We live on the UWS of Manhattan, and our 8 year old daughter just completed the two night "Rookie…read moreWeekend" at Tripp Lake. Overall takeaway: Tripp Lake Camp is a lovely and sweet place, with long-standing traditions, and filled with bright-eyed and confident girls having fun. There was a lot of positive energy, and purposeful intent. My wife and I are glad that we took the time to drive up to Maine, and grateful that our daughter had this positive experience/introduction to overnight camp. Leslie, Janet and Stacy were all incredibly warm and welcoming, and our daughter said that the counselors and other girls she met made her feel safe and at home. She also had a lot of fun, made a few friends, and was excited that she was able to participate in some of the Tripp Lake camp traditions (including lots of singing, and a play put on by some of the other campers). After picking her up Sunday morning, our daughter told us that she definitely wants to go to Tripp Lake for the full summer next year. We took her to visit a few other girls camps in Maine after finishing Rookie Weekend, and all were quite nice. We decided to stop by Tripp Lake again before driving home, and were fortunate to come during "sing song" practice, and to see a camp meal where the girls were all singing. We got a good sense of the camp spirit. Thank you again to Tripp Lake for giving our daughter such a wonderful first overnight camp experience.

Our daughter has had an amazing experience at Tripp Lake Camp. This summer marks her second year…read morein attendance. She loves the activities- horse-back riding in particular, and it is reassuring to see pictures of her smiling ear-to-ear every evening when they post pictures of that day's activities. We are very pleased with the staff and counselors who have taken our daughter under their wing.

It's a peaceful place to learn and be around wonderful animals and the people that care for them…read more It's not a place for running around and screaming and the good news, is we didn't see any of that. The kids and adults were so respectful and gentle, as guided by the workers. There were a few trails to explore, keep in mind there is a lot of sun exposure, so prepare accordingly. We didn't get a chance to go into the new building, but we spent time exploring and then walked up a ways to the "camp store". I bought a beautifully made necklace by a local artist. We loved the fact they have designated parking AND an EV charger we could use.

A picture perfect beautiful sunny day to visit the farm. Fed the sheep, talked to the goats…read more Admired the cows and flowers. Per the farm cat. The most amazing thing I saw today was the stone sink in their new bathrooms! Wowwwww!!!!

This is Christian camp I teach at over the summer. They are great folks, appreciate them and their…read moreministry to kids and families in Maine. It's a Blessing to be a part and get to know these people and these teens.

2020 BANGOR KIDS WINTER SCHOOL OPTION. Snow & mud make the family cabin crazy, but you can't go to…read morethe trampoline park everyday. For some intellectual focus in the physical, invest time here to learn some mental & physical discipline. I only wish we could do more. Outstanding option acceptable for kids as young as two.

Spent a few nights "glamping" in a tent August 2025 & then a couple nights glamping in a cozy…read morelittle cabin February 2026. Love that they allow dogs. The tent & cabin were both very clean & comfortable. The campground community bath house (when staying in a tent or cabin w/out bathroom) was also kept clean. The cabins could use a bit more privacy - all the huge, gorgeous, picturesque windows are problematic as (particularly in the winter) there's several other cabins w/full view into your windows. It would be nice if it was more of a private / woods view than looking into other cabins. That said, my daughter & I enjoyed our time and have been repeat customers. Would give it 4.5 stars (Yelp doesn't give half star option, but I needed to account for the lack of privacy in several of the cabins in the area we were in.). Overall a great option & we'll likely be back!

What to do in Freeport? VISIT THE DESERT!…read more This has been on my list for years and it did not disappoint. I kinda found it odd to pay $21 to explore the dunes but here's what we got for the price: - unlimited train rides - Ability to wander the desert - Executed their scavenger hunt - the kids rode a massive slide (unlimited) - we explored a fair/troll maze - dug for fossils - visited an old gas station - walked through an old home - unique playground This place isn't just the desert (and I don't mean the mini golf.) It's a little hidden wonder that offer families things to do. My kids (4 and 13) were fully immersed in the experience. The oldest was keeping the youngest involved in the scavenger hunt which he loved looking for the 'red' guy. The hands on portions fully captivated them. I was worried the walking might be a lot for the little guy but he didn't complain not once. It was explorative and interesting. Keep in mind, on hot days I bet you feel it! Bring sunblock, wear hats, closed toed shoes are best and water. Also, the big blue slide in the rear of the desert shoots little ones out like a cannon! I thought he broke his arm but he was ok! You've been warned.

