While our Activities Schedule for this summer is still in the planning stages, below you will find some of the activities we’ve offered in past years. You can also click here for a sample Activities Schedule to see the wide variety of activities you will have to choose from on a daily basis while at Camp. Even though we offer all these activities, remember, too, that you can simply relax by the lake all week if you like. At ‘Camp’ Camp, your ‘best time ever’ is completely up to you!
arts & crafts
Art: Collage & Montage Explore the connection between recycling and art! Take fragments and samples of colors, patterns, textures, and images then combine them in novel and exciting arrangements. Learn some basic principles of design and discover how perceptions of colors and images change within various juxtapositions, all while developing a deeper appreciation of how mere chance can give form to content. And you’ll do all this while creating your own frame-worthy piece of art to show off to your friends back home!
Art: Painting Express Time flies when you’re having fun with ink, tempera, watercolor, and acrylic paint. Exercise your imagination and express your unique point of view while learning about color, value, texture, form, color mixing, light, and composition. Splatter, drip, swirl – explore paint!
Astrology Fascinating astrological insight to the meaning of your birth date & time! With your basic birth data, you’ll create your birth chart on the spot during a late afternoon consultation – then join fellow Campers for a morning seminar to learn more about your chart.
Beading Camper Raul turned a beading hobby into a business, and he’s excited to teach you techniques that you too can use for fun! Just arrive with a desire to learn – bring your creativity, too (everyone has some!) – and leave with a fabulous necklace, bracelet, or key chain sure to impress all your friends back home!
Beauty Parlour Join Princess (Camp’s resident semi-experienced drag queen) for some pointers and instruction on everything from frocks to make-up. Why, she’ll even help you plan a fabulous outfit for the Tea Dance on Thursday. A perfect way to unleash that inner (Drag) King or Queen you’ve always known – or suspected – was inside you!
Broadway Dance Ever dreamt of dancing in a big Broadway show? Well, here’s your chance, ‘Camp’ Camp style! In this three-part class, you’ll learn a choreographed dance to share to thunderous applause at Friday night’s big Talent/No Talent Show.
Cooking Classes Our Cooking Studio is only a few years old, and it’s already become one of our Campers’ favorite classes! Whether you’re a novice in desperate need of some culinary skills or an experienced cook looking to learn a new recipe or two, you’ll find something to interest you in one of our fun & informative Cooking Classes. Past offerings include Vegetarian Cooking, Scratch Baking for Non-Bakers, Healthy Alternatives, Cake Decorating, Middle-Eastern Cuisine, From Bubbe’s Kitchen (Eastern European Jewish Cooking), and Maine’s Own Chutney.
Dance Camp’s own version of “Dancing with the Stars” – where you’re one of the stars! There’s no reason to be a wallflower at Camp: having no partner – or no experience – is absolutely no excuse, ‘cuz there’s always someone to dance with here. Professional dance instructor Liz will teach you all the basics of everything from Swing to the Waltz and Merengue. So, c’mon down to the Dance Studio, and let Liz make a Swing-er outta ya!
Digital Photography Learn how to get the most out of your digital camera equipment. The class includes an introduction to common camera features, basic concepts of composition and lighting, and lots of tips & tricks. Learn the basics, then capture the beauty of Camp during an afternoon Photo Walk!
Drum Circle Use percussion to play together and make music collectively – and absolutely no experience is necessary. If you own a drum, bring it – if not, we’ll have some you can play, so there’s no reason not to come out and tap into your tribal spirit!
Figure Drawing Explore the magic of expressing yourself through drawing the human figure. Designed as an outlet of expression through drawing and not a measure of how well you can draw, the class will offer fun for the novice or advanced artist and will include instruction, a series of timed poses, and a little bit of gentle feedback.
Jewelry Get creative! Learn silver-smithing and create a gorgeous souvenir ring for you or a friend or even impress everyone with a pendant that you design and make yourself! Why, you can even pick up a ‘Camp’ Camp logo charm in the Camp Store and use it to create your own one-of-a-kind piece of Camp jewelry.
