Welcome to Camp Med-o-lark, located in the picturesque surroundings of Washington, Maine. Nestled in a serene setting, this camp offers a breathtaking view of Maine’s lush landscapes and pristine lakes, providing an idyllic backdrop for a memorable summer experience.

Camp Med-o-lark was founded with a vision to create a nurturing environment where children can explore their creativity, learn new skills, and build lifelong friendships. The camp’s philosophy centers on fostering individual growth through artistic expression and adventure, emphasizing that every camper should have the opportunity to explore their unique talents and interests in a supportive community setting.

Med-o-lark welcomes boys and girls from diverse backgrounds. It caters to a wide age range, typically from 8 to 15 years old, offering a variety of programs that suit the developmental stages and interests of each age group.

At Camp Med-o-lark, the focus is on a holistic approach to youth development, where campers engage in activities ranging from arts and crafts to water sports and outdoor adventures. The camp’s mission is to ensure that each child not only has fun but also develops self-confidence, independence, and a sense of responsibility towards others and the environment.

Join us at Camp Med-o-lark for a summer filled with adventure, creativity, and the joy of making new friends in one of the most beautiful settings in Maine.

Programs Offered by Camp Med-o-lark

Camp Med-o-lark offers a rich variety of programs designed to cater to the interests and developmental needs of its campers. With a broad spectrum of activities, the camp ensures that every child finds something they love, fostering personal growth and exploration.

Programs Offered:

Arts Programs: Renowned for its emphasis on creativity, Camp Med-o-lark hosts an extensive arts program that includes fine arts, performing arts, and crafts. Campers can engage in painting, sculpture, theater, dance, and even circus arts, facilitated by skilled instructors.
Sports and Recreation: The camp provides a multitude of sports options, from traditional team sports like soccer and basketball to individual activities such as archery and kayaking. These activities are designed to build teamwork and physical fitness in a fun, inclusive environment.
Adventure and Outdoor Programs: Emphasizing the connection with nature, these programs include hiking, camping, and wilderness survival skills. They allow campers to experience the natural beauty of Maine and learn about environmental stewardship.
Science and Discovery: For those intrigued by the workings of the world, the camp offers programs in science and technology. These might include astronomy, biology, and robotics, encouraging campers to discover and experiment.

Length of Sessions:

Camp Med-o-lark offers flexible session lengths to accommodate the needs of different families and schedules:

One-week sessions are perfect for first-time campers or those looking for a short but fulfilling camp experience.
Two-week sessions provide a more immersive experience, allowing for deeper engagement in activities and community building.
Full summer options are available for those who wish to enjoy the comprehensive Med-o-lark experience, fostering significant personal growth and a strong sense of camaraderie among peers.

Typical Daily Schedule:

A day at Camp Med-o-lark is structured to provide a balance of activity, creativity, and free time, ensuring that campers remain engaged and energized throughout their stay. Here’s what a typical day might look like:

Morning: After waking up and enjoying a nourishing breakfast, campers might engage in a morning session of their chosen arts or sports program.
Midday: Lunch is followed by a rest period, giving campers time to relax and recharge.
Afternoon: The afternoon might include a specialty workshop or an adventure activity, allowing campers to explore new skills or deepen existing interests.
Evening: Dinner leads into evening activities, which often include social events, campfires, or special guest performances.
Night: Campers wind down with a light snack and quiet time before lights out.

Camp Med-o-lark’s diverse offerings ensure that every camper has the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and enriching environment. Whether it’s through artistic expression, athletic endeavor, or scientific discovery, the experiences at Med-o-lark are bound to be unforgettable.

Accommodations in Camp Med-o-lark

Camp Med-o-lark provides comfortable and accommodating living arrangements to ensure a pleasant stay for all campers. The camp prioritizes a welcoming and inclusive environment, focusing on safety and community building.

Sleeping Arrangements:

Campers at Med-o-lark reside in cabins that blend rustic charm with modern amenities. These cabins are designed to foster a sense of community and camaraderie among campers:

Cabins: Typically, each cabin houses 8 to 12 campers along with 2 counselors, providing a family-like atmosphere. The cabins are equipped with bunk beds, storage space for personal belongings, and areas for relaxation and socializing.
Grouping: Campers are usually grouped by age and gender, ensuring that they are with peers of similar ages and interests, which helps in building strong friendships and a supportive community.

