Some of our sessions for 2019 are waitlisted. We are glad there is so much enthusiasm about attending Friends Camp this summer, and we are also sad that not everyone who wishes to attend will get the chance. We do take several campers off waitlists, up until the very start of the session. Unfortunately it's impossible to predict exactly how many spaces will open up for a given session. Below is our waitlist process: If you wish to be on a waitlist for a session, you need to fill out the brief camper application. You'll know the session is waitlisted because it will have a red hourglass next to the session. The system will collect credit card info from you (unless you select "pay by check," but you will NOT be charged a deposit for a space on the waitlist. Campers are taken in order as places open up, although sometimes a space will open up only in a boys or a girls cabin depending on enrollment numbers. As soon as a space is open, you will be contacted by phone and email, and you will have 48 hours confirm that you would like the spot. If you do not confirm within 48 hours, we will move on to the next person on the list. No deposit is due to remain on the waitlist; you will not be charged unless your camper is enrolled. Please feel free to call Anna (207) 445-2361 at any time to check your status on the waitlist or to ask questions about our process or our camp. She will be very happy to talk with you! We really do take several campers off the waitlist for a given season. We [...]

Earlier this month, Friends Camp received a gift from a first-time donor. When I spoke with the donor to thank her for her gift, she shared that she was inspired to give after hearing her children, nieces, and nephews (all in their 20s and 30s), speak about the impact of camp in their lives over the holidays. These adults were reflecting on how their sessions at Friends Camp fostered in them creativity, understanding, and confidence. This conversation inspired me to share a few thoughts about what a few impacts of a session at Friends Camp can be: 1. Growth in confidence. Going to camp is a challenge. You are living in (quite close) community with many other young people. You have to leave your cell phone at home. You might not have a good friend you already know at camp. Facing this challenge and having an amazing time at camp can make a camper more willing to take on the next challenge that comes their way, whether it is starting at a new school, trying out a new sport, or even going off to college.   2. Young adult role models. Camp allows teenagers especially to make connections with positive young adult role models. Did you see this recent article in the NYTimes? The headline is "Students Learn from People They Love," but I think it could also be "Campers Learn from People They Love." Our camp staff are young adults hired for their desire to help campers grow into the best people they can be and trained in the practice of doing so. Let's face it: camp counselors are cool in a way that the other adults in a teen's life struggle to be. And [...]