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Comments
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6/22/17 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
The best experience of my life. Takajo instilled values in me that shaped me as a person and turned me into who I am today. My only regret is that I only spent six summers here and didn't attend camp earlier. The counselors at Takajo are some of the best people you will ever meet, and the tight knit community in the bunk provides a feeling of acceptance and comfort. Jeff Konigsberg and Warren Davis expertly run the camp and make sure that no camper is left out or isn't enjoying his summer. I have made lifelong friends at Takajo and have memories that I will forever cherish. From the waterfront to movie nights to sports to 'hot stove', a period of free time after dinner, there is something for everyone. One boy in my bunk was severely affected by homesickness, but after tireless work by Jeff and counselors, he ended up enjoying his summer and electing to come back every summer after. Takajo is an amazing place with amazing people and I am so lucky to been able to spend my summers here
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5/17/17 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Camp Takajo was one of the most transformative and defining experiences of my life. First and foremost, at Takajo I found a group of great friends that quickly became my brothers. What distinguishes Takajo from other camps is the strong sense of family and camaraderie that is fosters. By my last summer, I had made personal connections unique to anything one could make outside of camp. I really can't endorse Takajo enough. I can trace so much of my character development to my experiences in the bunk and with my counselors. I am more compassionate, tolerant, and kind because of the type of culture Takajo created. Jeff, the camp owner, and all the group heads set a tone that extends all the way down to the youngest camper. Everyone feels a sense of home and everyone understands the camp's values. All the best guys I know come from Takajo. It really is a place unlike any other. I am beyond grateful for the way it shaped me as a person and the amazing opportunities it gave me.
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5/16/17 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I was a camper at Takajo for 9 summers and there is not one phrase that best represents Takajo better than “my home away from home”. My most special memories all took place up in Naples, Maine. Winning basketball tournaments and getting up on water skis for the first time are all things that I will remember forever, but i've realized that my most special memories are the ones that didn’t always take place on the soccer field or the basketball court. I remember sitting in the middle of the bunk playing cards with my bunkmates on a rainy day. I remember canoeing with my closest friends on the lake not because we wanted to go canoeing, but because we wanted to be with eachother. Takajo is a special place and you realize that the moment you get there. At Camp Takajo you are not only part of a team but you are part of a family. I was proud to represent Takajo During my time there, but I am now even more proud to represent Takajo as the person I am today. This is what Takajo has meant to me.
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8/24/16 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
I was a camper at camp takajo in 2016 and it was not very satisfying. The kids have one goal and that is to make fun of anyone with anything possible. My bunk was not necessarily targeting me all the time, but I had a very had a difficult time dealing with all their bickering and complaining all the time. All they ever do is sports, and if you are not extremely talented at athletics than you are automatically judged. I am a musician, but would be made fun of for playing my instrument. If your kid does not play sports on a very competitive level, never send them. This is from a four year camper, if I could redo my summers i would somewhere else. listen again, IF YOU ARE NOT A SERIOUS ATHLETE ITS NOT WORTH 8,000 FREAKING DOLLARS. GO SOMEWHERE ELSE! I WISH I COULD HAVE BEEN TOLD THIS. ITS IS 8,000 DOLLAR ADVICE NOT TO GO IF YOUR NOT AN ATHLETE. Do NoT!!! The kids may seem nice but they are not, I am probaly never going to talk to any again cause they are shallow people and brats.
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4/4/16 |
1 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
I had a few really terrible Summers at Takajo when I was 9,10, and 11. I think the camp has a pretty gross culture. There was a lot of bullying and the counsellors practically encouraged it. There were staff members who were fired for being violent. No attention was paid to whether I was having a positive summer. The activities were really catered to fostering mean-spirited competition. Nothing about service, or being a good, caring person. My sister loved Tripp Lake, but I don't think the two camps share much but some common history. I thought camp wasn't for me, but I think it was just Takajo that wasn't for me. I later found camps I loved. Takajo was really one of the worst experiences of my childhood. I don't know why I returned twice! I think, had I communicated to my parents what it was really like, they never would have sent me back. Have to say the facilities were pretty good.
