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Comments
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9/3/20 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Thank you, Camp Runoia! Our daughter (age 8) is a returning camper to Runoia. She always comes home from camp as the best version of herself after time away at their beautiful campus in Maine. Her favorite activities at camp are horseback riding, boating, climbing the ropes course and swimming. It was a tough decision to send her to camp during the pandemic, but the Runoia staff are extremely organized and responsible and gave me the confidence to know she would be in great hands. They successfully kept everyone safe for the entire summer session! What makes Runoia a special gem among camps is the leadership team. The mission is "to build lifelong skills and empower campers to live in harmon with themselves, each other, and with nature." These values are demonstrated by every person at every level on the staff at Runoia. I know that Stella will continue to look forward to returning to camp next summer!
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9/2/20 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
During the COVID pandemic, Runoia was able to pull off an amazing summer camp experience for my daughter. She went away to camp anxious and extremely hesitant to trying new activities. She came back home wanting to spend time with our family water skiing, SUP’ing and showing us how she loved archery. She came home confident and independent...a total change from the girl we sent away. Pam, Alex and their team went out of their way to plan for an enriching summer camp experience despite fears of COVID. Having worked in an ICU in CT during the COVID pandemic, I was impressed with the plans that were in place to keep my daughter and her bunk mates safe. Thank you Camp Runoia! We can’t wait to send her back next summer. Our five year old is also asking when she can join her big sister at camp. She, too, wants to be a “Runoia Gal”!
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2/8/19 |
3 |
3 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
I have no experienced both the camper and counselor role at this camp. It wasn't until after I became staff that I realized how downhill the Runoia experience has become over the years. As a small child, the camp was a lot of fun and the directors were still young enough to have fun with their campers. However, as the owner and other directors have gotten older the camp has become almost depressing. However, they do an incredible job of hiring and training younger staff members who truly make the camp experience as positive as possible. The activities are standard for a summer camp, but the breathtaking location is what really sells people on the camp. Also, Runoia traditions are very strong. As negative as the social scene at this camp can get, the camp has taught me so much and provided me with so many life lessons and opportunities that I am now using in adult life. Overall, I know that this camp has potential and some fresh faces in camp management would make a major difference!
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12/11/18 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
My Daughter just could not say enough great things about her summer at Camp Runoia. She was absolutely bubbling over with excitement about her weeks spent at camp Runoia last summer. The facilities are absolutely beautiful and everyone involved in the expierence loves being there. The self respect and confidence my daughter gained last summer will be with her for a lifetime. There is nothing but love and admiration I have towards Camp Runoia for what they have done and will be doing for my daughter in the coming summers! My daughter requested attending both sessions this summer. She would absolutely love it!
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12/4/18 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
runoia is a place that has given my girls so much joy and happiness over the past few summers. The staff and other campers make this place such a joy for us to spend our summers here. The property is beautiful and set on a sandy bottom lake, but the values and self growth the girls learn here makes it the most speical
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6/26/18 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
The people who own this camp are careless and disrespectful towards there staff and campers. Just terrible, do not send your girls to this camp they are not interested in protecting or nurturing your girls, they will through them to the wolves if it isn’t to there liking
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2/6/18 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Our daughters will attend Camp Runoia for the third time this summer, and each time they return having added another positive layer to their character. From being brave enough to try new experiences (incl. trips), or responsible in managing their time and resources wisely, or comfortable enough to engage in the Evening Program no matter how silly (for our introvert especially), I have seen nothing but growth each summer. Each major allows time to challenge them to improve upon their individual skills, while the shorter classes provide opportunities to experience an activity they might want to delve into more deeply in the future, or simply share that activity with their new friends. The staff works very hard to make sure each individual child's needs are met, resulting in a "summer family" feel that makes all of us look forward to returning each year. Bonus: even my pickiest eater is well nourished as she enjoys the selections at the salad bar twice a day. Put simply: feels like home.
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1/19/18 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I cannot say enough good things about Camp Runoia!! It has been a transformative experience for my daughter. She gained so much independence and self confidence after even one summer. The atmosphere is incredibly kind and nurturing. Each girl is understood and cherished. The communication with parents is excellent, and the whole enterprise is run very professionally and efficiently. My daughter learned a wide variety of new activities including riflery, sailing, jewelry making and woodworking. She talks about Camp (her experiences and friends)EVERY DAY. She met girls from all over the country and all over the world. My only regret is that I hadn't sent her sooner.
