Tag: Maine Camp Girls Overnight

Making Friends at Summer Camp

Posted on by Ali Wight
  • The Power of Friendship at Camp
  • Camp Runoia’s Unique Environment for Building Friendships
  • Empowering Girls Through Decision-Making
  • Structure of Camp Runoia: Encouraging Group Cohesion
  • Positive Influences at Camp Runoia
  • Lasting Friendships and Personal Growth Beyond Camp

If you’ve ever gone to a sleepaway summer camp as a kid, you probably remember nights spent around the fire singing songs followed by late night laughs in the cabin with your new friends. For many, summer camp provides a unique environment for girls to make lasting friendships while also fostering personal growth. At Camp Runoia, an all girls summer camp in Maine, we understand the importance of making friends at summer camp and strive to create an empowering and supportive environment for girls to develop lifelong skills and lifelong friendships!

The Power of Friendship at Camp

The friendships we make in our younger years are often the ones that matter the most. Cultivating healthy relationships is extremely valuable for growing girls as they provide emotional support, social development, and build confidence. At Camp Runoia, we create a safe environment for building connections and summer camp friendships. Camp is a place where girls can bond, feel accepted, and open up without judgment. Girls come to Runoia to enjoy experiences with a diverse group of friends with a variety of backgrounds supported by caring counselors. 

Camp Runoia’s Unique Environment for Building Friendships

The all girls environment at Camp Runoia encourages collaboration, trust, and mutual support among campers. The many shared activities such as group hiking trips, cabin life by the lake in Maine, and team-building exercises naturally form bonds between campers, creating memories that will last a lifetime. We have a powerful group of staff who are committed to guiding campers through social dynamics and empowering them by modeling positive relationship-building. Sometimes, the healthy bonds made between staff and campers are the relationships that have the largest impact on the girls here at camp.

making friends at summer camp

Empowering Girls Through Decision-Making

At Camp Runoia, we understand that making decisions can be challenging, especially for young girls. That’s why we create a supportive environment where campers can grow by making choices for themselves and taking responsibility. From selecting their own activities to engaging with different groups during free time, campers develop confidence, communication skills, and independence—valuable life skills that extend far beyond the summer camp experience. Taking initiative in decision-making also helps girls connect with like-minded peers, fostering deeper and more meaningful friendships.

Our campers design their own schedules in three-day cycles, selecting four activity periods per day. After three days, they choose a new schedule, allowing them to explore different interests each week. Over the course of a traditional three-week session, campers experience five unique activity blocks and have the opportunity to participate in at least one optional wilderness trip. This progressive program encourages skill development, level advancement, and achievement in activities of their choosing, empowering each camper to excel at their own pace.

We take great pride in being a community that empowers girls to advocate for themselves, use their voices, and become agents of change in the world. Through the freedom to make choices and take ownership of their camp experience, girls learn the importance of self-expression, leadership, and standing up for what they believe in.

Structure of Camp Runoia: Encouraging Group Cohesion

Making friends at summer camp can feel overwhelming at first, but the supportive structure and welcoming environment of Camp Runoia make it easy to feel at home. From close-knit cabin groups to outdoor adventures and team-based activities, campers have countless opportunities to form meaningful friendships with the guidance of our dedicated staff. Tackling challenges together—whether it’s hiking a tough trail or completing a group scavenger hunt—fosters strong connections and creates unforgettable bonding moments.

With over 30 summer camp activities to choose from in an all-girls setting, campers can explore their interests and meet others who share their passions, free from outside distractions. Campers live in traditional cabins with peers of the same age or grade, while activity choices are based on individual interests and selected daily. Mealtimes bring the community together at mixed-age tables, thoughtfully arranged by our director team, who take the time to know each camper personally. In the evenings, the entire camp comes together for group activities, ensuring that every camper feels included, engaged, and part of the Runoia family.

