Camp Meraki mission — performing arts in a non-competitive environment
Camp Meraki offers a non-competitive environment for kids from 8-17 to learn about the performing arts. Set against a rustic camp atmosphere, we offer outstanding classes in film, theatre, singing, acting, dance, writing, and many other creative disciplines. Our goal is for campers to walk away having had the time of their lives, with a newfound confidence in sharing their voice through the performing arts.
Camp Meraki operates on the acting campus of Camp Manitou campground in the Belgrade Lakes region of Maine, nestled in the woods overlooking East Pond. Approximately 3 hours north of Boston and 1.5 hours from Portland.
Ages
8–17
Activities
Waterfront
Swimming
Arts & Creative
Dance
More activities
A Cappella
Arts and Crafts
Broadway Breakdown
Campfires
Costume Design & Wearable Arts
Film & Production
Shakespeare
Song Performance
Songwriting
Clues to fit
Counselor — Frannie Tracey; LGBTQ+ inclusion in camp community
Frannie Tracey is an actor and writer from Boston who uses they/them pronouns. They work with The Theater Offensive's True Colors Troupe, helping to write shows about LGBTQ+ youth and touring the shows across Massachusetts. This is their third year at camp and first year as a counselor. Frannie considers camp a home.
Each day at Meraki Creative Arts Camp is made up of activities that keep campers creating, learning, and having fun! After breakfast every morning, the whole camp gathers in the theatre to work on our group songs for the week. Students select three different electives to take during the day: one in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one in the evening. Masterclass time offers the opportunity for campers to learn new skills or enjoy a fun class with their friends — past workshops have included salsa dance, beatboxing, synchronized swimming, yoga, Broadway choreography, and tie-dye. Evening activities include Campfires, Talent Shows, Counselor Hunt, Mini Musicals, Night Swim, Stargazing, and the Camp Dance.
Electives breadth — film, Shakespeare, costume design, songwriting, a cappella and more
We offer a huge variety of electives each year! Film, singing, Shakespeare, monologues, and costume design are just a few we have offered in the past. These vary from year to year because we never know what amazing guest teachers may join us for the summer!
We operate out of the acting campus on the Camp Manitou campground. The campsite is located in the beautiful Belgrade Lakes region of Maine, nestled in the woods, surrounded by rustic rock walls, and overlooking the glimmering waters of East Pond. It is a 3-hour drive north of Boston, Massachusetts and a 1.5-hour drive from Portland, Maine.
Facilities — theaters, rehearsal studios, pool, lake, dining hall, cabins
The campground has two outdoor amphitheaters and a beautiful three-quarter thrust theater with 200 seats, dressing rooms, a scene shop, and lighting and sound booths. Additionally, the campground has three rehearsal and dance studios, a fire pit for campfires, and a state-of-the-art dining hall for meals. The pool and lakefront are where we cool off after a long day. Each camper cabin is complete with indoor bathrooms, toilets, and showers.
CIT Program — two-year leadership pathway for ages 16–17
The Camp Meraki Counselor in Training program is designed for students ages 16-17 with an interest in working with younger campers and training to become counselors. Our CIT program is two years long; campers must complete both years to be considered for the Camp Meraki Staff. We have had a number of successful staff members begin as CITs in this program.
Nonprofit mission — 501(c)3 arts education organization
Camp Meraki operates under the umbrella of NYC's LMProject, LLC, a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Being a nonprofit is especially meaningful because we can sustain and advance our vision for education in the arts. Your support is vital so we may continue providing education in performing, musical, and visual arts for children and teens.
Swim and free time — pool twice daily, lake trips, and unstructured time
Twice a day our pool is open to campers, and we take several trips to the waterfront throughout the week to visit the beautiful lake. During freetime, campers can explore the campground with friends, practice music for the talent show, or maybe just take a nap! With so much fun and creativity jam-packed into the day, campers use this break time to enjoy the summer without a care in the world.
Financial aid — HUD income guidelines; scholarship application available
If you are experiencing a financial hardship, please contact our administrative offices. Camp Meraki uses the HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) income guidelines to properly determine financial aid. Please be prepared to send your most recent IRS 1040 form, along with the accompanying Scholarship Application found in our Forms section.