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9/30/17 |
5 |
5 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
My daughters were extremely disappointed with the lack of choice at this camp that advertises itself as all about girls getting to choose their activities. They wanted to major in sailing, did not get to sail EVEN ONCE (not even as a one day elective). I had even called and talked to someone at the camp to ensure, before we undertook the significant expense (of the camp itself and getting them there) that they would be able to do horseback riding and sailing. That person said "no problem". We feel like we were completely lied to. The "reality" (which was not made clear at all to the girls) is that even though camp is 3 1/2 weeks, you only get to pick two majors. And they didn't know that horseback riding would count as their major for week 2, so they "wasted" their first major on something they didn't care that much about (and had both done before) in order to get acclimated. They had no idea that on week 3 they were required to go on a canoe trip and so no sailing that week either.
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7/24/17 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I've gone to 3 different summer camps and this has been my favorite!
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2/9/15 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Last summer was the first time my two dtrs went away to overnight camp. They were 13 and 9 and both nervous about going but the wonderful staff there helped guide all of us during the time leading up to camp as well as the whole way through. They were really incredible! Pam, Alex and Gines all work together to run a wholesome, fun and classic girls camp. They care so much about each individual camper. They really want each girl to do what she loves, try something new and make friends all the while. I never went to summer camp but I really wanted to give this gift to my dtrs because I knew it would effect them in a positive way. When they came home they were ecstatic - telling me all about the food, the songs, the traditions, the friends, the wonderful counselors...they were more confident, more appreciative and more independent. In this age of helicopter parenting- it is more important than ever to step back a little and let your girls find their inner strength and confidence!
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1/23/15 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
My daughter is a second generation camper at Camp Runoia. It is amazing to see her experience the same core values that I experienced there 30 plus years ago. Runoia has held onto what "really matters" in a great classic camp setting while adding a myriad of new activities and opportunities for the girls. I am amazed at the skills and confidence my daughter has gained at camp each year. The administration and staff are top-notch and I never doubt that my daughter is valued and cared for 100%. When I look back to my own experience all those years ago, I am in awe of all I learned (things I never learned elsewhere) how to skipper a sailboat at age 10, how to pitch a tent and cook outside, archery, riflery, how to weave, water safety and survival skills, mountain climbing and more. So much of my confidence as a girl stemmed directly from mastering those skills at Runoia! My husband and I feel blessed that our daughter has the opportunity to attend such a fine camp!
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SYSTEM: 2 positive duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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1/20/15 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
Runoia is a classic family owned summer camp in Maine. The staff and owners genuinely care about each camper and create a community that is very welcoming. We appreciated the basic facilities and that electronics are not allowed for the campers. There is a wide variety of activities and an opportunity to really focus on those of specific interest. My daughter attended for the past five years and loved it. It truly helped shape who she is today. Of course we all wish it cost a bit less, but you get what you pay for... and what you pay for is excellent.
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1/18/15 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I am an alumnus I was so excited when my daughter was old enough to attend Camp Runoia. I had gone for years myself, both sessions, and forged lasting friendships with campers and staff. My daughter just turned 12 and is going back a second summer. She loved it! We sang camp songs together for days after she came home. I saw growth in her confidence in being free to try new activities of her choice. As a single mom it is a great opportunity for experiences that shape a lifetime. The director is kind and compassionate and is involved in each camper. Pam continues the legacy of this 100+ year old camp, and well-earned excellent reputation. I highly recommend this camp.
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1/18/15 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
This will be my daughter's 8th summer at Runoia and it has been a fantastic experience all around. The directors are very hands on - they know every child and they know them well. The staff is fantastic - very caring and dedicated. As a parent I have always felt that my daughter was safe and cared for - both physically and emotionally. The directors are always available to address any issues and my daughter has always felt comfortable speaking with them. The facilities and the lake are gorgeous and very well maintained. My daughter says the food is great - better than home! She loves that she can choose her activities each day. I like that they have encouraged her to try things she didn't want to try - and shown her that she can overcome fears and obstacles. Runoia is a big part of the beautiful young lady my daughter has become - we owe a lot to this camp!
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5/20/14 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Camp Runoia is the best experience I have ever had in my whole entire life! This summer will be my second summer and I am so excited. The friends I met there will most likely be my friends forever. Camp Runoia is my 1st home. The facilities are a little run down, but the camp has been open for a really long time so its nice to have some culture. The lake is gorgeous! The food is great and they do a nice job making it good and healthy. The campus is full of life and the directors are like moms. The camp is a bit pricey, but worth every penny! I strongly suggest choosing this camp for your daughter!