Positive Influences at Camp Runoia

Having positive influences and role models is extremely important in a girl’s emotional development. Our staff members serve as excellent role models for our campers, and even older campers can step into this role by mentoring younger girls through our counselor-in-training program. The various activities at Camp Runoia emphasize teamwork, listening, and respecting others’ ideas, which build empathy and communication skills. All-camp activities, performances or creative expression gives girls the opportunity to assert themselves and encourage confidence and self-worth, all while making genuine camp friendships.

staff role model

Lasting Friendships and Personal Growth Beyond Camp

Friendships made at Camp Runoia often extend well beyond the summer, with many girls maintaining lifelong bonds with girls from different corners of the U.S. and other parts of the world. These friendships encourage personal growth for girls in many aspects- emotionally, socially, and mentally. Summer camp friendships and the skills learned at camp set the foundation for future success for campers in all aspects of their lives. Our all girls’ sleepaway camp tucked away in the woods in Maine continues to build stronger bonds and deeper friendships year after year amongst campers, staff and the overall community. 

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Camp Runoia’s unique structure and values create an empowering environment where girls can forge lasting friendships and experience meaningful personal growth. By fostering collaboration, trust, and decision-making opportunities, campers not only build strong connections with one another but also develop the confidence and social skills that will serve them long after the summer ends. With a supportive all-girls summer camp atmosphere, dedicated staff, and a variety of activities designed to challenge and inspire, Camp Runoia is the perfect place for girls to grow, learn, and thrive together. 

If you’re looking for a transformative summer camp experience, we invite you to explore more about Camp Runoia and join us for the next session at one of the best girls’ camps in the Northeast. Whether you’re seeking a girls’ camp in Maine or an all-girls summer camp near you, Camp Runoia offers the ideal setting for friendships that last a lifetime and the personal growth that every girl deserves.

 

Why Camp Runoia Is the Best All Girls Sleepaway Camp

Posted on by Lydia Schuldt
  • Exciting Summer Camp Activities
  • The Best Location for an All-Girls Sleepaway Camp
  • Empowering Girls for Personal Growth
  • Camp Runoia’s Equestrian Program
  • Inclusivity at Camp Runoia
  • Why Choose an All Girls Overnight Camp for Your Child?

If you’ve ever been to summer camp as a kid, you probably understand that the memories made at camp can stay with you for life. There is something magical and nostalgic about summer camp—the smell of the dining hall, the catchy campfire songs, and nights staying up past curfew sharing stories with your cabinmates. These experiences stick with us even into adulthood. Nestled on the shores of Maine’s picturesque Great Pond sits Camp Runoia’s all girls summer camp, where girls have been creating lasting memories for over a century. Discover why Camp Runoia stands out as the best all girls sleepaway camp in New England and what keeps campers and staff coming back year after year.

Best all girls camp friendship photo on the waterfront

Exciting Summer Camp Activities 

At Camp Runoia, the possibilities are endless, with a variety of summer camp activities for girls to choose from, allowing them to create a daily schedule that’s tailored to their interests and passions. From the thrill of horseback riding, to testing precision and focus in archery, or mastering the waves in windsurfing, there’s something for every girl to dive into. For those who love creativity, arts and crafts offer a chance to express themselves through painting, jewelry-making, pottery, friendship bracelets and more. Camp Runoia has a variety of traditional camp activities, but some of the more unique activities that stand out are basket weaving, mountain biking, yoga and stained glass. There is truly an activity for every girl here at Runoia!

The Best Location for an All-Girls Sleepaway Camp

With its sparkling lakes, breathtaking coastal landscapes, lush forests, and vibrant wildlife, Maine truly is the best location for an all-girls sleepaway camp. The natural beauty of the state, paired with the safety and tranquility of Camp Runoia’s campus on Belgrade Lakes, creates an ideal setting for girls to explore their interests and make lasting summer memories. For generations, young girls from around the world have traveled to Maine to experience the magic of summer camps like Camp Runoia—one of the oldest continually operating all-girls sleepaway camps in the Northeast. The peaceful surroundings and the camp’s nurturing environment provide the perfect blend for adventure, personal growth, and fun! Not only is Maine a perfect location for camp because of the beautiful nature, it’s also in very close proximity to major cities such as New York and Boston, which is a short drive for girls living in the city to enjoy a Maine summer at sleepaway camp. 