Dining Options:

Camp Med-o-lark is committed to providing healthy, nutritious, and varied meal options that cater to the needs of all campers, including those with specific dietary requirements:

Meal Plans: The camp offers three well-balanced meals per day, served in a communal dining hall where campers and staff eat together. This setup not only ensures that everyone receives nutritious meals but also helps in building a tight-knit community.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of catering to diverse dietary needs, Med-o-lark’s kitchen staff is prepared to accommodate special dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-specific meals. Parents can discuss their child’s dietary needs with the camp staff ahead of time to ensure appropriate arrangements are made.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities:

Facilities: Each cabin cluster has access to modern, centrally located bathroom and shower facilities. These facilities are well-maintained and cleaned regularly to ensure hygiene and comfort for all campers.
Privacy and Accessibility: The bathrooms and showers are designed to provide privacy and are accessible to ensure that all campers, including those with disabilities, can use them comfortably.

The accommodations at Camp Med-o-lark are carefully planned to create a safe, comfortable, and engaging environment for all campers, making their summer experience as enjoyable and enriching as possible.

Activities in Camp Med-o-lark

Camp Med-o-lark is vibrant with a wide array of activities and special events, crafted to suit every interest and foster skill development in a fun, engaging environment. The camp prides itself on its diverse offerings that encourage creativity, teamwork, and personal growth.

List of Activities Offered:

Water Sports: Summer camps, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and sailing on the camp’s beautiful lake.
Creative Arts: Includes painting, pottery, jewelry making, and woodworking.
Performing Arts: Campers can participate in drama, dance (including modern, jazz, and ballet), and music (instrumental and vocal).
Adventure and Outdoor: Hiking, rock climbing, zip-lining, and camping excursions.
Sports: Soccer, tennis, basketball, archery, and more traditional team sports.
Crafts: Textile arts like weaving and sewing, as well as more modern crafts like photography and digital arts.
Culinary Arts: Cooking classes that cater to various skill levels and culinary interests.

Special Events or Traditions:

Camp Med-o-lark hosts several special events and cherished traditions that build community spirit and create lasting memories:

Campfires: Regular campfire gatherings featuring storytelling, singing, and marshmallow roasting.
End-of-Session Carnivals: A fun-filled carnival that marks the end of each session, featuring games, performances, and crafts.
Color Wars: An annual competitive event that divides the camp into teams for a variety of sports and creative competitions.
Talent Shows: Opportunities for campers to showcase their skills, whether it be in music, dance, magic, or comedy.

Skill Development Opportunities:

Med-o-lark is committed to the personal development of each camper through structured skill advancement in various fields:

Leadership Training: Older campers have opportunities to take on leadership roles within the camp, mentoring younger campers and assisting in activity coordination.
Specialized Workshops: Intensive workshops in specific areas such as advanced pottery techniques, sailing skills, or wilderness survival.
Personalized Instruction: Small group sizes in most activities allow for personalized instruction, enabling campers to progress at their own pace and according to their interests.

Camp Med-o-lark’s extensive activity roster and its emphasis on both fun and learning create an enriching environment where every camper can thrive and explore their potential.

The staff of Camp Med-o-lark

Camp Med-o-lark takes great pride in its dedicated and highly qualified staff, who are essential to creating a safe, educational, and enjoyable camp environment. The camp prioritizes maintaining an excellent staff-to-camper ratio and ensuring that all staff members are well-trained and equipped to handle the needs of campers.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio:

Camp Med-o-lark maintains a low staff-to-camper ratio to ensure personalized attention and high-quality supervision. Typically, the ratio is about one staff member to every four campers. This allows staff to closely monitor camper well-being, provide individual guidance, and foster a supportive and inclusive community.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications:

Recruitment: Camp Med-o-lark recruits staff from a variety of sources, including university education programs, referrals from current and former staff, and international recruitment agencies specializing in camp staffing.
Screening: All potential staff members undergo a rigorous screening process, including background checks, reference checks, and interviews. This process helps ensure that all staff are trustworthy and have a genuine interest in working with children.
Qualifications: Staff members typically have experience in education, child care, or specific activity areas (such as arts, sports, or outdoor recreation). Many are pursuing or have completed degrees in relevant fields such as education, psychology, or physical education.

