We love to connect with first-time camper families here at Maine Arts Camp, and we hear from many! When we talk with caregivers looking for a small, supportive New England arts camp for their child or teen, it is often because this will be their young person’s first time at “sleepaway” summer camp. 
Some find that our dorm accommodations and professional dining hall make the transition away from home more comfortable. Many parents say MAC’s focus on kindness and inclusion helped their camper feel safe and cared for. A small, welcoming, creative camp community is a great place to have a positive first experience – and maybe even find a lasting summer home!
Two weeks is often the just-right camp session for new campers
We are big fans of the two-week session for new campers at MAC. Committing a whole month, or even seven or eight weeks at longer camps, can be a big ask for kids and families who haven’t tried overnight camp before or who may never have spent that much time away from home. Two weeks at Maine Arts Camp means dropping your camper off on a Sunday, and being able to say, “I’ll see you next week!”
Some families think a one-week camp would be an easier start. You know your child best, and at MAC we always encourage you to go with the best fit camp for your family. That said, we know that two weeks is often a sweet spot for campers. For some first-time campers, it is natural for the first few days to involve settling in, learning the routines, and making new friends. Two-week sessions allow all campers time to enjoy the best camp has to offer and make memories with camp friends before having to get ready to return home. Add in the learning and growth campers experience by having two weeks of instruction in their chosen activities, and the rewards are clear. We have seen countless first-time campers turn around at the end of two fun-filled weeks and ask how soon they can come back!
Campers unplug to ease anxiety and build confidence
Summer camp is a uniquely exciting time for campers to unplug, and our cell phone policy stems from 20+ years of firsthand experience in just how powerful it is to put phones away and switch into “camp mode.” While it may be more or less of an adjustment for different campers to set aside these devices at camp, we know there is so much good to come from protecting the camp session as a screen-free time.
Setting down cell phones can be a change for campers and families alike. Sending your young person to overnight camp for the first time is a huge exercise in trust – this reality is at the heart of how we operate and the care we show our campers. Renowned camp expert Bob Ditter, M.Ed., LCSW, outlines how this approach helps increase the very benefits that summer camp offers. Our policies around cell phones and technology are thoughtfully designed to support trust, timely care, fun and joy in the present moment, collaboration between camp and families, and your young person’s growth and emerging independence. We support this with lots of other creative communication, including daily emails from families if desired, letter writing home, and open lines of communication between caregivers and the adults caring for your camper. Drop us a line and we’d be glad to share these policies and discuss what communication looks like in practice at MAC.
A structured-elective schedule can be a first-time camper’s best friend
Maine Arts Camp’s approach to activities is a key part of what makes our camp special! Before even setting foot on campus, campers receive a full list and descriptions of our 40+ activity offerings for the summer. With quality instruction in visual arts, theatre, dance, music, writing, culinary arts, outdoor activities, and much more, there are options for every creative kid or teen! Campers send us back a ranking of their top choices for the summer, and we build a custom schedule that ensures they can do 10 of their preferred activities. Campers have each chosen activity five times per session, so they have time to truly learn and create!
While our activity schedules are a favorite for returning campers, we also see them work wonders helping to ease nerves for a first-time camper. Not only will you know what to expect from your schedule before you even leave for camp, you have a voice in tailoring your camp experience to your interests and what sounds fun to YOU. Go deep on the activities you love, try something new that you were always curious about, you get to make MAC your own.
Hear from other parents about their experience
Check out our testimonials, or reach out to tell us a bit about your camper and we can connect you with a Maine Arts Camp family.
My family is ready to take on this adventure. How can I help my camper have a positive first summer at camp?
We love this question! Families can do so much before and during camp to help their camper feel safe, be brave, and have a bunch of fun. So much, in fact, that we’ll be sharing an entire piece on this topic – stay tuned!
In the meantime, ask us this or any of your other questions at (781) 205-0850 or office@maineartscamp.com, or tell us a bit about your camper for more information. We’re excited to talk with you!
