Tag: best camp in Maine

Rules and regulations

Posted on by Alex

Once you have narrowed down your camp search it is great to delve a little deeper into the operations management of the organization.  Be prepared to ask some specific questions about how the management ensures the safety of it’s campers and the reliability of it’s programs. How are the camps that you are interested in sticking to the rules and regulations that are in place to effectively ensure that the camp is safe and credible?

Operating a seasonal summer camp isn’t just all swimming in the lake and s’mores around the campfire there are a number of agencies that govern how camps are managed particularly focusing on the health and safety of the children and staff. In Maine camps must be licensed through the State  and there are a series of State laws that govern basic operations along with minimum standards required to get a license and operate as a youth camp.

Safety should always come first. Camp Runoia girls are well prepared for their adventures.

A camp may meet the basic State standards but then there are also best practices in the camping profession.  The American Camping Association is the national governing body for youth camping and it has it’s own established set of guidelines for ensuring consistent quality in the programs that it oversees.  This ACA Accreditation has been a long tradition at Camp Runoia.  Not only have we maintained our compliance since the 1960’s we also have many years of being visitors and experiencing the opportunity to check out other camp programs.  This reciprocal peer process is a great learning opportunity for both parties and allows sharing of ideas and best practices from a wide variety of programs.  Our programs are designed around the ACA standards of best practice and we strive to operate above and beyond any minimal standards.

Once you’ve narrowed down your camp search and checked out some great websites talking with the Camp Director initially by phone then ideally in person at a home visit or camp tour is next for getting your questions answered.  This great Newsweek article helps define a little more why asking the right questions is important and the value of choosing a camp that has been accredited by the ACA.

If you are still wondering if overnight camp is the right choice for your child check out this short video about the impact of camp in a child’s development ‘the impact of camp lasts forever’

As always give us a call or shoot us an email if you want to chat more about camp for your child, we love helping families to find the best fit.

Finding the right camp

Posted on by Alex

As we rapidly roll towards the summer season, this time of year is typically the busiest for new camper enrollment.  As families begin their search in earnest for the perfect camp for their child we thought that some tips and helpful questions may be of use.  There are such a wide variety of program options and so many great choices it can certainly be overwhelming to even get started.  So how on earth do you find the right camp?

A general internet search for summer camps turns up what seems like a million options for summer programs  and even when focusing on resources that are specific to camp selection the choices can be extensive. The American Camp Association website is filled with over 3000 accredited camps and summer programs and can be a great place to start. If you are already sure that Maine is the place that you want your child to be Maine Summer Camps also has a ‘find a camp’ tool which is also very helpful.

So how do you get started?

Set some parameters before you go near your computer and maybe even before you get the kids involved –  you don’t want them picking space camp on the moon when you were thinking arts camp in the woods!

Here are some potential questions to think through.

  • What genre of camp are you looking for?
  • Do you have family traditions with a particular program or location?
  • Are you restricted to specific dates or have a set session length in mind?
  • Is your child ready for an overnight experience or are you looking for a more local day camp?
  • What is your budget?
  • How far from home are you willing to travel?
  • Are you looking for specific program content or a more general program?
  • Do you want to do your own research or get help form a professional camp referral agency?
  • What are your child ‘s thoughts  about camp?

Once you’ve got a basic outline for your needs and wants you can dig in. Camp websites are typically filled with all of the initial information that you may need and directors are waiting for your calls to expand on what makes their camp unique.  Expect good customer service and attentive sales pitches, camps should want to find out about your child to see if it is a good fit for everyone not just push their program.  A great director will be able to head you in a different direction if their camp doesn’t meet your needs.  You should also expect to get referrals to other families and ideally a camp tour or home visit depending on the season.

Finding the right camp should be fun not stressful, give us a call if you need help 207 495 2228 there is a perfect fit for every child out there.  Want to learn more about Camp Runoia our website is a great place to start.

