Choice-based activity program — campers decide their own day
The activity program at ALC is special. Campers at Alford Lake decide how they want to spend their day, choosing from the many options on the schedule for their age group. Campers have the freedom and opportunity to try every activity or to focus on those that interest them the most. Each camper creates her own unique experience each day. Campers gain responsibility and decision making skills with the support of their counselors as they navigate this independence through a summer at camp.
Peninsula/lakeside camp on Alford Lake in Hope, Maine, Adirondack-style white canvas platform tents, pine grove, farmhouse dining room.
Ages
8–17
Accreditations stated by camp
American Camp Association
Activities
Waterfront
Swimming
Canoeing
Kayaking
Sailing
Land Sports
Tennis
Archery
Gymnastics
Arts & Creative
Ceramics
Dance
Outdoor Adventure
Rock climbing
Clues to fit
Testimonial — Olivia, 4-summer alumnae: quick friendships, no judgment, like a family
Camp is inspiring and you make friends so quickly you forget you were ever scared! It is encouraging and teaches you lessons that you will never forget! No one judges you or makes fun — it's just one big family where I have a couple hundred moms and sisters and about five fathers. I never get homesick at camp. I always get camp sick at home.
ALC identity — oldest girls' camps, Maine lakeside setting
As one of the world's oldest girls' summer camps, ALC is rooted in tradition, connection, and the belief that camp should be 'the best summer a girl can have.' Whether attending for the first time or returning year after year, campers build lifelong memories, meaningful friendships, and a strong sense of self in a supportive lakeside environment.
Global Challenge Trips — adventure culture, whole-community welcome back
For the last 50 years, Alford Lake Camp has provided unique extended trip opportunities for many of our oldest campers. Campers have triumphed through group challenges and return from these trips with deeper friendships, a renewed willingness to push themselves in new directions, and lifelong memories. At the end of the summer, the whole community welcomes our Global Challenge Trips back to ALC. We sit in quiet awe and respect as each trip rejoins the larger ALC community.
Logs tradition — weekly journals dating back to 1909
Sunday evening, the community gathers, and campers share log entries for each day of the preceding week. We have log books going back to 1909, telling the stories of every day of every summer. This is also when campers turn in their required weekly letters home.
Goals and outcomes — confidence, self-awareness, skills, friendships
After each summer at Alford Lake, campers leave camp with skills in activities, more confidence, the stamina to live a healthy lifestyle, and the ability to work cooperatively with others. They have the strength to overcome challenges and fears, have developed meaningful friendships, and carry memories of a fun-filled summer spent outdoors.
Testimonial — Caroline & Katie, 3- and 5-summer alumnae: confidence, truer friendships, campsick at home
They've laughed in the sunshine and listened to the loons. They've ridden horses and spotted constellations. They've learned flexibility and independence. After coming back from their first summer, they each had this spark of passion — they had found what they loved and a place that was safe and caring. Their summers at ALC have given them a sense of confidence in who they are, allowing them to bring more of themselves into the dramatic worlds of middle school and high school. They have a greater appreciation for their friends and have sought out truer relationships that mirror the deep friendships they made at camp. I thought they'd be homesick at camp, but in reality, they are campsick at home!
Early enrollment incentive price of $10,700 available through 10/1/2026. Standard rate of $11,100 takes effect 10/2/2026. Listed as 'Half Season' on rates page.
Early enrollment incentive price of $10,700 available through 10/1/2026. Standard rate of $11,100 takes effect 10/2/2026. Listed as 'Half Season' on rates page.
ALC fun continues into the evening! After dinner, counselors announce the Evening Activity. From games to sunset yoga to storytime in the Camphouse, each evening, the counselors plan an activity for the campers. Favorites include the counselor hunt, sing downs, and empty the lake.
Food allergies — nut-educated community, accommodations process
Alford Lake Camp is a nut-educated community. We have campers and staff members with serious, life-threatening nut allergies. Please do not bring foods or products to camp that contain nuts of any kind or have been made in factories that process nuts. If your camper has a medically diagnosed food sensitivity or allergy, please indicate it clearly on her Health History and Primary Care Provider Form. We can accommodate most food allergies, lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, and both vegetarian and vegan diets.