One of the best camps in the US, without question. I spent many happy summers at Manitou, and now…read moremy son is a camper there as well (along with many other second and even third generation boys). For kids who would enjoy playing sports all day, and making lifelong friends, Manitou is the camp to choose.

i came here for half of a summer (4 weeks) and loved it so much that i told my parents i wasn't…read morecoming home and planned to stay for the full 8 weeks. i think i spent a total of 3 summers here and often wish for the days when all i did was eat, sleep, play sports, and laugh with my friends. i look back at my summers at camp manitou as some of the best times of my life. wake up for breakfast, sports in the morning, lunch, sports in the afternoon, dinner, and sports at night. just about every sport imaginable was available from the lake (sailing, windsurfing, scuba, waterskiing) to the courts (tennis, basketball, track) to the fields (soccer, football, lacrosse, baseball, archery) and everything else in between. life in the bunks was filled with hazing and brotherhood, atomic sit-ups, and teenage boasting. through the trials of college league and color war we became intense competitors. that competitive nature was never more evident than when we competed against other camps because manitou ran the table in all sports. kennebec, androscoggin, cobbosee, y'all were our bitches. nostalgia abounds

This family camp is a true gem - the best kind of all-inclusive vacation for families. My family of…read morefive loves it. The kids spend time by themselves, my husband and I have time alone and together, and we have time with the kids to enjoy each other as a family. The camp is large enough for the kids to exercise their independence --heading to the barn for activities or kayaking in the cove by themselves without me worrying about them. When we go, I don't cook, clean or plan anything - which as a busy mom, is the best kind of vacation. The camp is rustic and simple but very clean with beautifully manicured grounds - a space just perfect for appreciating nature. The food is delicious (I probably gained 5 lbs last week) and easily catered to special diets. I enjoyed a nice mix of structured activities (fishing, sailing, art, archery, land sports, barn dance, bingo, etc) and down time (time at the lake or for a nature walk or just to relax around the fire). I also appreciated the sense of community that camp strives to create each week among the family members. At about 10-12 families per week, it is just the right size. Can't recommend this special place highly enough and I can't wait to go back.

Almost finished at our 1st family camp at Medomak and we are already planning to return. What a…read morespecial place. We were warmly welcomed by the amazing staff and guided to private cabin which was perfectly outfitted for our family of 4. The daily schedule has great variety and tailored the ages of all campers. The staff is knowledgeable, caring, accommodating and creates a wonderful family environment. A great place to disconnect from daily routines and reconnect with each other. It is a great place.

My two sons are counting down the days until their 4th summer at Laurel begins. There are so many…read moreoptions out there, and I truly feel like we hit the jackpot with Laurel. While the facilities are second to none and beyond impressive, that is not what makes Laurel so special. The best part about Laurel are the people, beginning with the directors Jem and Debbie Sollinger. My kids truly love Jem. The attention that Jem gives to each camper is remarkable. He is front and center in everything going on at camp. While I'm not there to witness myself, the daily scroll through the photos paints a great picture. And it doesn't stop with Jem - the staff training is incredibly thorough and intentional. They really know how to work with kids. One of my sons struggled with some cabin relationships, but the connection he had with his counsellors and campus leaders was exactly what he needed to navigate through. Camp is a regular conversation topic in our house and each year they come back giving their summer a 10/10. They truly live "10-4-2"!

Camp Laurel is the best decision we ever made for our children!…read moreThe directors, programming, activities, facilities and community are top quality. Nothing compares to it. The friendships our boys have made will last a lifetime. Laurel attracts wonderful families. My husband and I have also made connections with parents of campers there that are very special. We feel lucky to be a part of the unique Laurel spirit. Trust in the Directors of a camp is crucial and we have the upmost faith in Jem, Debbie and Keith. They are professional, genuine and a lot of fun. They understand that every child is an individual vs just a number. The facilities are beautiful. The food is healthy and excellent - my kids say better than at home. The cabins are always well balanced. The environment at Camp Laurel allows campers to be who they are. The staff is carefully chosen, impressive and intelligent. They encourage the children to try new things and step out of their comfort zones from home. Building confidence and skills is a gift that Laurel gives it campers.

DaVinci Experience has played a crucial role in providing a fun and educational experience for…read morethousands of children in the Greater Portland area for many summers. Kids who started out as campers often become CITs when they reach 13 and continue on as counselors during high school and college. Some have even become teachers. The camps rotate themes at different sites in the Portland Area. Camps run at the Falmouth site throughout the whole summer. Cousins Island in Yarmouth plays host to 3-4 weeks of camp whose themes are nature and art based. Other popular sites are Cape Elizabeth, Freeport, Brunswick and Westbrook. Among the popular themes are Emergency Vet , Island Impressionist Art (Cousins Island), Sharks and Volcanoes, Crime Lab, Kitchen Science Fun, Lightning, Lava and Landslides, and Inventor's Workshop. But there are many more themes from which to choose. Students are led by certified teachers from area schools - most are Art and Science teachers as well as responsible and fun-loving CITs and Jr. and Sr. Counselors who lead games and make the experience worthwhile. DaVinci Experience is great for visiting grandchildren and tourists vacationing in Maine for a longer period of time. Registration can be accomplished either through the website or the Recreation Programs administered by the individual towns.