Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Guide to Maine Summer Camps
Maine Summer Camps (MSC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting meaningful developmental, educational, environmental, and recreational experiences for children. Founded in 1934, we have served as a pioneer in youth camping by establishing the first state camp licensing law in the United States, many of whose standards are still used by the American Camping Association today. Our mission focuses on enhancing the quality and effectiveness of Maine's youth camps while serving two primary audiences: the camp-seeking public and camp professionals. Through our online presence, publications, workshops, trainings, meetings, and conferences, we provide families with resources to identify camps that align with their children's interests and needs.We also offer camp professionals a broad range of educational opportunities, aggregating essential resources and legislative updates to deliver timely support. Our organization administers two key programs: the Junior Maine Guide Program, established in 1937 to certify youth in outdoor living skills, and the Level Ground Initiative, launched in 2018 to provide free camp experiences for immigrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers. With over 140 member camps and 150 business members, we remain committed to fostering confidence, independence, and environmental stewardship in children through transformative camp experiences in Maine's natural beauty.
Services
Camp Matching Tool
Summer Camp Job Board
Junior Maine Guide Program
Level Ground Initiative
Educational Workshops
Camp Publications
Environmental Stewardship Programs
Community Partnerships
Legislative Advocacy
Professional Training
Details
- Year established: 1934
Highlights and features
- We have over 90 years of experience in youth camping advocacy and support.
- Our Junior Maine Guide Program certifies youth in outdoor living skills since 1937.
- We administer the Level Ground Initiative for immigrant and refugee children.
- We provide comprehensive online camp matching tools and job board resources.
- Our organization pioneered the first state camp licensing law in the US.
Services
Camp Matching Tool
Our online Find-A-Camp tool helps families identify ideal summer camps for their children. The platform allows filtering by camp type, location, and specialty programs. With over 140 member camps, we provide comprehensive options for traditional residential camps, sports camps, arts camps, and adventure programs.
Summer Camp Job Board
We connect qualified professionals with summer camp employment opportunities across Maine. Our job board features positions ranging from counselors to specialized staff roles. The platform supports both seasonal workers seeking rewarding experiences and camps looking for qualified personnel.
Junior Maine Guide Program
This program certifies youth in outdoor living skills through structured training and assessments. Participants learn wilderness survival techniques, leadership skills, and environmental stewardship. The program partners with the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to maintain certification standards.
Level Ground Initiative
We coordinate free camp experiences for immigrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers through donated spots from member camps. The initiative partners with 20 community organizations to ensure accessibility. This program promotes cultural integration and provides transformative outdoor experiences for vulnerable youth.
Professional Development
We offer educational resources and training opportunities for camp professionals. Our programs include workshops, conferences, and virtual learning modules. These resources help camp operators maintain high standards while staying updated on industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
Questions
How do I find the right summer camp for my child?
Use our Find-A-Camp tool to search by location, camp type, and specialty programs. We provide an online directory with detailed information about over 140 member camps across Maine.
Are there job opportunities available at Maine summer camps?
Yes, our job board lists seasonal positions at member camps. We connect qualified professionals with camps seeking counselors, activity specialists, and support staff.
What programs do you offer for youth development?
We administer the Junior Maine Guide Program for outdoor skills certification and the Level Ground Initiative providing camp access for immigrant and refugee children.
How long has your organization been supporting Maine camps?
We've been promoting youth camping in Maine since 1934, making us one of the oldest camping organizations in the United States.
What resources do you provide for camp professionals?
We offer educational workshops, conferences, regulatory updates, and networking opportunities. Our resources help camp operators maintain high standards and comply with industry regulations.