Training and Certifications:

Pre-Camp Training: Before campers arrive, all staff participate in a comprehensive training program that covers camp policies, child psychology, emergency procedures, and specific training for their assigned activities.
Certifications: All staff are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. Additional certifications may be required for specific roles; for example, lifeguards must have current lifeguard certification, and those involved in adventure activities may need certifications in areas like rock climbing or wilderness first aid.
Ongoing Education: Throughout the camp season, staff are provided with opportunities for further training and professional development, which can include guest lectures, workshops, and feedback sessions.

The commitment to a rigorous hiring process, thorough training, and maintaining a favorable staff-to-camper ratio ensures that Camp Med-o-lark offers a safe, nurturing, and fun environment for all campers, allowing them to thrive during their summer camp experience.

Safety and Health in Camp Med-o-lark

Camp Med-o-lark is deeply committed to the safety and health of all campers and staff, implementing comprehensive protocols and maintaining excellent facilities to ensure a secure and healthy camp environment.

Safety Protocols and Procedures:

Regular Training: All staff undergo regular safety training, which includes emergency response drills, environmental safety, and activity-specific safety measures.
Activity Safety: Each activity is guided by specific safety protocols designed to prevent accidents and injuries. Equipment is regularly inspected, and safety gear is mandatory for activities such as rock climbing, horseback riding, and water sports.
Supervision: Continuous supervision is provided at all camp activities. Staff members are trained to maintain a vigilant watch over campers and to enforce safety rules consistently.

On-site Health Facilities and Staff:

Health Center: Camp Med-o-lark has a well-equipped on-site health center staffed by qualified medical professionals, including nurses and, during peak times, a visiting doctor. The health center is prepared to handle minor injuries and illnesses and is stocked with necessary medical supplies.
Staff Qualifications: Medical staff are required to hold valid certifications and licenses appropriate to their roles. This includes registered nurses, emergency medical technicians, or paramedics, ensuring high standards of care.
Accessibility: The health center is accessible 24/7, ensuring that medical care is available at all times, and is centrally located to be reachable quickly from any camp area.

Policies on Handling Emergencies:

Emergency Response Plan: The camp has a detailed emergency response plan that covers a range of potential scenarios, including natural disasters, medical emergencies, and other critical situations. This plan is regularly reviewed and updated.
Communication: In the event of an emergency, clear lines of communication are established between camp staff, local emergency services, and parents. The camp ensures that parents are promptly informed of any significant issues affecting their children.
Evacuation Procedures: Should an evacuation be necessary, protocols are in place to safely transport all campers and staff to a designated safe location. Staff are trained in these procedures and conduct regular drills with campers.
Partnerships with Local Services: Camp Med-o-lark maintains strong relationships with local emergency services, including fire departments, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies, to ensure a coordinated response when needed.

Through these comprehensive safety and health measures, Camp Med-o-lark ensures that the well-being of its campers and staff is always a top priority, allowing parents to feel confident in the care and security provided at the camp.

Cost and Registration in Camp Med-o-lark

Camp Med-o-lark aims to provide a fulfilling summer camp experience while also offering transparent and accessible registration and payment options. The camp is mindful of providing value and support to families to ensure that all interested campers have the opportunity to participate.

Cost of Attendance:

The cost of attending Camp Med-o-lark varies depending on the length of the session and the specific programs chosen, but generally includes:

All-inclusive Fee: This covers accommodation, all meals, activities, and access to all camp facilities.
Additional Costs: There might be additional costs for certain specialty programs or for optional extras like camp merchandise or special excursions.

Registration Process and Deadlines:

Online Registration: Registration for Camp Med-o-lark is typically handled online through the camp’s website. The process is straightforward, requiring filling out necessary forms and providing medical information for the camper.
Deadlines: Early registration is encouraged as spaces in popular sessions can fill up quickly. The camp usually sets a registration deadline for each session about a month before its start date.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies:

Payment Plans: Recognizing that families appreciate flexibility in managing their finances, Camp Med-o-lark offers payment plans that allow tuition to be paid in installments. Details and schedules of these plans can typically be customized during the registration process.
Refunds and Cancellations: The camp has a policy in place detailing the conditions under which refunds are possible. Generally, a full or partial refund is available if cancellation occurs by a specified date before the camp session begins; however, closer to the start date, refunds may be reduced or unavailable.
Cancellation Insurance: Families are often encouraged to purchase cancellation insurance to cover unexpected circumstances that prevent attendance after the refund cutoff date.

