Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Maine Arts Camp's philosophy?
   Our priority is to provide a small, nurturing, community where campers feel comfortable being who they are. One of the ways we foster this is by being a non-competitive camp. This means we have no team sports, and all of our activities are structured to allow campers to have fun while learning, without feeling 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 enhance their self-esteem and social skills as they become an integral part of our community. A positive camp experience can help a child or teen grow tremendously, and that's what it's all about for us.
   
   
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, as well as very high quality dance and theater programs, we have much more! Ranging from culinary arts to technology and individual sports, our activity choices are diverse. In addition, we have many of the fun components that you'd find at more traditional camps including camp songs, campfires, trip days, dorm-nights (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 115 campers per session.
   
   
4. How many staff do you have and what are their qualifications?
   We maintain approximately a 3:1 camper to staff ratio. Our instructors include a number of very experienced teachers as well as younger professionals, usually in their late 20's or older. Our dorm staff ranges in age from 19 to 28. We are very selective in hiring, conducting an extensive interview process that includes thorough reference and background checks. We hire staff who have a passion for working with children and often are education majors in college or teachers in the field already. 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 for the upcoming summer.
   
   
5. What are the facilities like?
   Maine Arts Camp is held at Unity College, which is an environmental college in Unity, Maine. The facilities are ideal for all of the activities we offer. Please visit the Location and Facilities page on our web site for more details: click here.
   
   
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 charming dining hall, seated at tables with their dorm floor. There are a variety of choices available at each meal, helping us to accommodate the pickiest eaters! There are a couple hot entrée choices at all meals, as well as a sandwich bar at lunch and a salad bar at lunch and dinner. We also have pasta and marinara sauce available as an option at dinner. In addition, we provide a healthy snack mid-afternoon.
   
   Allergies & Dietary Needs: Individual peanut butter packets are available 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.
   
   
9. How are medications administered at camp?
   All medications are administered by our nurses—there is always one on duty. All medications taken on a routine basis must be ordered through a company called CAMPMEDS. You can find CampMeds FAQs on our forms page.
   
   
10. When and how is my child's activity schedule created?
    Campers are sent an activity sign-up sheet a couple months before camp begins—usually late March/early April. They choose 17 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. Campers staying for two sessions can choose different activities for the second session.
    
    
11. Do you go on trips?
    Yes, we have two trip days per session. We usually go to a state park where there is a lifeguard protected swimming area, and scenic grounds for relaxing with friends. These include Lake St. George and Peaks Kenney State Parks, as well as others. If it rains on a trip day, we seek other options such as bowling, indoor swimming, and more.
    
    
12. 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.
    
    
13. 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.
    
    
14. 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.
    
    
15. 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 or e-readers (Kindles, etc.) with Internet capability. 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.
    
    
16. 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.
    
    
17. 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.
    
    
18. How do I enroll my child?
    Download the camper application from our website, or call us and we'll send one to you in a brochure with a DVD. Mail the application with a check to our camp office address in Florida. If you prefer, you can pay online with a credit card (Visa, Mastercard or Discover only), and mail or fax the application. If you enroll before April we only require a $1000 deposit, with the balance due April 15th. Please consider purchasing Travmark Insurance (see link on our Camper Application Page) in case of an unforeseen emergency that prevents your child from attending camp. Otherwise, deposits and payments are non-refundable through us after March 1st.
    
    
19. 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.