Camper privacy and identity — Winona's inclusive policy
Winona strives to be a community of boys/children who identify as male and staff (male and female) from diverse socioeconomic, geographic and racial backgrounds. Winona does not disclose to parents when their son is in a tent/cabin group with a camper or counselor who is of a different race, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation from their son. We grant any request from a camper to have a conversation about identity with a unit director (such as preferred pronouns, etc.), however, we encourage campers to disclose contents of such conversations with their parents.
Located on Moose Pond in Bridgton, Maine; hundreds of acres with nearly one mile of shore frontage; foothills of the White Mountains in western Maine's Lakes Region.
Ages
8–16
Accreditations stated by camp
American Camp Association
Activities
Waterfront
Swimming
Canoeing
Kayaking
Sailing
Fishing
Land Sports
Soccer
Tennis
Basketball
Archery
Baseball
Lacrosse
Outdoor Adventure
Rock climbing
Mountain biking
Camping
More activities
arts & crafts
campcraft
canoe trips
farm & garden
frisbee golf
gimp
Junior Maine Guide
kayak trips
Maine woodscraft
mountain trips
riflery
rock climbing trips
sailing (recreational & racing)
sloyd (woodworking)
water sports
windsurfing, SUP
Clues to fit
Alumni voice: friendships at Winona stronger than school friendships
The relationships that you form and the intimacy of those relationships is so strong. It's incredible that in just a couple of weeks you can form these super tight bonds. The commitment to those around you, the camaraderie, and the friendship are definitely what I hold onto most outside of camp. — Uncle Benjie Messinger-Barnes (Winona camper 1996, BAT 2010)
Alumni voice: sense of community and belonging — 'you can be whoever you want to be'
The friendship. The sense of friendship and family there and the idea that you can be whoever you want to be there and not feel like you're being judged. The fact that it pulls together so many different people from so many different corners of the world and forms this sense of community and friendship. — Uncle Andy 'A-Frame' Frame (Winona camper 2002, BAT 2015)
Setting — Moose Pond waterfront, hundreds of acres, White Mountain foothills
We are located in the 'Lakes Region' of western Maine at the foothills of the White Mountains (about one hour west from Portland, Maine). Our location is the key to our success with Winona property covering hundreds of acres and nearly one mile of shore frontage along Moose Pond in Bridgton. This allows us immediate access for all water based activities: canoeing, kayaking, swimming, water sports and sailing.
Sunday Service tradition — weekly whole-camp gathering under the pines
Sunday Service would definitely be my favorite tradition. Getting everyone in camp together from all the different units. We don't always see each other during the summer besides at meals, but bringing everyone together on Sundays under the pines to reflect on what we love about camp, the lessons we've learned, and to carry on new lessons probably has to be one of my most special times at camp. — Uncle Andy 'A-Frame' Frame
The Legend of the BAT — Winona's oldest and most beloved tradition since 1919
One of Winona's most unique legends began in 1919, when Hubert V. Davis dressed in a mask and black cape and ran hollering through the camp, much to the amazement of all the campers. To this day, we still have these events at Winona, called 'BAT showings.' Known only to be a member of the current staff, the BAT will suddenly appear at various camp functions and then will escape into the woods or out onto the water. The identity of the BAT remains a mystery until Award's Night, the final night of camp.
Alumni voice — Winona as beginning of personal independence, homesickness overcome
The transition was certainly quite rough with a lot of homesickness, but I soon found myself immersed in and welcomed by the wonderfully compassionate atmosphere that characterize Winona. Looking back I realize that these few weeks at Moose Pond clearly mark the beginning of my personal independence and growth into adulthood. — Maximilian von Spiegel, Winona camper 1993–1995
JMG — life skills and self-confidence from wilderness guide program
'What we teach in the JMG program are intensely critical life skills,' said Wilson, who has spent more than 32 summers at Winona between 1952 and the present. 'A lot of these kids are under tremendous stress at home to succeed, but this is a different kind of stress. Although it is hard work, it is also fun, and there is a great sense of accomplishment.' 'There's not a Maine Guide in the state who wouldn't want to hire one of these kids. But no matter what they choose to do with their certification, every successful candidate will leave the program with excellent outdoor skills, self-confidence and strong self-esteem.' — Wally Wilson, JMG Director
CIT program — 80% staff return rate, largest program in camping
Winona has one of the largest and most comprehensive CIT programs in all of camping. Between 16 and 21 boys participate each summer and many of them return as full time staff the season after their CIT year. Winona's program is structured to permit CIT graduates to become full time staff members without further training as assistant counselors. Ultimately, CIT is about discerning the difference between camper and counselor, and once you understand this difference, you will see why 80% of the Winona staff returns each year.
Junior Maine Guide program — wilderness certification co-sponsored by Maine state since 1937
The Junior Maine Guide Program (JMG) was established in 1937 by Winona Camps and the Maine State Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife as a wilderness camping skills program. It is an outdoor skills program designed to foster enjoyable, safe and healthy outdoor living experiences for youth ages 14–18. JMG certification can lay the groundwork for later training and certification as a Registered Maine Guide. The program culminates each season in late July with a five day testing encampment at Stephen Philips Preserve in the Rangeley lakes area of Maine.
Cabin and sleeping arrangements — canvas tents on platforms, youngest boys in cabins
The youngest boys stay in cabins, with a few other tent mates and a counselor. Boys around 10 years-old and older live in tents for the summer. The tent has a roof and sides and it sits on a platform. Most days the sides are rolled up to let in the sun and breeze. Each camper has a cot and space for some of his items. Sleeping in a tent for weeks at a time, taking a break from screen-time and electronics, is an experience that can happen only at camp.
Food allergies and dining — family-style meals with alternatives at every meal
The food is good with lots to choose from in our dining hall. We eat family style, everyone sitting at a table with a staff or camper waiter. Breakfast includes fresh fruit and cereals, with a hot entrée of eggs or pancakes. Lunch is the typical pizza or grilled cheese, with salad options. Dinner varies, but includes chicken and pasta with salad, vegetables and fresh breads. For those who prefer something else, PB&J, bread and fresh fruit are available at each meal. If you have a food allergy (we do have several boys with food allergies each summer), be sure to remind your parents to discuss it with Winona before your arrival at camp.
Health Center — 24/7 registered nurses, standing orders, proximity to hospitals
The Winona Health Center is staffed by experienced, caring registered nurses and licensed personnel (with standing orders) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We will notify you if your son spends the night at the Health Center or needs to be seen by a doctor. In cases where additional treatment is necessary campers are seen by medical personnel at North Bridgton Family Practice or at Bridgton Hospital (ten minutes away from camp). Central Maine Medical Center (Lewiston) and Maine Medical Center (Portland) are an hour away for acute cases.
Homesickness — parent communication policy and counselor training
Most are cabin or tent counselors, which also involves special training in how to handle conflict resolution, homesickness and preparation for a variety of other community living issues. Winona staff continue a long Red/Gray line of traditions, camaraderie and role modeling that give every boy many opportunities to achieve success.