Empowering Girls for Personal Growth

Making friends at summer camp can feel a bit intimidating for some (including parents!), but at Camp Runoia, we make sure the experience is anything but scary! We know how important it is for girls to build friendships, and we work hard to create a supportive, empowering environment where they can grow and become their best selves together. Through team-building activities, trust exercises, and plenty of opportunities for collaboration and decision-making, campers not only forge strong connections with each other but also gain the confidence and social skills that will stick with them long after summer ends. Whether the girls are singing songs, playing tag or going to open swim together, forming friendships comes easily at camp. With a welcoming all-girls atmosphere, caring camp staff, and carefully curated cabin groups, Camp Runoia is the perfect place for girls to learn, thrive, and create lasting friendships!

Camp Runoia’s Equestrian Program

At Camp Runoia, summer is filled with exciting opportunities for girls to explore, learn, and grow—and horseback riding is one of the major highlights. With a new equestrian arena, Runoia offers campers from beginning to advanced knowledge with an exceptional space to hone their riding skills. Runoia’s equestrian summer camp program teaches that horsemanship is more than just riding. 

To wrap up the summer, Camp Runoia offers an immersive, week-long horseback riding camp, where girls dive deeper into their passion for horses and enhance their riding skills. Runoia also takes part in shows with other camps, both hosting an invitational show at Runoia and attending shows at other camps, which makes the equestrian program stand out amongst other camps in New England. It’s the perfect opportunity for young riders to end their summer with a fun-filled, confidence-building experience that they’ll cherish long after camp ends.

Inclusivity at Camp Runoia

The heart of Camp Runoia is our deep commitment to inclusivity. For over a century, we’ve been empowering girls by fostering a welcoming, supportive community where every camper is celebrated for who they are. With a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, we create an environment where girls from all backgrounds come together to learn, grow, and thrive. Through team-building adventures and personalized experiences, Camp Runoia provides a safe and encouraging space for every girl to embrace her individuality and become the best version of herself. Camp Runoia also has a Diversity Advisory Committee that is continuously working towards making Camp Runoia as inclusive as possible. The committee has a specific focus on reacting to systemic racism in our country and collaborating to craft relevant DEI standards, practices and outcomes at camp. Our dedication to inclusivity at Camp Runoia is what makes it a progressive environment and one of the best summer camps for all girls.

Why Choose an All Girls Overnight Camp for Your Child?

Choosing an all-girls overnight camp such as Camp Runoia offers your child a unique opportunity to grow in a supportive and empowering environment. At Runoia, girls can focus on developing their confidence, leadership skills, and friendships without the distractions or social pressures often found in co-ed settings. With a wide range of activities, from outdoor adventures to creative arts, girls are encouraged to explore their interests, challenge themselves, and embrace their individuality. Surrounded by caring staff and like-minded peers, your child will return home with newfound independence, self-assurance, and lifelong memories. 

We hope that you now have confidence in why Camp Runoia is the best all girls sleepaway camp in New England! From adventures like sailing and waterskiing, group overnight hikes, and excursions to Maine’s most scenic sites, your daughter will have a summer she will never forget.

💙 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for your Runoia Camper💌

Posted on by Ali Wight

For families and friends looking to share a little extra love this Valentine’s Day, why not gift something that reminds them of their happy place—Camp Runoia?! If you’re scrambling to find the perfect gift tonight, look no further! We’ve curated THE BEST Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for your Runoia Camper! 💙 Whether they’re counting down the days until summer or holding onto those camp memories all year long, these gifts are perfect for any Runoia girl! Here are 10 picks guaranteed to come in handy this summer!

Runoia camper heart

🎁 1. Runoia Merch & Apparel – Stay cozy with a Runoia hoodie, t-shirt, or hat! Check out our camp store for the latest gear and send any suggestions our way of things you’d like to see added!

🏷️ 2. Labels, Labels, Labels – Head over to our fundraiser at Mabel’s Labels (just click on the link and type in Camp Runoia) to get your own custom-made labels to claim dibs on all your camper’s items! Imagine the horror of getting the new water bottle of your dreams only to lose it on the first day of camp because your name isn’t on it (Part 2 below). That’s a nightmare we’re trying to avoid—let’s spread love, not terror!