‘Once you pass the Runoia gate you’ve made a little date with fate..”

 

The Camp Decision – Is it Time? And Which Camp?!

Posted on by Pam Cobb

After a lot of thought… discussions… reading every parent blog online … multiple calls to friends who had gone away to sleep-away camp, we finally decided to send Mati to camp.   She had never slept away from home at anyone’s house, so it was quite a decision-making process.

Researching and Deciding Was Intense!

Once we made up our mind, all the fun began.  Matilde was turning 9 and was leaving for three weeks to Maine.   She was so excited!   Not once during her 3-week stay, nor any time before, did she ever feel sad.  Quite the opposite!  Matilde absolutely loved her camp experience and hasn’t stopped talking about it since!  She discovered the carefree joy of friendship, crafts, sports, playing, singing, all within the most beautiful setting possible. She also learned responsibility with her daily chores and appreciated the comforts of home (air conditioning).

By far a great gift for any girl :).  So much was new; so much was fun!

Today we are happy to be able to send our youngest daughter along this summer as well.

Julián & Andrea Gómez

Thinking about Camp in 2019?

Posted on by Pam Cobb

Natalie Dresdow, Camp Runoia CIT and returning for her 10th summer, shares insights and her thinking about the conscious decision of returning to camp:

Natalie as Willie Wonka with Izzy and Sofia in the camp play

As we’re into the holiday season, soon to be the new year, all of us are spending quality time with our family and friends to celebrate. Personally, I’ve been spending time with my new friends, my family, and my horse.

Some of us haven’t stopped thinking about camp since August or maybe just started to think about next summer. CIT’s have applied, and staff and campers are starting to ask themselves “do I want to go back to camp?” And you might think you don’t want to go back. You’ll be thinking to yourself, you have your family and friends at home that you’re gonna miss, and you’ll miss opportunities at home. Perhaps you think about camp and remember those first few days that were tough, a small disagreement with a shackmate, or something that was hard to do the first time, like getting up on the windsurfing board or making a bowl on the pottery wheel.

    On Top of the World

But as the time gets closer to camp, you’ll probably change your mind. You’ll remember how the lake feels every day when you get in for swim lessons, your first bullseye in archery, the exhilarating feeling you get when you’re riding for your blue or white team in the horse show. You’ll remember your shack trip, whether you canoed to Oak Island or climbed Mount Katahdin. Most of all, you’ll remember all of your friends at camp. You’ll remember the first day you met them and the last night when you’re sitting together, listening to the staff sing.

2019 will be my 10th summer at camp and I can’t imagine spending it anywhere else. There have certainly been ups and downs each summer. I’ve had bumps and bee stings on trips, missed the target more times than I can count, and experienced hurt feelings when my friends and I disagree. But those are all temporary and far eclipsed by the memories and friendships I’ll have for a lifetime. Camp has taught me perseverance, self-reliance, and that the journey is just as important as the goal.

After Camp – More Camp

Posted on by Pam Cobb

We are thrilled to host Young At Arts again for an amazing after camp.

YAA is an organization founded in 2005 to bring youth together with the power of art, acting, dance and music. Sharyn Pirtle is the founder and director and she runs the program year round in Bronxville, NY.

About 65 people gathered at Camp Runoia for the week to work on performing arts: music and dance. Seeing the campers arrive nervous and uncertain and leave empowered and connected affirms the great work MANY camps do across the country. YAA campers practiced their arts and also got to enjoy Runoia activities like kayaking with MJ, Art with Eylse, Climbing Tower with Kate, Archery with Eliza Mae , Tennis with Amelia and Basketball with Eliza.

Runoia is honored to have YAA here in August to have their “summer” camp and enjoy a residential experience on the shores of Great Pond. 

Thanks for joining us YAA. And Bobos for a great performance this week!

Camp is Coming to Life and Summer is Almost Here!

