influenced by world-changing inventors, our NIHF Inductees. With our 2020 program, Elevate, children will have fun controlling their very own flight simulation robot and launching rockets and hand-copters in Camp Invention Flight Lab™, protecting the Earth’s ecosystems in Rescue Squad™, designing the ultimate sports complex in Camp Invention Champions™ and learning the value of their biggest ideas in Design Thinking Project™. Local educators will lead this action-packed program featuring imaginative activities that inspire children to ask questions, overcome obstacles and develop persistence. Not only does Camp Invention offer a high-energy summer experience, but it provides proven benefits, like greater creativity and interest in STEM subjects, that can last a lifetime. The program also positively impacts instructors who are dedicated to preparing students for the future. If your child is entering grades 7-9, they can get involved at a Camp Invention location in a whole new way. Through our Leaders-in-Training (LIT) program, they can help guide campers through STEM activities, encouraging creativity and hands-on fun while building their leadership and goal-setting skills.

Camp Invention locations can be found nationwide, including in your area. Visit www.invent.org/camp or call 800-968-4332 to register. Use promo code LOCAL25 to save $25 (expires 3/31/20) or LOCAL15 to save $15 (expires 5/12/10). Every registration includes a complimentary Camp Invention T-shirt. Availability is limited, so secure your spot today!

Learn & Explore WITH ALL SAINTS SUMMER PROGRAM 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 9-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 the “Renaissance,” “Greek Mythology” and “Fun and Fitness” with a visit from a local fitness trainer and medicalfield personnel. During our “Olympics” week we will have relay races, team-building games and medal award ceremonies. This year we are also excited to announce the addition of a Middle Level “enrichment” program for students going into 5th through 8th grade. This new program will be held on Thursday and Friday and will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This program will focus on leadership, local volunteer work, and character-building with a faith-based approach. Field trips and community service opportunities will be provided for the students during these two days each week. The new Middle Level Enrichment program will be limited to 13 openings. Students participating in the Middle Level Enrichment Program may attend the traditional Summer Camp program, Monday through Wednesday. 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 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. The All Saints Summer Programs are full-day programs open to students from all school districts, grades preschool through eight. 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 the whole summer or specific themed weeks.

Rates are $40 a day for the traditional Summer Camp program and $100 for the new Middle Level combination Thursday/Friday Enrichment Program. Preschool tuition rates are regular school year rates (please contact us for specific preschool rates.) Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, as space in both programs is limited. Please contact the Childcare Office at 941-9585 if you have any additional questions about our summer program offerings.

MAINE SUMMER CAMPS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 3, 2020

FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE CHOOSING A SUMMER CAMP COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE

Adults often look back fondly on their childhood experiences at summer camp. 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, 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.

SESSION LENGTH

KIDS’ INTEREST The ACA urges parents to consider the child’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.

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.

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.

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.

MORE THAN 100 YEARS OF BUILDING THE FOUNDATION OF FUTURE LEADERS COURTESY OF BANGOR REGION YMCA

For more than a century, The Bangor Region YMCA’s summer camp programs have been instilling the core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility in children and teens, helping them build the foundation to become future leaders. Each of our camp programs 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 G. PEIRCE WEBBER DAY CAMP PROGRAMS FOR KINDERGARTENERS – 10TH GRADERS

Located on 55 beautiful acres in Hampden on the Soudabscook Stream, our Camp G. Peirce Webber has an in-ground pool, sport fields, a playground, ropes course, hiking trails, and a 300 foot zip line. Our beloved traditional Day Camp program for children entering kindergarten through 6th grade gives kids the opportunity to thrive in the many physical activities and continue to learn through STEM activities, nature exploration, and swim lessons. Our very popular Adventure Day Camp for children entering 5th through 10th grade gives children a new and exciting experience outside of camp, giving them the opportunity to make new friends and build relationships while exploring what our beautiful state of Maine has to offer. Not only does this program give them an opportunity to travel around the state, but they will also learn the importance of giving back to the community through a designated Volunteer Day. Children entering 4th through 6th grade who want to focus on specific skills have the opportunity to sign up for our specialty day camp programs, Arts & Crafts Camp and Camp Webber’s Wilderness.

CAMP JORDAN OVERNIGHT PROGRAMS FOR 7 YEAR OLDS – 12TH GRADERS

Located along the beautiful shores of Branch Lake in Ellsworth, our Wilderness Center at Camp Jordan has been changing the lives of children and teens for 112 years. This beautiful 200 acre camp provides a safe space where campers feel a sense of belonging, gain self-confidence, and are encouraged to be their most authentic self. Our traditional Sleep Away Camp for ages 7 to 15 years old gives boys and girls the opportunity to try many different activities like mountain biking, archery, sailing, canoeing, high & low ropes course, developing camping skills, shelter building, and more. Boys and girls wanting to step out of their comfort zone will love our Adventure Seekers program for ages 11 to 15 years old. This wilderness expedition program incorporates backpacking, mountain biking, rock climbing, paddling, wilderness survival and more. These campers will explore the best and most iconic parts of the Maine wilderness. Teens looking to test their limits with a week filled with pedal-to-the-metal activities will have an incredible time at Leaders School for 5th to 12th graders. The highlight of the week is Challenge Day which is a 2-day, out-of-camp experience centered around rock climbing, paddling, biking, and backpacking.

Camper spots for BOTH Camp G. Peirce Webber and Camp Jordan are filling up quickly! To register, visit BangorYMCA.org or CampJordan.org. Don’t delay or else your child will end up on this year’s wait list! Financial assistance is available for both camps but funds are limited! Families are encouraged to apply early and must submit their financial assistance by June 1st, 2020.