🥤 3. Colorful Water Bottle with Handle – Arguably the most important item Runoia campers bring! Imagine being 10 again, walking back to your cabin after filling your water bottle at the ice-cold faucet by the dining hall. Your friend shouts, “Hey, wanna play some Gaga?” You toss your water bottle into the ferns and jump into the pit—sounds like an amazing camp memory, until you can’t find that water bottle after your win! Avoid the thirst disaster with a LABLED, colorful bottle that’s easy to spot!

🔥 4. Brightly Colored Crazy Creek Chair – Perfect for campfires, canoe trips, evening programs, and everyday use! Pro tip: The nontraditional colors are much easier to spot if you forget to label it, and your camper is on a hunt to find it! Check out the “original chair.”

📝 5. Camp-Themed Stationery & Stickers – Let your Runoia campers write letters home in style! These fill in the blank letter sheets work GREAT for our younger campers!

💎 6. Friendship Bracelet Kit – Because camp friendships last a lifetime, and nothing says “camp love” like handmade bracelets! Don’t forget the extra string AND extra letter beads! A tried and true Runoia Camper favorite!

💡7. Fun, battery operated portable LED bulbs- Runoia campers can conveniently clip these onto their bunk beds when they need a light for some late-night reading! Hands free and a cute decoration!

🔦8. Headlamp/Flashlight– While the LED bulbs are fun, a traditional headlamp or flashlight cannot be beat! I mean, you can’t play flashlight tag with a light bulb! Ask any Runoia camper to share their favorite lights out memory and I bet flashlight tag is in the top 5!

🎐 9. Small, Portable Fan – For those hot summer days (we promise, they’re coming even if you’re currently shoveling snow). A small fan can make a world of difference! Don’t forget the batteries if it’s not rechargeable!

💌10. Pre-addressed envelopes and lots of stamps- You love that Runoia is tech free but wish you could hear more about what your camper is doing right? I totally get it. I guarantee they will send more letters home (and to Grandma and Titi Laura and Miss Sherman…) if you address the envelopes ahead of time. Feel free to throw on the stamps if you’d like, or pack extra stamps for camp to ensure you’re getting those old school updates from your favorite Runoia camper!

🎟️ 🏕️Bonus! The Ultimate Gift—A Summer at Runoia! – There’s no better Valentine’s gift than the experience of camp! Secure your camper’s spot for an unforgettable summer. Enroll Now!

Love,

Aionur

Camp Runoia life skills go to college

Posted on by Alex

At camp we often talk with our campers about how you can learn things at 8 and still be doing them at 80! Imagine still paddling a canoe in your older years after first dipping a paddle as a young camper on Great Pond. Some life skills are technical or ‘hard’ skills  like learning a ‘J’ stroke while others are more subtle and referred to as ‘soft’ skills such as navigating relationships.

Camp provides campers of all ages the chance to learn, progress and master many skills that last with them long after their camp days are over.

In this week’s guest blog, Jen Dresdow talks about how years at camp prepared her daughter for a smooth transition into college.

In August, my husband and I became empty nesters as we sent our only child, Natalie, off to college. After many college visits her junior and senior year, Natalie chose Hollins University, a small private women’s school in Roanoke, VA, about 4 hours from our home in Alexandria.

As Natalie and I both worked at camp during the summer, we had about 10 days between arriving home from camp and her move-in date for pre-season riding. Natalie quickly organized herself for dorm life with the efficiency of a seasoned camp parent.

The transition into college life proved to be an easy one. After 12 summers at Runoia, Natalie found navigating the small campus and being where she needs to be on time an easy task. Similar to navigating her camp schedule as both a camper and a counselor, she quickly fell into the routine. From 7:30am riding lessons to evening French conversation groups to her work study in the gym, she is where she needs to be when she needs to be there. Camp taught her the skills needed for community living and navigating dining hall choices.

Natalie rides on the Varsity Equestrian Team, and just like camp, the barn bubble is her happy place. However, having a roommate who is not a rider, has been a great fit. Natalie used the school’s roommate match program to place with a roommate.  Years of sharing a cabin with others, learning to share, keep spaces tidy, and communicating effectively, have helped her to settle into dorm life.

