Parent Information

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Dear Parent;

After spending 10 years visiting overnight camps and teen programs and talking with thousands of families about their children's needs and interests, I created Bethel Camp for the Arts. I grew up attending traditional overnight camps in Maine, but I came to learn that parents today have different needs than my parents had. Many want shorter sessions, a non-competitive environment and an elective schedule. And of course, parents want to know that the person running the camp really cares. After all, they have to trust us with their most precious commodity!

This is my life's passion, which I think is apparent to everyone who visits Bethel Camp for the Arts. In my summer camp referral business, I only work with camps that provide the highest quality programs and environment. Naturally, it's essential for my camp to live up to my own expectations!

Besides our dynamic program and top-notch facilities, our talented staff is the reason our campers have such successful experiences with us. We have a solid base of mature staff members who oversee programs and provide guidance to our talented young adult staff members, many who are training to be educators. Since staff is one of the most important components of a well-run camp, I spend much of the fall and winter traveling the country and interviewing potential staff. I personally call their references and do background checks as well.

I'm so glad you found our web site, and I hope you'll give us a call so we can learn all about your child and see if we might be a good fit. If you're looking for a nurturing environment where your child can be comfortable just being him/herself, there's a good chance you found it!

Best regards,
Rick Mades

Directions to camp:

From the Boston area:
Take I-95 North towards Maine & New Hampshire. I-95 becomes the Maine Turnpike. Stay on the Maine Turnpike (I-95 and the turnpike split south of Portland, ME). Exit the turnpike at Gray (exit 63). You will follow the signs for Rte. 26 North. To do so, take a right after the tollbooth and left at both lights. Follow Rte. 26 North approximately 1 hour to Main St. in Bethel (Rte. 26 becomes a St.). Take a right on Church St. which runs through Gould Academy.

From Portland, Me International Jetport:
Follow the Maine Turnpike North to Exit 63 (Gray). Follow the directions above for Rte. 26 North into Gould Academy.

From the Tri-State area:
Take I-84 East to I-90 East (Massachusetts Turnpike) to I-495 North to I-95 North. Then follow the directions from the Boston area (see above).

From the Manchester, NH airport:
Take I-93 North to exit 35 and Rte. 3 North (towards Twin Mountain). Pick up Rte. 115 (NE) to Jefferson and junction Rte. 2 East. Rte. 2 runs directly into Bethel. Take the Bethel exit. The entrance to Gould Academy is an immediate right onto Church St.

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