Knitting & Crocheting ‘Camp’ Camp’s knitting craze continues! Learn to knit and crochet – or add to your skills. Structured like a knitting club, each session will have a specific focus, but those who want to work on their own projects – or just “spin yarns” – are welcome anytime. …Warning: yarn can be highly addictive!
Oil Painting An exploration of the landscape, lakes and buildings of Camp. After you meet at the Art Barn, you’ll venture out to the hills, fields, and lakeside. Each session will emphasize different tools and techniques. While offering skills that can encourage the novice painter, the class is also designed to be fun for the more advanced artist.
Pottery Get muddy as you explore your creative side! Enjoy wheel-throwing or hand-building down at our open-air Pottery Studio with its fantastic view of the lake and take home your very own high-fire stoneware clay creation. What could be better?
Stained Glass Choose a design or draw your own, then learn the techniques used to cut and solder colored glass to make a sun-catching gift for someone or to put in a favorite window. One of ‘Camp’ Camp’s most popular activities!
Tie-Dye Turn a piece of drab white clothing (or any other fabric-based item for that matter!) into a one-of-a-kind work of psychedelic art with this traditional summer camp craft.
Zentangle Zentangle is a way of creating beautiful images from repetitive patterns that is enjoyed all over the world across a wide range of skills, interests and ages. Fun and relaxing, almost anyone can use Zentangle to create beautiful images, increasing your focus and creativity while providing artistic satisfaction and an increased sense of personal well being. …Anything is possible one stroke at a time.
sports & recreation
Adventure Course & Climbing Wall Challenge yourself mentally and physically on our amazing ropes course or climbing wall! Four levels of difficulty and 14 different elements to conquer combine for an adrenaline-pumping experience, and an exhilarating sense of accomplishment.
Aerobics Get a great start on your day with moves guaranteed to shake off the morning cobwebs, get your heart pumping and mind cleared for a great day! Classes will consist of low impact, high impact, isometrics – and a fun dance routine! And we’ll pay some attention to those abs, too… All levels of fitness welcome.
Basketball Take some time to hoop it up on the basketball court! Each session will begin with a review of basic skills like dribbling, passing and shooting. There’ll also be fun shooting games like H-O-R-S-E and 21 – and those popular half-court pick-up games from last summer will continue! Who knows? If it really gets going, maybe some full court action will happen, too!
Boot Camp Work-Out Have fun & get fit with challenging but fun work-outs set to music that combine cardio and ab work – along with a focus on a different body part each day, including a “core” development session on Friday. All levels of fitness welcome.
Canoeing & Kayaking Learn or relearn the basic paddling strokes and the basic skills to balance and direct a canoe or kayak in the mornings, in anticipation of a relaxing paddle around the lakes surrounding Camp in the afternoon. …Don’t forget to say “Hi!” to the loons!
Circus Arts Learn traditional circus “ground skills” like juggling, plate spinning, diabolo, devil sticks, stilt walking, and partner acrobatics. And, yes, the popular Aerial Fabric lessons will be available, too. No experience necessary.
Flag Football It’s finally officially a Camp activity! Come out for a rousing game of football – without all that butch tackling! After a quick run-down of the basics of the game, it’s kick-off time. All skill levels welcome.
Flagging Flagging, aka flag-dancing, dates back to (at least) the Middle Ages but is largely a gay phenomenon these days: undulation, spinning and waving of flags in a rhythmic fashion to music. It’s fun fun fun, and really really gay… you’ll love it!
Frolf Is it Frisbee – or is it golf? Well, it’s a little of both! Instead of using clubs to hit those pesky little balls into tiny holes in the ground, come out and play a nine-hole course using Frisbees and suspended hoops.
Geocaching Learn how to be a geocacher! A cache is a small container with a sign-in log left at various coordinates for people to find. Inside, you may find treasures to take or leave behind. You’ll learn to use a handheld GPS to find caches anywhere in the world and how to plant your own geocache. Bring your curiosity and your desire to walk around the camp searching for treasure!