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12/15/14 |
2 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
$10,000 dollars to go to camp to get bullied for 7 weeks? I think not. I made the mistake of coming here for three years, and I have never seen a more obnoxious and unwelcoming group of kids. I got smacked with a tennis racket once out of hatred from another camper, and when I told the camp director, he told me to go apologize for whatever I did to provoke him. This continued with the camp director removing me from my bunk where I had friends, and placing me into a bunk with kids who had previously rejected me, simply because he feared losing money from three kids who wanted me out of the bunk. The kids at this camp will not accept you, and will outright attack you physically and mentally if you are not good at sports. This place is incredibly competitive athletically, and if you are a relaxed and not so athletic person like I am, I strongly suggest going elsewhere, as this place and the people in it (campers, counselors, administrators) will have a huge attack on your self-esteem.
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5/14/14 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
This is my son's 8th summer at Takajo and I have rave reviews for the entire experience. It is an extremely well run camp, gorgeous facilities, fantastic activities, superb sports instruction, and overall fun. My son is an enthusiastic kid but not a huge athlete and Takajo has the perfect mix of sports and other activities to keep campers very happy. Takajo emphasizes key traditions, respect and kindness and is a transformative experience for those boys fortunate enough to be able to attend the camp. As many residential summer camps, it is expensive but we found real value for our son in having this enriching summer experience. My husband was a Takajo camper for 7 summers so we knew how important it was to choose a camp with a strong director and senior staff. Konigsberg, owner and director, and Davis, associate director, steer this ship with a true love for the camp. Takajo is constantly improving its facilities while retaining so many of its special traditions. Love the place!
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2/24/14 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Safety is always first, but then comes fun and there is lots of it. My son went for five years and loved each and every summer spent at Takajo. He made wonderful, lifelong friends and improved his tennis and soccer games so much that his Varsity team coaches wanted to know how he was able to get so much better! My husband and I were thrilled to be able to send him to such a wholesome camp with a spectacular facility, and I was particularly pleased with the healthy and delicious food, which my son told me was the envy of all the visiting camps. It was worth every penny - thank you Jeff!
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12/11/13 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
My son attended Takajo for the first time this year and he loved it. He was greeted at camp with open arms and felt safe and comfortable. Joey has made great friends and the staff and counselors have became part of our family. Takajo taught Joey swimming skills, reading and writing skills as well as arts and craft skills. I am so happy with Takajo as a parent. I feel like my child is well taken care of and in a very safe environment. Joey, my husband and I can not wait for his return this summer! What a great experience!!
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8/26/13 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
My son spent eight summers at Takajo, and these were some of the most wonderful formative times of his life. He made close, lasting friendships, was mentored by warm, dedicated, and talented people, and developed as an athlete and a human being. He is now part of the Takajo community for life - and I would not be in the least bit surprised if he returns in the future as a counselor, as so many former campers do. Owner Jeff Konigsberg (a former camper himself) and his staff do a fabulous job. The camp is beautiful, the facilities outstanding, and the experience priceless. I cannot recommend Takajo more highly.
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8/22/13 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I have been at Takajo for 10 years with 3 boys. I highly recommend camp Takajo. The organization, communication and thought put into the camp every year is top notch!! The staff is outstanding and the owners make sure of that. My boys are safe and happy and having the time of their lives. Not to mention growing and learning. I can only recommend this camp!
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8/12/13 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Great summer 2013 experience for my 2 sons. This was their 1st summer @ sleep away camp. Camp director/owner Jeff & his team are on top of everything. They were extremely accessible & responsive whenever we reached out to them. The medical staff was great too. The camp facilities are fabulous including age appropriate fields, a brand new lakefront dining hall with a/c, a beautiful lakefront & activities galore. The sports opportunities & instruction are there to enjoy yet the pervasive camp philosophy focuses on community, teamwork & sportsmanship. My boys (going into 3rd grade & 5th grade) loved their counselors too. They already are talking about & looking forward to summer 2014 @ Camp Takajo!
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SYSTEM: 2 positive duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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SYSTEM: 2 positive duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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8/5/13 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Takajo is the most amazing camp! Jeff the owner is beyond AMAZING! My son had the best summer of his life!
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8/5/13 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I wanted to send my son to a “traditional Maine” camp. When he was 7 years old my husband and I took him to look at four camps. We told him not to say whether or not he liked the camp, until we were in the car, and out of ear shot of the director or tour guide. As we were walking away from our meeting with the director, my son said “I know you said not to say anything until we are in the car…but I am going here!” I can 100% tell you he made the right choice! The camp is terrific. My son loves it. The staff is outstanding. The kids get tons of personal attention both on and off the field. The facilities are top notch. Jeff Konigsberg the director is very accessible, and truly knows every camper. If you are thinking of sending your son to sleep away camp you should put Takajo at the top of your list!