We are grateful for all the lifelong skills built at Runoia over the years that allowed Natalie to take a well stocked “toolbox” to college.

Hitting our stride – camp life week 2

Posted on by Alex

We are halfway through 1st Session. Can you believe it? We hardly can, especially considering all of the awesome action going on around camp! We said goodbye to our Harmony Land mini girls on Monday, and welcomed a new session of our youngest campers yesterday.

The Fourth of July  was a huge success thanks to our fabulous CITs who continued the tradition of planning and running the day. Campers awoke to very spirited, dressed-up counselor riding horses, followed by the always entertaining chorus of banging pots and pans! The dining hall and outdoor tents were decorated beautifully, we sang the National Anthems of all those represented at Runoia this summer, and special activity stations were set up throughout camp including a counselor makeover and treehouse jello drop – can you catch it in your mouth?! The fabulous kitchen crew baked and decorated delicious cakes, and there was plenty of watermelon to go around. Cooler temps and some rain meant that we ended our day with a campfire in the lodge instead of on our beach, but spirits were still high from all of the fun and games and the night was cozy and full of camp songs. We fell asleep to the owls and fireworks.

Everyone jumped right into the third activity block on Monday, our first “normal tag-up block” in two years(!), with many girls getting in time to ride up at the barn with our wonderful equestrian staff while others reached the top of the climbing tower or got bullseyes in archery or riflery. In our arts and crafts department, campers are weaving baskets big and small, working on stained-glass pieces, sewing fabric bags, wood-burning projects, shaping and glazing pottery, creating collage journals, and of course making plenty of friendship bracelets! Down at the waterfront, we’ve had both swimming lessons and free swim periods, first time and seasoned kayakers and canoers going out for a paddle, windsurfers and sailors learning to tack and gybe, and waterskiers zipping across Great Pond with hair blowing in the wind and huge smiles on their faces! We are so glad to be able to send girls out on day trips again! This week, Sixth shack hiked Bald Mountain and Ocho scrambled up Tumbledown. Monday afternoon rec swim was full of girls looking to jump back in the lake for the second or third time that day!

But the fun doesn’t stop after dinner! Last night’s evening program (EP) was Powder Fairies, and as usual it was a big hit! Girls worked together in mixed age groups to complete various tasks in order to solve the final puzzle, and it was a great opportunity to run around and let out some energy before bedtime. On Tuesday night we gathered together to watch our new campers pick out of a hat to learn whether they would become a member of the Blue Team or White Team for the rest of their time here at Runoia. Each girl was welcomed into her new team with cheers and songs. Earlier in the week, EP was “Get to Know Your Counselor”, a create-your-own-country night, Scattergories,  and Fractured Fairytales in which groups created new stories (think Mulan + Jack and the Beanstalk, or Cinderella + Shrek). 

Tomorrow we start our fourth activity block and girls are looking forward to tagging up and choosing activities. We are encouraging them to try new program areas while they are here as well as return to the activities that bring them joy. We are excited and hopeful for this weekend’s forecast of mid- seventies and sun, so that we can all enjoy time outside and make the most of the last 10 days of the Session!

A trunk or not a trunk? That is the question!

Posted on by Alex

Camp packing tips

As we are just a couple of weeks away from the opening of the first session we are fielding a lot of questions about packing. For new families it can feel a little overwhelming to organize everything that a camper may need for her time at camp. Once everything is collected the challenge then is to fit it all into two pieces of luggage!

Top tips:

Use the Runoia packing list

Remember that space is limited

Name everything – sharpie works well

Don’t go overboard with extra

Make sure your camper knows what she has

Each camper may bring 2 large items of luggage, typically 2 duffles or a trunk and a duffle. Super packers can get everything into one giant trunk or duffle but remember to try and keep weights under 50lbs our staff have to move all the luggage!

Trunks are helpful but not necessary as campers get shelves in a dresser and bookshelves on the wall as well as areas to hang things. If campers plan to attend camp over the next few summers it may be worth investing in a trunk for easy access and extra storage. The trunk we recommend is a Seward 30” trunk available at Target, Walmart, Amazon, etc. With or without wheels is fine.