Hiking Trips Take a hike with your fellow Campers on some lovely off-site hiking trips. Past offerings have included Devil’s Den, a short-but-pleasant hike with some moderate elevation to cover and the longer, nicely challenging Burnt Meadow Hike with some steep rocky bits – and a great view as a reward!
Kickball Bet you haven’t played this one in years, have you? Everyone’s playground favorite is gaining in popularity with adults throughout the U.S., so we thought we’d revive it ‘Camp’ Camp. Since it’s probably been a while since you’ve played, we’ll first review all the rules – and then the balls will fly! If you can kick, you can play. (In other words, everyone is welcome.)
Lawn Sports Surprisingly captivating, those traditional summer favorites badminton and croquet are always an enjoyable pastime for the athletic & non-athletic alike. So, grab some newfound friends (or your cabinmates or even your whole Rainbow Group!) and come hit some birdies and balls around!
Massage Share the gift of touch and discover the relaxing and healing power of your own hands. Learn basic massage strokes while giving and receiving a relaxing massage.
Morning Swim Join hardy fellow campers for a ¾-mile swim across the lake (and back!) as the mist is rising off the water. Both swimmers and accompanying “safety kayakers” are welcome. C’mon – you can do it!
Mountain Biking After a short introduction to mountain bikes for beginners and a practice ride around the grounds, you’ll explore some of rural Maine’s country roads and the trails in the woods surrounding camp, where you’ll encounter rocks, roots, logs, and mountain streams. Challenging but fun!
Nature Ambles Camp’s resident longtime nature enthusiast leads a series of leisurely exploratory walks (and paddles) through the woodlands and wetlands surrounding Camp. History and nature abound in our little corner of Maine – so come and explore!
New Games During your first morning at Camp, break the ice – and maybe even (re)discover your inner child – with a series of fun & silly, large group “getting to know you” games, starring a cast of hundreds. Why, you’ll have 200 new friends in no time!
Night Hike Experience a nighttime walk in the woods surrounding the camp grounds on one of Camp’s ever-popular Night Hikes. Filled with activities that open your senses to the sights and sounds of a living forest after dark, you’ll rediscover your night vision and learn to view the natural world in way you never have before. Magical!
Night Paddle Experience a late-night guided canoe trip out on the waters surrounding camp. A beautiful, tranquil way to end another fun & fabulous day at ‘Camp’ Camp!
Sailing Conquer Stanley Pond in one of Camp’s small and manageable Sunfish mini-sailboats – perfect for beginning mariners. Or, try out one of the new catamarans! Once you learn the basics, sign out a sailboat and let the breeze carry you through a relaxing afternoon.
Sightseeing We don’t know why anyone would want to leave Camp (ever), but if you’d like to see a bit more of the White Mountain area while you are in Maine, head out on some fun off-site excursions. Past trips have included a drive up to the top of Mt. Washington where you can take in the spectacular views, a wonderful adventure into Portland for a historic and scenic tour of the Greater Portland Lighthouses, and a day spent discovering Portland’s Historic Old Port with a lunchtime cruise around lovely Casco Bay. (Some trips may involve additional fees.)
Silence & Reflection Come sit quietly in Camp’s designated sacred space for early morning meditation and reflection. A perfect & peaceful beginning to a busy day at Camp.
Skinnydippin’ Soak your groove thang with the rest of the gang under the stars. A late-nite ‘Camp’ Camp favorite!
Softball Brush up those rusty, (or non-existent!) softball skills during the morning Softball Clinic. During the clinic, we will work on throwing, hitting, fielding, and catching through both group instruction and one on one, personal instruction. Then, put your skills to use during one of the afternoon games. Everyone is encouraged to play regardless of skill – and everyone gets to bat every inning! Remember, this is ‘Camp’ Camp, and it’s a compliment to be told you throw like a girl!
Stargazing End your day discovering the hidden surprises of the glorious Maine night sky. Explore the moon and its terrain, identify planets, visit distant galaxies – and wish upon the shooting stars!
Swim Lessons Gone through your whole life swimming more like a Cocker Spaniel than a person? Get some patient and helpful feedback and tips from our fun and talented waterfront staff.