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8/4/13 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Jeff Konigsberg runs the creme de la creme of camps. Its not the facilities (although they are beautiful), or the sports (every single one you can imagine) or the hobbies (from music to nature to art etc.) that make this camp so unique..quite simply it is the people. Jeff, his staff and the spectacular counselors that he hires set your child up for success in every way..socially, emotionally, athletically etc. My children have grown more in 7 weeks of camp then in 35 weeks in school. And they are having the time of their lives. My 8 year old, who would rather climb back into my womb, is now the leader of his bunk". He is trying new things (which he NEVER does at home) and is coming out of his shell. My 10 year old is competing in intercamp sports, making amazing friends and is becoming more self aware..I have complete peace of mind and know my children are in the best of hands when they are at camp. Takajo instills core values in these boys that will stay with them a lifetime.
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7/13/13 |
4 |
5 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
I attended Takajo from 2004-2012. My younger years were unmatched. Undoubtedly the most fun time of the entire year. However, as I got older camp became more restrictive as I, naturally as a teenager, wanted more freedom. I was forced to participate in sports and activities I didn't want to. And if I failed to show up, I would be punished. In addition, as I became older I noticed a downward trend: every year the administration seemed less and less adequate. It was as if the administrators were always out to get you. Nonetheless, Takajo is truly a unique place and I do intend on sending my kids there. The camp is great overall as long as your athletic and have thick skin, as a fair amount of campers tend to be nasty. The facilities are unmatched. The director is a businessman at heart and will do whatever he needs in order to get your tuition money. I wouldnt say hes a good guy - he treats his counselors almost as badly as foxconn treats their workers- and after a while he just seems f
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3/13/13 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Terrific Camp for sure (which is why I gave all 5's!). My son is back for his 6th summer...Just wish that kids with money wouldn't equal Brats! We like the fact that our son doesn't really know what we have or don't have!!! We like it that way!!! Hopefully some day he will know just how hard his parents worked and tried keeping it real :)
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3/5/13 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Great Camp! The best summer camp in Maine. Has great staff and facilities but the staff is underpaid compared to other summer camps in the area.
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7/10/12 |
3 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
3 |
I went to this camp in the 1960's. From the more recent reviews, it looks like it has not changed a bit. It was a torture chamber if you were not good at sports. Many of the kids were spoiled, obnoxious brats, and the camp "culture" did nothing to question their outlook. There were some great counselors and some horrible ones.
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7/7/12 |
3 |
5 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
I feel that this camp is good for some people, and bad for others. Personally, I had an ok time at this camp. The activities at this camp were ok as I am not the most athletic person out there and it would be more enjoyable for an athletic person. I feel that they should not force you to do certain sports and punish you if you do not go to the sport they assigned you as this is camp and you should have a good time and do what you want. The staff were ok as there were some that I really enjoyed getting to know as they were very nice people, and some were absolutely horrible and incredibly hostile and mean to kids. The campers however were for the most part awful. 90% of them are mean and bratty and if you are not good at sports, they literally torture you and give you hell. They do not accept you for who you are and some can even complain to the camp director about you and go so far as to have their parents complain as well until you are removed out of their bunk. This is a very bad sig
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SYSTEM: 2 positive duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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5/19/10 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
The staff Camp Takajo, in a word, awesome! What great people to have your son spend his summers with; I am so glad for the 5 summers my son spent there. Takajo is a place where a boy can learn and grow through activities that are led by role models. I visited many camps and the facilities at Takajo are simply the best. The program offers so much, sports, fine arts, pioneering, aquatics and trips. More important than that however is a long standing tradition of positive values that are being taught. That is truly what makes Camp Takajo a very special place!
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5/19/10 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Takajo is an awsome place to spend your summer! I was a camper for 8 years and a counselor for 4. I could talk forever about the sports, facility and people but most important are the values that the camp stresses everyday. There are a lot of great camps in Maine but none better then Takajo!!
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5/19/10 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I spent my childhood growing as a Takajo camper. made life long friends, staff was excetional Facilities are the best in the country! Jeff is a 100% hands on director!