Posted on by camprunoia

In just over 5 weeks, Runoia will open its 112th season, and camp is coming to life! Yesterday was a Fine Maine Day in the truest sense of the word; bright sunshine, blue skies, warm temperatures, and a little breeze. It’s crazy to think that just a few short weeks ago, the ground was still snow covered, ice coated the pond, the trees were bare, and the ferns were waiting patiently underground to pop up. Now, camp has emerged from its winter rest; the trees have leafed out, flowers are in bloom, bird songs are heard from early morning till evening, and it’s easy to see that summer is right around the corner. While our trees and plants are growing into their summertime beauty, there are lots of people busy with the long checklist of opening camp. Here’s a sample of what’s happening now and in the next few weeks:

  • Opening and cleaning cabins and buildings
  • Turning on water throughout camp
  • Putting in the docks and moorings
  • Mowing grass and trimming bushes
  • Planting the garden
  • Preparing the barn and riding rings for the horses
  • Spreading mulch
  • Inspecting the ropes course and climb tower
  • Readying the boats
  • Setting up the kitchen and ordering food
  • Unpacking supplies
  • Etc., Etc., Etc.

While the site is being readied, we’re also talking with families, answering questions, finalizing plans for program and staff training, making trip reservations, reviewing camper forms, arranging transportation, and taking care of all the myriad of details that need to be covered before June 29th. Everyday, more counselors will be arriving bringing their enthusiasm and energy and sharing in the fun of getting camp ready for girls.

Sure, there is a lot to do but it’s joyful work, because it means that very soon Opening Day 2018 will be here when we will welcome our campers for the best summer ever!

P.S. Check out our Facebook page for daily photos of camp!

Runoia Summer Camp Raids & Pranks; scale 1-10

Posted on by Pam Cobb

Back in the day, the use of the word “raid” meant when one group of campers or staff did something to make another group laugh or be surprised or think to themselves, “Oh! How clever!”.  A few classic Runoia raids had to do with major shenanigans by counselors.

Examples include:

Moving canoes to the Kickball Field and decorating them with a tapestry of multi-colored spinnaker sails running off of a pole erected between the maze of canoes.  Level of effort = 10, level of cleverness = 10, level of surprise = 10, level of regret raiders had when they had to put everything away in the morning = 100.

Taking an entire dining hall table with place settings and plates taped to it, benches and chairs and moving it to the Majorie (float).  Level of effort = 10, level of cleverness = 10, level of surprise = 10, level of anxiousness by cooks when table was missing = 100.

Placing Betty Cobb’s car keys in a Pine Island Camp hat in the parking lot and moving her car to the lawn at the beach.  Level of effort = 10, level of cleverness = 10, level of surprise = 10, level of furiousness Betty Cobb displayed upon discovery = 100.

As time went on, raids morphed into a surprise trick or act that often left one group mad at the other. Somehow, the name raid also morphed into prank and they were less complicated and less clever:

These included stunts like taking a person’s under garments and running them up the flag pole only to be discovered in front of everyone in the morning. Level of effort = 2, level of cleverness = 1, level of surprise, embarrassment and humiliation = 100.

Or taking everyone’s pillow in one cabin and hiding it in the Pix of another.  Level of effort = 1, level of cleverness = 1, level of surprise = varies but enraged campers who had gross pillows became a directors’ problem.

One entire cabin of shoes all tied together and strung around the dining hall. Level of effort = 5, level of cleverness = 5, level of surprise = 10, level of effort by raiders who had to untie and return all the shoes = 10!

Right around that time, Runoia directors decided raids were not such a great idea as children’s feelings were getting hurt or they lost belongings or campers were prowling around at night and safety was a concern. The concept of doing nice things for others came up but never really stuck year after year (people still do a lot of nice things for each other in that pay it forward kind of way). The concept of doing funny, surprise things around camp like: random fairy houses, 4 and ½ shack built at the flag pole, honey bears being painted and left on the tables, still happens.