Tennis Our resident professional tennis pro will be giving excellent instruction on forehand, backhand, volley, & serve to get you ready for the big end-of-the-week tournament. Or enjoy free play on one of the five excellent hard courts. Didn’t bring your racket? Not an excuse – we have plenty!
Volleyball Brush up or learn new skills in a morning Volleyball Clinic, then put ’em to use during one of the popular pick-up games before dinner. …“Spike it, Peaches!”
Waterfront Instruction and free time for swimming, sailing, kayaking and canoeing. Or just bring a novel, relax on the sand beach or docks, and chat with a new friend. If you’re lucky, you might even catch an impromptu water ballet or two…!
Yoga A series of postures and movements which stretch and tone the body, performed slowly and deliberately while focusing on the breath and quieting the mind. While most appropriate for beginners, the class can also be enjoyed by those with a more advanced yoga practice.
evening social events
Activity Fair & Ice Cream Social Get the skinny on the week’s activities during this fun & informative event your first night at Camp. Short & sweet – and followed by buckets & buckets of ice cream with all your favorite toppings! Activity leaders are available to answer all your questions.
Barn Dance You just can’t keep a good ho’ down! Greet old friends and make new ones at one of our most popular annual events, offering fun & laughter to klutzes and twinkle-toes alike – and featuring live music by award-winning New Hampshire-based callers Jacqueline & Dudley Laufman (and friends)! The Laufmans have been leading this event since our very first year back in 1997, so it must be fun, no? Give it a try…
‘Camp’ Camp Dance Dance Go out in style at the last official ‘Camp’ Camp event of the season. The Camp DJ will be spinning a great selection of tunes to ensure everyone gets down all night long!
Campfires Drop by the ol’ campfire and share s’mores, camaraderie, jokes, ghost stories, and more!
Karaoke Lounge We’re firing up the karaoke machine and letting everyone tap into their inner Diva! Karaoke at Camp is always full of fun and surprises, so even if you aren’t one to grab a mic and hop on stage, you still won’t want to miss this perennial Camp favorite.
Late Night Movies End your day by enjoying ‘Camp’ Camp’s own on-going film festival each night in the Main Lodge. Past screenings have included such films as “Auntie Mame”, “Thelma & Louise”, “Bridesmaids”, “Grease”, “All About Eve”, “Mommie Dearest”, “Trick”, “Camp”, “D.E.B.S.”, “All About My Mother”, “Hairspray”, and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Bring your sleeping bag and a pillow if desired – delicious fresh popcorn is provided!
Pajama Par-tay! The Lodge buzzes with a whole selection of “sleepover”-inspired activities, promising fun for every taste: cards & board games, facials, fingernail painting, tarot card readings – or be really brave and join in a good ol’ fashioned game of Twister!
The Rainbow Challenge Join with members of your Rainbow Group for a competition of wits, speed & gumption as you solve puzzles and find clues throughout the camp. Part group theatre, part treasure hunt – and completely super fun.
Roman Carnival Friends, Romans, Campers: it’s time for… TOGA! Join us for a variety of fun carnival-style games and prizes, crafts, individual and group activities, and a decadent dessert feast – all set in the world of ancient Rome and Mount Olympus! Wander at your own pace, trying out whatever pleases you, or just take in the Bacchanalian splendor of it all. Come dressed as the Roman citizen or mythological being of your choice, bring a bed sheet for a makeshift toga, or just come as you are. A good time will be had by all!
Talent/No Talent Show “Curtain up! Light the lights! You’ve got nothing to hit but the heights!” Get your best performance together – be it musical, dramatic or any other amazing talent/no talent – and prepare to dazzle your fellow Campers with your spectacular skills in this ever-popular, traditional Camp event.
Tea Dance Grab the spotlight (and the dance floor) at this fiesta of energy & excess. The experience begins with a parade of buxom & bearded beauties and costumed characters. Pose for the paparazzi or strut your stuff on the red carpet. Then, dance, take a break for Camp’s annual BBQ dinner – then dance some mo’ ‘til you break a (high) heel!