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4/26/10 |
1 |
5 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
Don't go to Takajo. I went to Winaukee and visited Takajo several times for sporting events. From what I can tell, the kids are a bunch of snobs and can be really nasty. The counclers are also, shall we say, not the warmest people you will ever meet. The one thing you do notice is the facilities. They are great. The food is awesome. But then again, it's not a real camp expirience, and the kids seem unapriciative.
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8/3/09 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
If you are looking for sports instruction this is the place to go. The owners are the classiest most professional people around and run a top notch camp. The grounds are impeccable and the food is terrific.
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SYSTEM: 2 positive duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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6/18/09 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
By far the best camp in america. yes it is true that u have to be good at sports. but there are plenty activities for people to do that dont play sports. i love this camp to death. and will go for eight years than be a counselor
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6/15/09 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
I went to this camp for two years. The facilities were good, and the counselers(for the most part) were as well. The biggest problem I had was that it was a sports camp, so if you are not sporty, this isn't the camp for you. The other problem was was that the only way of outside communication was writing letters/ 2 phone calls/ 1 visiting day. This basically meant that there is very little opportunity to see your family. Overall it was O.K. but if you are not seriously into sports, do not go there.
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2/28/09 |
3 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
I had lots of fun playing the sports and swimming but other then that everything was boring. Forced to run in 10 lbs of lacrosse pads that some 1 was just sweating in. in he middle of a sun baked field.
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2/17/09 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
AMAZING -- This is the PERFECT example of "you get what you pay for" -- totally top notch everything!
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11/10/08 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
takajo is pretty cool. I will agree that the majority of kids there are quite impudent and dumb. There alse kinda jock-ish, Its a great camp, but dont go if your not too athletic.
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10/17/08 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
well the activities are ok i didnt feel like i was at camp more like a motel, little to luxerios , Richy rich skool kids only r nice to u if u are athletic or jus like them, sadly i was not as athletic and did not act like them dont go!!!
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10/13/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Camp Takajo is an amazing all boys camp. When you go, you have the most exciting expierence of your life. It is the best all boys camp around!
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6/20/08 |
4 |
5 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
my bro goes here and he is an ACTIVE kid. A ton of kids I know go here too, say you have to be 100% jock, act like a B.A., and be impudent to kid that r differet. :)
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4/3/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
it is an amazing camp and it is nit plastic the directer is great and it is easy to make freinds and if you are good at sports you will fight right in.
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2/26/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
This camp is great my brother and i have gone for a combined 13 years my brother can not goback any more and i am going until i can not go any more it is fun because everyone can make atleast one friend the only problem is that if you are not the best athleat you are are picked on alitte
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12/27/07 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
2 |
3 |
Takajo is an awesome camp but kids treat you good if you're their reflection (meaning your just like them) or if you're a pure jock. its a pretty good camp.
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9/13/07 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Amazing Camp! I went here for Eight Years, and I can't think of any words to negatively describe it. Although, I must admit, you need a certain personality to fit in.
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7/19/07 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
You can't beat it. Beautiful, Traditional and a sports camp that has somthing for everyone. Every activity that a child could want and 60 years of expirience.
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5/29/07 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Simply the best--from the director on down, the number one focus of this camp is the happiness and well-being of its campers.
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5/16/07 |
3 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
Basically, Takajo is a place where you can get away with anything. It spends too much money on its facilities and is essentialy a country club. It had a great reputation but has not been living up to it. They do not pay much attention the the campers.
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2/21/07 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
AMAZING place to spend the summers. Everything you could want in a camp is offered. I always look forward to coming each summer. I've been there 10 years so far!
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1/11/07 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Did the plastic comment refer to "creative" as with a plastic artist. Takajo is, by far, one of the most creatively run camps in the country. A loyal alum, one of many...
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11/5/06 |
5 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
I went for 2 yrs and the Staff was amazing but the kids were snobs and they all hated anyone who wasnt as good as them in sports. They also did not accept you for who you are. That is not a good sign.
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8/28/06 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
WENT TO THIS CAMP WHILE GROWING UP AND HAVE BEEN BACK SEVERAL TIMES TO VISIT FRIENDS AND FAMILY MEMBERS. CAMP TAKAJO IS SIMPLY THE VERY BEST SPORTS CAMP AND ALL AROUND CAMP, IN THE USA AND PROBABLY THE WORLD.
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