A new tradition emerged about 7 summers ago where the oldest campers in Senior Village (SV) at Runoia get to do a fun prank/raid type event that is meant to surprise and leave an indelible impression of our graduating campers upon others without wrecking anything or hurting anyone or wasting resources. These 15-year-old seniors have been thoughtful and fun and funny over the past few years.  An all-time favorite that is the prank that keeps on giving:

Tiny SV14notes stuck everyone all over camp that we are still finding four years later in 2018!

Level of effort =10, level of cleverness = 10, level of surprise = 10

Keeping it fun and clean; the Runoia way.

 

Women who dared

Posted on by Alex

I have long been amazed at the tenacity of our Camp Runoia founders Lucy Wieser and Jessie Pond.   Their dedication to starting a camp for girls showed great bravery and confidence when heading off into the unknown wilds of Maine.  In our world of high speed transportation and at your finger tips technology it is sometimes very hard to imagine how different life was back in the early 1900’s.  Rural Maine was sparsely populated with few paved roads and limited access to many areas.  The Maine Central railroad had only established the Belgrade Depot in 1850 and the local community was mostly made up of farms with some vacation housing  in the village.  Arriving by train from the city into Belgrade must have been quite a culture shock.  While the actual story of their first adventure has become a little lost in the mists of time I imagine them in skirts or dresses, hiring a horse and cart to travel around the area.

Belgrade Depot station around the time Ms Weiser and Ms Pond founded Camp Runoia.

On our staycation this week we traveled to the Owls Head Transportation Museum which had some fascinating displays the most interesting of which for me was about the early female pioneers of travel.  Like our Runoia founders they were making history in the early 1900’s and boldly going places that women typically hadn’t ventured to.  Their names were new to me and their adventures and experiences seemed so radical for the time.  Can you imagine driving a car cross country with a couple of your girlfriends?  Now think about doing it when there were only 156 miles of paved roads and your car barely had a roof!

Can you imagine traveling cross country in this?!

I shall continue to be inspired by the brave bold women of the early 1900’s and to keep sharing their stories with our fearless young women at camp. Maybe they will become the pioneers of this new generation.

Planning Your Trip to Camp Runoia and Maine

Posted on by Pam Cobb

Some of our camp families have made their daughter/camp drop off day into an adventure to explore Maine. Maine is a vacation destination for thousands of summer visitors and planning this winter will help you secure lodging and help you escape from the January doldrums!

A local favorite lodging spot is right in Belgrade Lakes. The Village Inn accepts reservations year round and fills up quickly. Dinner at the restaurant or tavern is rewarding as you gaze on the mill stream or sit outside with live music.

Portland is a foodie’s paradise with more farm to table restaurants per capita than most small urban cities. Sustainable harvesting and creative chef inspirations has been a trademark for Portland over the past decade. New hotels are popping up in Portland’s Old Port. Portland and its many charms from sunset sails, lobster piers, harbor cruises, kayaking trips, forts, nearby beaches, rock cliffs and light houses, minor league baseball team the “Portland Sea Dogs”, boutique shops, art galleries, first Friday art walks, music venues with summer concerts added, a world class museum and manageable-sized children’s museum make Portland an easy and fun town to visit. Did we mention bakeries, ice cream, farmers markets and food carts?

Seeing and experiencing the natural beauty of Maine is not just limited to your campers! Check out some of the highlights Maine has to offer:

Acadia National Park – “the crown jewel of the North Atlantic coast”

Baxter State Park and Mount Katahdin

Get your Moxie by White Water Rafting
The White Mountains in Maine and the Appalachian Trail

Hiking Hut to Hut on Maine Huts and Trails

Now is the time to day dream and then PLAN! Maine has a limited summer season that fills to the brim.

Our very own Belgrade Lakes area has lake side cottages to rent but realtors all over the state of Maine can help you find a lake or coastal rental for a week in Maine:

Finally, Maine isn’t beautiful only in summer. Plan your winter, spring or fall trip to Maine as family!