About Us

The Summer Camp staff are compassionate, dedicated individuals who believe in our mission and are committed to helping our campers discover healthy and enjoyable alternatives to the lifestyles to which they are accustomed. The counselors live in the bunks with the campers and teach activities. We are proud to have camper alumnae on our staff as well as counselors who grew up in the foster care system and can relate to our campers in a heartfelt way. All benefit our campers and instill within them a sense of hope and encouragement. The Summer Camp employs 35 female counselors each summer, from various racial and socioeconomic backgrounds.

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 9,500 campers since 1986.

Many of our campers struggle with adult issues and responsibilities on a daily basis. 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.

Mission Statement

MISSION:

The Summer Camp is a nonprofit, residential summer camp for inner city and rural girls, ages 7-18, from low-income and foster homes. We provide a safe, fun, supportive environment in which campers explore new, challenging and educational experiences, learn from positive role models, and have the opportunity to build skills for life year after year. 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.