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1/17/14 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
As an alumnae of Camp Runoia, I am so impressed with the values the camp continues to show. The facilities are fancier than when I was a camper but it's still a very real, down to earth place with one of the most beautiful waterfronts in the world. The number of activities and choices the campers have now is amazing - there are so many cool things for them to do. I only have boys so my guys can't go to Runoia but my friend's daughter has been going to Runoia and says the counselors are amazing. Sometimes you get a counselor who is a little strict or is too serious about teaching but they are fun and know what they are doing. Let's face it, private camp is expensive but it's a big positive part of who I have turned out to be. I feel the investment is not only important but giving them a camp like Runoia, you give more to your daughter than if you sent her to private school.
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8/6/13 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
my daughter has been at runoia for two years and she loves it. even when she's home, she talks endlessly of camp and even begins to plan out her activities for her return. it seems a good portion of her time is spent dreaming of camp. the staff is very attentive and warm and we think of them as extended family. they go out of their way to make everyone feel at home and out of the many choices, we are so grateful to have found camp runoia.
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2/4/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
BEST CAMP EVER!!! I was nervous about going to a long summer camp for the first time, but everyone is sooo friendly and I felt like I was at home, and that hasn't changed in the years since. In my first year the older girls at the camp became like older sisters, and now the younger ones feel like younger sisters. The whole camp is one giant family. And worth every penny.
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SYSTEM: 2 positive duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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11/10/10 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Runoia is definately my home away from home. The bonds you make at Runoia are without a doubt everlasting, and I count down the days every year until I see my "sisters" again. This summer will by my 6th summer at camp, and my 3rd summer as a full session camper. Sadly, it is my last year, but Runoia and it's amazing people will always be in my heart. The directors are amazing, always there if you need someone to talk to. The counselors at Runoia are so exceptional, and you become so close to them even if you are only there for 3 weeks. The scenery is spectacular, and campfires on the shores of Great Pond are something almost every camper looks forward to. I would recommend Runoia to any girl, because it truly is an amazing place to be.
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11/4/10 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Amazing camp for girls. My daughter started going when she just turned 10 and she is begging me to go the entire summer this year. The directors are phenomenal. The facilities are wonderful. The location is breathtaking. Perfect size so the directors know your daughter well!
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SYSTEM: 3 positive duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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8/9/10 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Everything here is 100% true-Camp Runoia is my favorite place in the world! CR is so indescribable that you just have to not just see but feel and experience it. My first year was in 6 shack- there are only 8(including SV as 1). Ever sinse i walked in the front gate i wished i started going when i was 8 in 1st shack. I'm born and raised in Jupiter, Florida so for scenery i'm not easy to impress. But i'm certain that Great Pond is 10x more beautiful than ANY place in Florida. The people are all there because they want to. And everyone knows that it's much more fun when everyone is having fun that when someone is left out. NO ONE is ever left out. And for some incredible reason, someone is sitting out EVERYONE has something to say about it. I thing it is perfectly summed up but a quote i thought of on the plane ride back- "Anyone can be part of a camp. But the camp has to be truly remarkable to become a part of you. Camp Runoia IS truly remarkable." CR IS my life. and it will always be.
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8/21/09 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
i just spent the best summer of my life at runoia. it is a beautiful setting with the most amazing people you will ever meet. the food is really good, we have our own greenhouse where we grow fresh vegetables for 'salad bar' which we have every night. the counselors are amazing, i became very close to my counselor and i know that everyone else felt the same way. you are right on great pond, which is absolutely breathtaking. the cabins are clean, the directors are fabulous and the camp is structured on manners and tradition. i would absolutely recommend Runoia to anyone who asked me about summer camps, and even people who didn't. oh, and the activities are things you would never get to try anywhere else. i tried riflery and archery for the first time and it was wonderful. one of the things that makes runoia sooo special is the directors. every night they come in and give you a hug and a kiss goodnight. alex jackson is one of the funniest women i know and pam is one of the nicest.
