By Mindy Martone-Jackson, Assistant Director & Head of Harmony Programs

Each fall, as I return home after another whirlwind summer, I find myself reflecting on how much the rhythm of summer has changed since I first worked at Runoia in the late 1990s. Yes, kids- I was alive in the 1900s!! Back then, all campers were at Runoia for three, four, or even seven weeks.  There were no bunk notes or email, cell phones were not ubiquitous, and communication with family and friends outside of camp for counselors and campers was almost exclusively through ye olde letter writing. Summer was slower, quieter and camp was the thing you did.

As a parent myself, I know that families’ lives look very different now than they did then. My family’s summers recently have involved marching band camp, 4-H projects, county fairs, sports teams, space camp, SAT prep, summer classes, swim meets, and those treasured family vacations. Those summer calendars fill up faster than ever. Many of us are coordinating multiple kids, all kinds of travel and events, and programs designed to thrill and invigorate- and look good on college applications.

And yet I’ve seen how important it still is for young people, especially girls ages 13–15, to have a space where they can unplug, connect, and just be themselves. The world asks a lot of teens: to achieve, to compete, to plan for what’s next, and to grow up too fast. But camp reminds them (and us) that joy, friendship, and time outdoors are just as essential.

That’s why I’m so excited to introduce Harmony Peak, a brand-new 10-day overnight program for girls who want everything that a traditional summer camp like Runoia has to offer — but who can’t commit to a full summer session.

For some returning campers, Harmony Peak will be the next Runoia step after Harmony Heights, and for others it is a way to stay connected and get their “Runoia fix” even if they can no longer fit in a 3-week Runoia session. For other girls, it will be their first time discovering the magic of our traditional Maine camp experience. Either way, it’s a chance to slow down, start the day with laughter and songs, take a breath, and know how good it feels to belong to a community of strong girls.

As a mom who’s spent many summers juggling schedules — from 4-H livestock shows to band practice to family visits — I know that every family’s summer looks different. My hope is that Harmony Peak meets families where they are and makes Runoia more accessible for more people.

Because even in this busy world, there’s still room for a campfire, a swim in Great Pond, and a circle of girls singing under the stars.

 Here’s to finding harmony in every summer.

— Mindy Martone-Jackson
Assistant Director & Head of Harmony