Evening activities — combating homesickness through engagement
In the evening, all of our campers come together to participate in activities chosen to help them get to know and respect one another, use their creativity and have fun. Our structured schedule and philosophy are conducive to helping each camper feel comfortable interacting with others without feeling intimidated or worrying about social competition. We quickly address the situation if we see cliques forming.
Camper review — thank you for friends and belonging
I want to say thank you because this camp is a true blessing. If I had not gone I would not have learned nearly as much art. Not have gotten to try different things, and I never would have met my best friends. I would not be as happy as I am today if it was not for MAC. — Ellie B., Cambridge, MA
Because we attract campers on the creative side, our campers do not fit a specific mold. Although many of our campers would fit in at any camp, campers at MAC often say they are able to find like-minded, creative, welcoming kids and teens at Maine Arts Camp. Since we are a small camp with many experienced instructors and counselors, we are able to support campers with different needs. Although we are not a therapeutic camp, we support campers who are socially shy, campers with learning disabilities, and campers who might need extra help making friends. We are also supportive and accepting of campers in the LGBTQ community, and we respect campers' preferred names and pronouns.
Campers alternate between A and B days, taking 5 activities each day. Each activity period is 1 hour and 10 minutes long. The day runs from 8:00 am wake-up through a Closing Circle at 8:30 pm, with five activity periods, meals, rest hour, free time, and an evening activity. Campers take 10 activities total each two-week session and choose their own schedules before camp begins.
Setting — Tilton School, New Hampshire Lakes Region
Maine Arts Camp is located on the campus of Tilton School in Tilton, NH. Tilton School is a unique community, located in the heart of New Hampshire's Lakes Region. The weather in the summer is cool, perfect for an overnight camp, while the school is easily accessible to families in the Northeast. The school has extensive and modern facilities for the visual arts, dance, theatre, the outdoors and more. Boston suburbs are approximately 1.5 hours away; Portland, Maine is 2 hours; Westchester County (NY) is 4 hours.
Camp history — founded 2004, over 20 years serving creative campers
Maine Arts Camp was established in 2004 as Bethel Camp for the Arts. After working with thousands of families, founder Rick Mades recognized the need for a camp community geared toward creative kids and teens, along with two-week sessions. Although our camp is certainly non-traditional in many ways, we are still traditional in offering a tech free summer and one where campers can grow, gain independence and make lifelong friendships.
Parent review — confidence and self-assurance after two weeks
She was so much more self-confident and so self-assured. She was so proud of herself and her newfound courage. She made incredible, bonding friendships in such a short period of time. It is incredible how much she grew in just a two week period. — Barbie C., Acton, MA
Parent review — counselor emails give parents window into camp life
Being able to see just a little bit into the 'camp window' is exciting and comforting all at the same time. I appreciate your taking such time and care in your observations of Emma and, I'm sure, all of your girls. You've made it easy for me to imagine what Emma's day is like, which is wonderful for me! And I also can tell that you're really seeing and getting to know her as a person. All of this just makes me feel very happy, relieved, proud. — Julie J., Fort Lauderdale, FL
Program breadth — 50+ activities across arts disciplines
Maine Arts Camp has one of the most extensive offerings in the camping industry, with 50+ visual, performing, and culinary arts activities and more. Campers dive into performing arts, visual arts, film, digital art, culinary arts, creative writing, outdoor adventures, and more. We also have many of the fun components that you'd find at more traditional camps including camp songs, campfires, trip days, dorm-nights, and other fun evening activities, closing circles and more.
Dormitory and sleeping arrangements — Tilton School campus
Maine Arts Camp is located on the campus of Tilton School in Tilton, NH. We have full access to various arts studios, a theater, dance and music studios, a photography lab, an indoor gym for pickleball and rock climbing, along with several classroom spaces. Campers live in comfortable dormitories. Dorm rooms are singles, doubles, triples or quads. Bathrooms are shared by several rooms. There are lounges on each floor, which serve as a common area for campers and staff.
Food and dietary needs — dining hall options and allergy monitoring
Campers eat their meals in the dining hall at Tilton School. There are a variety of choices available at each meal, helping us to accommodate dietary needs. There are hot entrée choices at all three meals, as well as continental breakfast options, and salad bar and alternative meal choices for lunch and dinner. The dining services provide tasty, healthy choices for vegetarians and vegans as well. Our staff and nurses help to monitor any allergy needs among our campers and staff. We make every effort to encourage healthy eating habits, keeping sugary foods to a reasonable limit and having fresh fruit available at all meals.
Health staff — EMT/Wilderness First Responder on site
Avi began working in EMS in 2021, and brings his experience as an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, working in both urban and rural 911 systems. He holds a Masters of Science in Secondary Science Education from Johns Hopkins University. He is excited to come back for his 6th year at MAC. Tina was previously employed by the City of Oakland Park, FL as a firefighter/paramedic, has more than twenty-two years of experience in rehabilitation, and recently was certified as a Wilderness First Responder (WFR). She will be helping with the health center, along with activities.
Thanks for your caring and kindness to Brigit. She had a little homesick moment I know, and I appreciate the support you all showed her. She really grew strong at your camp. — Karen H., Calais, Maine