MAINE SUMMER CAMPS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 3, 2020

Outdoor Fun

h c r a e S d r Wo

ANSWERS

MAINE SUMMER CAMPS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 3, 2020

EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS WITH SHE SUMMITS

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN MUSIC THIS SUMMER ON THE BEAUTIFUL UMAINE CAMPUS! COURTESY OF MAINE SUMMER YOUTH MUSIC CAMPS

COURTESY OF SHE SUMMITS COMPANY

Gaining self confidence through bravery in the outdoors is She Summits Company’s mission. Creating safe outdoor spaces for young women who have completed sixth grade through eleventh grade to immerse themselves in Maine’s outdoors. She Summits Company offers the chance to explore the Acadia National Park through hiking, sea kayaking, and rock climbing. Go backpacking and canoeing through Baxter State Park and climb our highest mountain in Maine: Katahdin. Explore the coast from Lubec to Portland through sea kayaking, rock climbing, and backpacking. Learn about Maine’s history, natural resources, and volunteer to take care of our state as She Summits Trip Leaders take you on an adventure. How do you get to celebrate your bravery? We celebrate each person’s individual goals through mountain top dance parties, morning meditations, nightly campfires, and fun photos. Come explore with us this summer with week long sessions starting every Sunday from June 28-August 15. There is ample opportunity to adventure and explore.

Maine Summer Youth Music campers have the unique opportunity to participate in either Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Chorus, or Strings Ensemble. Additional ensembles will include Jazz Bands, Combo, and Musical Theatre. Campers may also participate in jazz improvisation, small ensembles, chamber groups, music classes, and master classes. Campers learn from performance professionals from the UMaine community and from around the country, and gain valuable stage experience at the University of Maine’s Minsky Recital Hall and the Collins Center for the Arts. Recreational activities are planned for midweek of camp, as well as other organized events, including concerts by faculty and students. A limited number of scholarships are available to qualifying applicants.

For more information about Maaine Summer Youth Music Camps, visit umaine.edu/spa/msym2020 or call 207.581.4703.

MAINE SUMMER CAMPS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 3, 2020

SPOOKY SUMMER OFFERINGS AT PINE TREE CAMP A SPECIAL PLACE PENOBSCOT THEATRE COMPANY! TO CAMPERS WITH DISABILITIES COURTESY OF PENOBSCOT THEATRE COMPANY

Join Penobscot Theatre Company’s Dramatic Academy Summer 2020 for two spooky plays! Our first session will focus on the classic musical The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The story and beautiful score are based on the popular Disney film! In our second session, we will explore An Allagash Haunting: The Story of Emile Camille. This is a locally written play with music that is a time capsule of Maine’s rich history. We also offer a Tech Track program for students who are interested in learning about the technical aspects of the theatre. Our summer programs welcome young performers and technical theatre enthusiasts to enroll, regardless of theatre experience level. SESSION 1

THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (MUSICAL)

For ages: 4-20. Session dates: June 24-July 19. Performance dates: July 16-19. Session one classes & performances to be held at Bangor High School. Tiny Thespians (ages 4-7) $350 Youth Troupe (ages 8-20) $550 Tech Track Session 1: $550

SESSION 2

AN ALLAGASH HAUNTING: THE STORY OF EMILE CAMILLE For ages: 4-20. Session dates: July 27-August 16. Performance dates: August 14-16 Tiny Thespians (ages 4-7) $300 Youth Troupe (ages 8-20) $450 Tech Track Session 2: $450

For more information and to register, visit www.penobscottheatre.org and click on the Education tab, or call the box office at 207-942-333, or email education@penobscotheatre.org.

COURTESY OF PINE TREE CAMP

Nestled 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.

Preparing Early

FOR SUMMER CAMP

Summer camp season is just around the corner. Each summer, thousands of children depart for campsites all around Maine to swim, hike, craft, and enjoy the companionship of friends.

MAINE SUMMER CAMPS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 3, 2020

Establish payment schedules. Summer camps vary in price. The ACA says camp costs range from $100 to more than $1,500 per week. Some require a deposit, while others have to be paid in full ahead of time. Many accredited camps also 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 a physical for your child 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.

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 Camps are likely to provide a list of requirements with regard to clothing and other subjects and activities. According to the American Camp Association, each year more equipment campers will need. Make sure kids have enough shorts, T-shirts, socks, than 14 million children and adults in the United States attend camp. America is home to athletic shoes, swimsuits, sunscreen, bug spray, toiletries, and other camp necessities more than 14,000 day and resident camps (8,400 are overnight camps and 5,600 are day before they leave. 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 Engage children in the planning process to help alleviate their fears and get them a summer camp agenda. excited about summer camp.

Shop for supplies.

Keep children in the loop.

Ask questions or 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.

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

MAINE SUMMER CAMPS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 3, 2020

AT MAINE DISCOVERY MUSEUM SUMMER CAMP! COURTESY OF MAINE DISCOVERY MUSEUM

Explore the world of games and games of the world from old-timey penny arcades to Minecraft. Wave your wand, meet mythical creatures, make potions, get bamboozled by real invisibility cloaks, and make rainbows in a bottle, scared pepper, moon sand and more. What makes Spiderman’s web so strong? Can Batgirl really see in the dark? Uncover the science behind amazing superpowers and how some animals already have them! Think you got what it takes to be a spy? Practice your secret agent skills in a “laser beam” obstacle course and an encrypted scavenger hunt. Find out about the secrets underground! Start your own wormery, plant your own mini garden, and learn about ancient creatures and dinosaurs. Habitat Heroes: Summer in the city is an outdoor nature adventure! Discover nature in Bangor’s own backyard. Meet the people protecting our wild places and learn to be a responsible naturalist.

LEARN MORE AT mainediscoverymuseum.org/summercamp.