Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Maine Arts Camp's philosophy?
   We are a non-competitive camp. This means that we have no team sports, and all of our activities are based on learning and having fun, without the stress of competition. While our campers cultivate many skills and produce some amazing creations, we emphasize the "process over the product." We want campers to feel comfortable being who they are, as they become an integral part of our small, caring community. A positive camp experience can help a child or teen grow tremendously, and that's what it's all about for us. We're much more than an arts camp!
   
   
2. How are you "much more than an arts camp"?
   While we take pride in having one of the most extensive visual arts programs in the country, we also have high quality programs in dance, theater, culinary arts, technology and more. In addition, we have many of the fun components that you'd find at more traditional camps including camp songs, campfires, dorm-night (like a cabin-night) and other fun evening activities, closing circles and more.
   
   
3. How many campers attend Maine Arts Camp?
   Our enrollment is limited to approximately 150 campers per session.
   
   
4. How many staff do you have and what are their qualifications?
   We maintain a 3:1 camper to staff ratio. We have a mix of professionals and teachers, along with young adults who are at least 19 years old and have typically completed their freshman year of college. We are very selective in hiring, conducting an extensive interview process that includes thorough reference and background checks. We have professional instruction in diverse activities such as photography, theater, pottery, kayaking/canoeing, visual arts, culinary arts and more. College students, who live with our campers, are chosen for their interest in working with children and often are education majors. Many of them are multi-talented and are able to assist or teach several of our activities. Please visit our web site staff page to read the bios. We'll continue to update this page as we hire new staff members.
   
   
5. What are the facilities like?
   Maine Arts Camp is held at Unity College, which is an environmental college in Unity, Maine. Their facilities are ideal for all of the activities that we offer. Please visit the Location and Facilities page on our web site for more details: http://www.maineartscamp.com/location.aspx.
   
   
6. What are the living accommodations like?
   Campers live in comfortable dormitories. Dorm rooms are doubles and triples. Boys and girls are in separate buildings, each with their own lounge areas. Each dorm room has closets, dressers and desks. Bathrooms are shared by several rooms.
   
   
   
7. How do you assign dorms and roommates?
   There are three dormitory buildings: one for boys and two for girls. We match roommates and group the rooms according to age. If two campers who are the same age and grade request to live together, we can usually accommodate them.
   
   
8. How is the food served, and what choices will my child have?
   Campers eat their meals in Unity College’s beautiful, spacious dining hall, seated at tables with their dorm floor. Unity serves as much locally grown food as possible. “Eat local” is the motto grounded in the belief that organizations such as Unity College have an obligation to conserve precious natural resources. Buying and eating locally grown produce translates into fewer miles traveled, less fuel expended. Unity College has come a long way from the early days when it first began composting kitchen scraps for use in the college’s garden. Given the magnitude that has been accomplished, and the rate at which these accomplishments have occurred, it is a safe bet Unity College will continue to be a trendsetter for sustainability.
   
   Allergies & Dietary Needs: Peanut butter is set up at a separate station to accommodate peanut allergies. Other dietary needs can be met upon request including vegetarian and vegan. We make every effort to encourage healthy eating habits, keeping sugary foods to a reasonable limit, having fresh fruit available at all meals, and discussing how to eat a well balanced diet. We also offer a healthy mid-afternoon snack.
   
   
9. When and how is my child's activity schedule created?
   Campers are sent an activity sign-up sheet several months before camp begins (usually in March). They choose 15 activities, listing them in order of priority. Their schedules will include 10 of the activities, with the extras allowing us to deal with any conflicts in scheduling especially since some activities are only offered at specific times. We limit our enrollment, which allows campers to get most of the activities they request, but it's best to register early to be sure your child gets most of the activities he or she chooses. Campers staying for two sessions can choose different activities for the second session.
   
   
10. Do you go on trips?
    Yes, we have two trip days per session.
    
    
11. How much interaction do the boys and the girls have with each other?
    Throughout the day, campers spend time with boys and girls of varying ages who have chosen the same activities. In the evening, all of our campers come together to participate in activities chosen to help them get to know and respect one another, use their creativity and have fun. Our structured schedule and philosophy are conducive to helping each camper feel comfortable interacting with others without feeling intimidated or worrying about social competition. We quickly address the situation if we see cliques forming or we notice "public displays of affection." We want our campers to feel good about who they are without trying to conform or impress other campers of the same or opposite gender.
    
    
12. How do I keep in touch with my child?
    There are several methods that parents and campers can use to keep in touch with each other. First of all, there's good, old-fashioned snail mail: campers are required to write a letter home twice a week, and are encouraged to write as many letters as they'd like. We deliver mail to the campers every day after lunch, and some parents write in advance so that a letter is waiting for their child the first day. The second method is e-mail: friends and family can e-mail campers, and we print and deliver these with the mail. If there are any problems or issues we need to communicate to you, we will call you directly as needed. Counselors also send an introductory and a departing e-mail to each camper's family to report on the child's progress.
    
    Four-week campers can call home on the transition weekend between sessions. Two-week campers do NOT have any phone calls. We have found that this allows campers to adjust to being away from home without stirring up their emotions. Even the most well adjusted campers can break down the moment they hear their parents' voices. There are some camps that allow phone calls for all campers, so if you are uncomfortable with our policy, please consider other choices in camps. We do understand that it's very hard for parents to have limited communication from their children, especially in our world of cell phones, e-mail and more, but it is truly an important part of gaining independence through the camp experience. We'll be happy to discuss this with you if you'd like.
    
    
13. Can I send packages to my child?
    One package is permitted for each two week session, as long as the package does not contain food. Campers are given an adequate amount of food, and we don't want them overindulging on treats. Also, food cannot be stored in the rooms, as it will attract bugs. Campers are asked to open packages in front of a staff member.
    
    
14. Can campers bring electronic devices to camp?
    Campers can bring inexpensive portable music players with no video capability such as an IPod Shuffle (not a regular IPod) or an MP3. These are only to be used in the dormitory at bed time or during rest period. We do not allow devices such as Gameboys, etc. We also do not allow cell phones. If a camper is traveling alone and needs to bring a cell phone to call home from the airport, we will collect the cell phone upon arrival and return it to the camper at the end of camp.
    
    
15. Do I need to pack everything on the clothing list?
    Our packing list specifies which items are necessary and which ones are optional. Certain items are only needed for specific activities.
    
    
16. What equipment does my child need to bring to camp?
    We provide all necessary equipment including art supplies, costumes and cameras, as well as mountain bikes. We do recommend that campers bring their own bike helmets and gloves (if they wear gloves). If a camper chooses to bring other equipment, we can store it as needed.
    
    
17. Is Maine Arts Camp affiliated with a certain religion?
    No, Maine Arts Camp is not affiliated with any religion. Our campers come from all different backgrounds and there are no religious activities at camp.