Scholarships and Financial Aid:

Scholarships: Camp Med-o-lark offers scholarships based on need and merit. These are intended to make camp more accessible to a broader range of applicants, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent enthusiastic campers from attending.
Application for Aid: Families seeking financial assistance can apply through a specific process outlined by the camp. This usually involves providing documentation of financial need and a written statement or application form.

Camp Med-o-lark is dedicated to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment, with various options to help families manage the cost of camp. By offering financial aid and flexible payment terms, the camp ensures that as many children as possible have the opportunity to enjoy a transformative summer experience.

Camp Med-o-lark offers a unique elective-based program where campers choose their activities. Their summer camp fees are structured based on the session length you choose:

First Session (4 Weeks): $7,800
2A Session (2 Weeks – NEW): $4,700
Second Session (3 Weeks – Limited Availability): $6,000
2C Session (2 Weeks – Limited Availability): $4,700
Six Week Session: $11,300
Seven Week Session: $11,800

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Med-o-lark

Preparing for a summer at Camp Med-o-lark is an exciting time for both campers and their parents. To ensure everyone is well-prepared and informed, the camp provides detailed guidelines on what to pack, rules and policies to be aware of, and helpful tips for first-time campers and their families.

Packing List:

Camp Med-o-lark recommends packing items that are practical, comfortable, and suitable for a variety of activities and weather conditions:

Clothing: Enough comfortable clothing for a week (laundry services are typically available for longer stays), including layers for cooler evenings. Include swimwear, a rain jacket, and sturdy footwear for hiking and sports.
Bedding: Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets, pillow.
Toiletries: All personal hygiene items needed, such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and sunscreen.
Equipment: Any specific gear related to the camper’s chosen activities (e.g., musical instruments for music classes, sports equipment if preferred, although the camp usually provides most equipment).
Miscellaneous: Flashlight, bug repellent, water bottle, hats for sun protection.

Rules and Policies:

Technology Use: Camp Med-o-lark encourages campers to disconnect from digital devices to fully engage with the camp experience. Therefore, the use of smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices is either restricted to certain times or not allowed during camp sessions.
Visitation: Visitation policies are designed to ensure the safety and structure of the camp program. Parents are usually welcome to visit on specific visiting days, which are communicated ahead of time. All visitors must check in at the camp office upon arrival.
Behavioral Expectations: Respect for others, positive participation, and safety are fundamental. The camp has clear rules regarding acceptable behavior and disciplinary procedures to address any issues that may arise.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents:

Preparation for Separation: Especially for first-time campers, practicing short periods of separation can ease the transition to being away from home. Discuss what camp will be like focusing on the fun and growth opportunities.
Communication: Understand the camp’s communication policies, including how and when campers can communicate with their families. Parents should also know how the camp will communicate in case of emergencies or updates.
Emotional Preparedness: Parents should express confidence and excitement about the camp experience, as children often take cues from their parents’ attitudes. Acknowledge any nervousness but reinforce the positive aspects.
Involvement in Packing: Involving campers in the packing process can help them feel prepared and ensure they know what they have packed. This involvement can also serve as a practical checklist to make sure nothing essential is forgotten.

By providing comprehensive guidelines and support, Camp Med-o-lark ensures that both parents and campers are well-prepared for a positive and enriching summer camp experience.

Camp Med-o-lark in Washington, Maine, offers a distinctive blend of creativity, adventure, and camaraderie, set against the stunning backdrop of Maine’s natural beauty. With a comprehensive array of activities ranging from arts and crafts to sports and outdoor adventures, the camp is dedicated to fostering an environment where every camper can explore their interests and develop new skills. The camp’s emphasis on inclusivity and personal growth ensures that each camper experiences a summer filled with fun, friendship, and self-discovery.

The commitment to safety, skilled and caring staff, and a supportive community further enhance the Camp Med-o-lark experience, making it a preferred choice for families seeking a meaningful and engaging summer camp for their children. Whether it’s through participating in a campfire night, competing in color wars, or simply enjoying a quiet moment by the lake, campers leave with lasting memories and a renewed sense of confidence and curiosity about the world.