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8/7/09 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
CR is amazzzzing! this was my 1st summer there, and it was one of the funnest and greatest expieriences i've ever had. everyone there was so welcoming, and we were all so different (but in a good way) and we all just fit together so perfectly as one happy camp family. i got so close to the girls there. like sisters. we all cryed on the last night because we couldn't believe we wouldn't see eachother for a whole nother year. and if your worried that you'll be the only new camper, there's always like 3 or 4 new girls in the cabin. the councelers are fabulous as well. they are so supportive, and they really helped me get into the routine there. they feel like older sisters! it's great! they're so fun, but also very responsible. there are good old fashioned maine cabins and buildings, and the setting is gorgeous! the directors give you so much personal attention. the acctivities are so diverse and fun! there must be like 30! CR will always be where my heart will belong in the summer.
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5/10/09 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
72 days till 2nd session!!!! so excited! best camp ever. there is sometimes drama between kids but it all gets settled and everyone is friends. there isn't a day there that i don't laugh with all my friends! the 4 weeks goes by way too fast! but wait, did diane leave?
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9/22/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
camp runoia is my life<3 i have soo many great friends!! i love it and mis it SO much!!! i<3CR!<3
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9/9/08 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
This place rocks! Great people make it a fun place. There's lots to do - tons of activities, food is good - salad bar and fresh fruit every day. People come from all over and no one acts clicky there.
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7/22/08 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
This is one of the BEST camps on the east coast. I'm from a large Midwestern city so getting out of the hustle and bustle was nice. The owners were amazing with giving each girl personal attn. I liked that we had to rotate tables at meals so we got to meet all of the campers. Some of the most well behaved girls I have ever met attend this camp. If you want to try new things and meet new people, this is the place to be. I miss you CR!!
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6/27/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
omg. camp runoia is AHMAZING. best summer of my LIFE!!! the people are soo nice and i have so many BEST friends I LOVE CR!<3.
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4/10/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Camp Runoia is my home away from home! I love all of the activities and the counsolers are sooo nice and supportive. I miss all of my friends there and can't wait to go back and see them again! It's always so exciting and you never want an activity to end because it's always so fun!!! A camp is built with boards and beams, Runioa's bulit with love and dreams!
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3/29/08 |
5 |
3 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
both the activities and personal attention is great....you couldnt ask for more! i mean, where else would u get a kiss goodnight every night, or a great big hug from nurse cathy! the foood is average, but that is made up by our family style way of dining and our sparkling mealtime conversations. the counselors are always there for you, and camp just wouldnt be the same without their smiling faces! also, alex jackson, one of the directors is the greatest person in the world. she's made my summers rock! the facilities are average, but camp is about lifelong memories and friends that will last you forever!
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2/10/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Camp Runoia is a great way to spend your summer. I have made my best friend here and have spent two happy summers there. i am soo excited to go back this year, and if you read this, we aren't kidding- this is the best camp ever. It is wecloming to newcomers, and any other visitors. I have to keep this review short now, there are too many good things to nsay. This camp has everything you could dream of and more. A ton of activities and very nice staff. If you are reading this, i hope you will take my advuce and go to Runoia. I hope to see you there. "Oh I was born.." forever. I <3 CR!!!!
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1/9/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I went to Runoia in the early 90's before people were so accepting of children who had some problems. I had gone to another camp the year previous and they were not only terrible to me, but they essentially told my parents that I was a "bad egg." Runoia took me the way I was and accepted me - good and bad. I cannot begin to express my gratitude to Pam, Betty and all of the rest for being so wonderful and accepting. I have turned out pretty well (I have a solid college education and a wonderful job) and I KNOW in my heart that no small part of it had to do with the care and love I received at Runoia. Bo-bo-ski forever. Thanks Runoia!
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10/2/07 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Wow this year was only my first and I made the best of friends. I loved it and can't wait to go back next year. You can do so many fun things there and the girls and staff are soo nice. I felt like family as soon as I got there. I never wanted to go back!!! It was only my first really long summer camp and I'm soo excited for next year. As soon as you leave your like "Wow is it really over?" And you start sobbing. You grow to love everyone and learn a lot more about nature. WOW. I can't say anythig else except I LOVE CAMP RUNOIA!
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7/18/07 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
um everyones nice and theres lots of fun things to do there... i love camp runoia belgrade lakes, maine. and i really love those stickers. i'm going back very soon for my fouth summer and i'm very excited. adiossss
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7/18/07 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
This camp is a great. It is a great experience for kids, and has a variety of activities to do. The counselors are as nice as can be and you get to meet some amazing girls. It is a great oppertunity to make new friends from all over.
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