The parent handbook has some guidance for packing 

Can’t fit everything in? Renting linen from camp is a great option for those that are travelling from far away or want extra space for other things. With cot sized sheets, blankets and a pillow it make it an easier option for some families. Just let us know if you would like bed linen adding to your daughters account.

Remember that some of the joy of camp and a part of the learning experience is that it is not like home so you don’t need everything that you own to survive. At camp, we play, have fun, get dirty and are busy all day long. We manage to navigate the experience with what we have. There is a library full of books to borrow, cards and board games galore for free time and plenty of dress up clothes for fun events. We are creative with what we have and can devise entertainment from the world around us.

Pack well, don’t stress the small stuff, your camper will have a blast even in odd socks and a mismatched outfit.

See you soon, we can’t wait for our 115th season on Great Pond!

Rain boots not only for rainy days but for dewy morning grass!

 

Camp Runoia – overnight camp is a hot commodity

Posted on by Alex

We may be in the sparkly depths of winter here in Maine but many people’s minds are on the summer and planning for a season of camp. Overnight camp is a hot commodity this year. Many children missed the opportunity last summer and are longing to get back to nature and friends at their summer home away from home. While there is hope that the pandemic situation will be a little more resolved by June we also have the realization that mass vaccination and development of herd immunity is going to take a good while to accomplish.  We need some hope and fun to look forward to. In some States teachers are slated to be vaccinated soon and there is potential that kids may get back in school before the end of the year but other places lag behind and virtual or hybrid school continues with little end in sight. We are holding out for an awesome summer and are ready to jump right in to camp life!

Camp has the unique opportunity to create a healthy, fun, in person environment where we can spend as much time as possible outdoors and can participate in all kinds of activities, in real life with other people. Our success last summer proved that we can navigate covid protocols and that while it may look a little different to how camp operated in 2019 it is still spectacularly Runoia. If you are curious about our adaptations last summer you can check them out here.

I have spoken with families from California to NY whose children have been in virtual school since last March. Little interaction with peers, no sports or after school activities along with  isolation from places and people that they love has been hard for everyone. Regular family vacations and summer plans are also looking unlikely for this year as travel still remains challenging and there is a great deal of uncertainty about how open States will be. This recent New York Times article sums up the challenges  that parents are currently facing.

Camps in Maine are filling up faster than ever, and Runoia is already almost at capacity. Already signed up are our campers that navigated camp successfully in 2020, those that took a leap year and are excited to be returning, new families that are ready for the opportunity and a myriad of girls that want to get out on their own for some summer fun. Full season spaces are at an all time high as other summer opportunities are currently limited and it seems like once you get to camp it’s the best place to stay for the summer. We are not kidding when we email and tell you there are just one or two spaces left in a cabin and if you want them sign up today!

‘Masks up lets go’ and get enrolled for the best summer ever!

Building life skills through adversity

Posted on by Alex

Building life skills is what we do at Camp Runoia. Little did we know that 2020 would test the skills that we had and encourage us to go far out of our comfort zone to develop new ones. We learned so much about ourselves, our campers and about the meaning and power of camp through being resilient  and adapting.

Looking back now we are grateful for the opportunity that a covid summer presented us to. We had to be flexible, grow, reconsider how we have always done things and be willing to modify, change and adapt in an instant. It turned out to be an amazing all be it exhausting summer and one that will certainly go down in the history books of Runoia.

     Takeaways from summer 2020:

  • We practiced doing hard things and did them well
  • We stopped sweating the small stuff
  • We learned new skills and revisited old ones that we hadn’t had time for
  • We reassessed what had value to us
  • We were more appreciative of the people and activities that we missed
  • It’s was OK to let some traditions go and know you can come back to them
  • We adapted and were flexible under ever changing circumstances
  • We used a growth mindset to challenge what we had done in the past and make it viable for the current situation
  • If you ask people will show up to help in ways you may not have thought of
  • You have to make the most of the moment in time that you have
  • Time with family is valuable but you need your friends too!
  • It may not be what you imagined but it can still be spectacular
  • Nature just keeps doing it’s thing. Sunset on the lake is beautiful.
  • Community comes in many forms, when we support each other we are all stronger
  • We maximized the opportunities that we did have rather than lamenting the ones that we didn’t
  • We had an amazing  summer on Great Pond that we never could have imagined   

As the year comes to a close we have deep gratitude for all that we have and look forward to 2021 with joy and eager anticipation. Happy New Year to our Runoia family, see you on Great Pond.

