Mission 

The Summer Camp is a nonprofit, residential summer camp for urban and rural girls, ages 7-18, from low-income and foster homes. We provide an inclusive, supportive and safe environment in which campers explore fun, challenging and educational experiences, learn from positive role models, and have the opportunity to build skills for life year after year. We stand against discrimination and celebrate the diversity of our campers and staff. Donor support provides full camperships for each girl every summer.

Vision

To create a rich, multi-faceted, continually evolving program where girls learn about themselves, develop vital skills, and realize their intellectual potential and leadership abilities.

Impact

Many of our campers struggle with adult issues and responsibilities daily. Camp offers a ten-day reprieve for children to escape personal burdens such as parental divorce, domestic violence or neglect. Girls can forget about “real life” for a while, just have fun and make friends. More than 60% of our campers return year after year, truly finding a home away from home at camp.

Through our unique curriculum, The Summer Camp, provides a safe and supportive atmosphere; values each girl as an individual; offers affirmative guidance and encouragement; builds personal power and self-esteem. Our counselors create a wonderful camp culture based on caring and a true sense of community. They teach the girls that a smile, a word of encouragement or a helping hand positively impacts those around them. Summer Campers learn to communicate with their peers and authority figures. Individually and together, they set goals and recognize their potential to succeed. We strive to help each child discover her talents and learn to share them with the larger community. The social, emotional, academic and athletic skills acquired at The Summer Camp enable girls to believe in themselves and contribute to making choices that provide them with opportunities for self-advancement.

Community

We proudly serve 350 girls from low-income and foster families each summer, providing fully paid camper scholarships for all participants and transportation for those living outside the state of Maine. Partnering with 75 social service agencies and school guidance counselors from urban and rural areas of New England and New York state, we have welcomed over 10,000 campers since 1986.