Update from Camp April 29, 2020

Posted on by Pam Cobb

Dear Runoia Families and our “Runoia Family”,

Here is our weekly update bring April to a close with a hint of some great news:

Our Maine Governor, Governor Janet Mills, with the Director of Maine CDC, Dr. Shah, presented a press conference yesterday. These two have given us hope and as clear as possible messages in these unprecedented times. The great news is with strict practices, Maine has been flattening the curve over the past few weeks. Yesterday’s press conference was a detailed plan about the roll out phases of restarting the Maine community with public health and safety being a priority. You can find more details on the Maine plan here.

Governor Mills put resident summer camps in phase 3 of the roll out plan. This means, if everything goes to the standards her team has set, we will be able to open Camp Runoia in July! This would mean we are looking and hoping for the 2nd contingency plan of camp we mentioned in the April 15 update here. In short, we open camp in July for 2 shorter sessions and full season campers may attend camp both sessions.

As you can imagine the over 100 Maine resident summer camps have been waiting for guidelines so we can make decisions about camp that make sense. The plan and partial mandates given yesterday (including a stay at home order extended through May 31 and 14 day quarantine upon entering the state) leaves us with a lot of questions. Fortunately, we have Maine Summer Camps Executive Director, Ron Hall and the Executive Board meeting with the governor’s task force as soon as tomorrow to get more answers to our many questions. We have a camp “Town Hall” on Friday and hope to receive more clarity.

As soon as we have more information and can set dates and parameters for travel and more, we will be in touch.  We realize this is an ever evolving and dynamic situation. We appreciate your hope, support and patience.

Meanwhile, we continue to lay out health and safety plans for our current employees, our equine team, our local Belgrade Lakes tradespeople (from plumbers to wifi specialists) to keep them safe as we ramp up camp in preparation for the 2020 season. We take the health and safety of our campers, our camp families, our employees and local business families very seriously.

From Great Pond, we send you love and a “wadas”. We will continue to update you in a transparent manner as soon as possible.

 

For the Whole Runoia Crew,

Pam

Why is dressing up so much fun?

Posted on by Alex

From sleep Sunday morning’s, 4th of July , evening programs, event days  and a myriad of other opportunities we love to get dressed up at camp!  The Runoia costume area is loaded with so many opportunities: clothing, hats, shoes, accessories,  face paint  and endless props.   It has been known that campers and staff who are returning to camp and know the ropes also have a tendency to bring copious amounts of additional fun items with them to supplement the camp supplies.  You never know what you may need for Ms. Tacky or an end of the week Saturday lunch, themed,  table extravaganza.

At camp we are freed of our inhibitions and celebrate the ability to throw on a costume, act a part or  just look ridiculous for no apparent reason.  We craft adventures, themes and engage with frivolity just because we can and nobody restricts the amount of fun that we can have with our imaginations. What joy there is in creating something out of just an idea or a thought and presenting it to the community where it is always so well received. You would be amazed what we can pull together in a very short amount of time and with limited resources. Adults are as equally enthusiastic to join in, it’s a rare job that you can throw on a silly hat or an evening gown just because it’s Thursday evening!

July 4th wear whatever you want in the red, white and blue!

Our costume department isn’t really anything too fancy and primarily allows us to use just a lot of creativity, think 21st century skill development here!  Saturday end of the week lunches give everyone the opportunity to dress up. It is so engaging to think up a table theme or even just choose a random idea out of the basket and then figure out if everyone has something to wear that will work – even just different colored T-shirts with hand written labels on them can be quickly and easily transformed into a colorful box of crayons.

Event days are always a good time to sport a great costume – Runoia rodeo

We’d love to see what our Runoia girls have come up with for their Halloween costumes, store bought or homemade? tried and true spooky or original and unique? However they choose to dress up we know that they will rock it with confidence and pizazz.