Welcome to Camp North Star, a cherished retreat nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Poland, Maine. Located in the serene New England region, this camp is surrounded by the natural beauty of tall pine trees and the tranquil waters of nearby lakes, offering a quintessential backdrop for unforgettable summer experiences.

Established with a rich tradition of fostering independence and personal growth, Camp North Star has been a home away from home for countless campers over the years. Their mission is to provide a nurturing environment that encourages young individuals to explore their potential, develop new skills, and form lifelong friendships. They strive to create a community where campers feel valued and empowered to be their best selves.

Camp North Star is a facility that welcomes boys and girls across various age groups. They carefully curate their programs to cater to the unique needs and interests of campers aged 7 to 17. Whether it’s through sports, arts, outdoor adventures, or team-building activities, each day at Camp North Star is designed to be engaging, educational, and fun.

Join us at Camp North Star, where summer memories last a lifetime, and the experiences gained shape the leaders of tomorrow.

Programs Offered by Camp North Star

Camp North Star offers a diverse array of programs designed to meet the interests and developmental needs of their campers. Their programs are crafted to ensure that every day is full of learning, adventure, and fun. Here’s an overview of what they offer:

Program Description:

At Camp North Star, they offer a well-rounded experience that combines recreation, education, and personal growth. Campers can choose from a variety of activities including:

Arts and Crafts: Encouraging creativity through painting, pottery, and more.
Sports: Featuring traditional sports such as soccer, basketball, and tennis, along with unique offerings like archery and kayaking.
Science and Nature: Exploring the environment with guided nature walks, stargazing, and hands-on science projects.
Performing Arts: Campers can express themselves in drama, dance, and music workshops.
Adventure and Team Building: Focused on developing skills through ropes courses, group challenges, and survival skills training.

Length of Sessions:

Camp North Star provides flexible session lengths to accommodate the needs of different families and campers:

One-Week Sessions: Perfect for first-time campers or those looking for a short but fulfilling camp experience.
Two Week Sessions: Allows more time for in-depth exploration of camp activities and community building.
Full Summer: An immersive experience where campers can fully engage with the camp community and develop strong bonds and skills over several weeks.

Specialty Programs:

They also offer specialty programs that focus on specific interests:

Fine Arts Program: Dedicated to developing artistic skills and showcasing camper artwork.
Sports Clinics: Specialized coaching and practice in specific sports like soccer, swimming, or tennis.
STEM Workshops: Programmed to spark curiosity and a love for science, technology, engineering, and math through fun, educational projects.

Typical Daily Schedule:

A day at Camp North Star is structured to provide a balance of activity, education, and free time, fostering independence and personal growth:

7:30 AM – Wake-Up
8:00 AM – Breakfast
9:00 AM – Morning Activities (choice of arts, sports, or nature exploration)
12:00 PM – Lunch
1:00 PM – Rest Hour
2:00 PM – Afternoon Activities (specialty programs or free choice)
5:00 PM – Free Time
6:00 PM – Dinner
7:00 PM – Evening Program (campfire, talent show, night hikes)
9:00 PM – Cabin Time
10:00 PM – Lights Out

At Camp North Star, their goal is to ensure that every camper not only has fun but also learns something new, gains confidence, and makes lasting friendships. Join us for a summer of exploration and discovery!

Accommodations in Camp North Star

Camp North Star is committed to ensuring that every camper has a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Here’s an overview of the accommodations and facilities available at their camp:

Sleeping Arrangements

Campers at Camp North Star stay in cozy, well-maintained cabins that blend into the natural surroundings of the Maine woods. Each cabin houses between 8 to 12 campers, allowing for a close-knit group experience. Campers are grouped by age and gender, with trained counselors staying in each cabin to provide supervision, support, and guidance.

Dining Options

Meals at Camp North Star are a time for community and nourishment. Their spacious dining hall serves three balanced meals a day, prepared by a professional culinary team that understands the importance of both nutrition and taste. Their meal plans include a variety of options to cater to different tastes and dietary needs, including:

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options to ensure all campers have delicious and nutritious choices.
Allergy-aware meals, with careful attention to avoid cross-contamination for campers with food allergies.
Flexible meal times for special programs or needs, ensuring everyone is well-fed and energized throughout the day.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Their camp is equipped with modern bathroom and shower facilities that are centrally located for easy access from the cabins. Separate facilities are provided for boys and girls, and each is maintained with the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene. The facilities include:

Private shower stalls, ensure comfort and privacy.
Ample sinks and toilets to prevent waiting times during peak usage.
Daily cleaning schedules are managed by their onsite maintenance staff to keep facilities clean and sanitary at all times.

Camp North Star also places a high priority on safety and accessibility, ensuring that all facilities are equipped to accommodate campers with varying needs. With comfortable accommodations, a variety of meal options, and clean facilities, they strive to make Camp North Star a home away from home.

Activities in Camp North Star

Camp North Star offers a vast array of activities designed to engage campers of all interests and skill levels. Here’s a detailed look at what they offer:

List of Activities Offered:

Swimming and Water Sports: Their lakefront location provides ample opportunity for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Hiking: Summer camps can explore the natural beauty of Maine through guided hikes around their extensive trails.
Crafts: A wide range of creative arts and crafts activities, including pottery, jewelry making, and woodworking.
Sports: They offer a variety of sports, such as soccer, basketball, baseball, tennis, and archery.
Performing Arts: Campers can participate in drama, dance, and music, culminating in performances at the camp’s amphitheater.
Outdoor Skills and Camping: Skills like orienteering, campfire cooking, and overnight camping trips are part of the adventure.
Gardening and Environmental Education: Teaching campers about sustainability and the environment through hands-on activities.

Special Events or Traditions:

Camp North Star is rich in traditions and special events that highlight the camp season, including:

Opening and Closing Ceremonies: These bookend the camp sessions, fostering a sense of community and celebration.
Color Wars: A multi-day event filled with team competitions in sports, arts, and problem-solving challenges.
Talent Shows: An opportunity for campers to showcase their skills and interests to the entire camp.
Theme Days and Nights: Special-themed activities that vary each week, such as Superhero Day or Medieval Night.
Campfires and Storytelling: Regular evenings spent around the campfire, sharing stories and roasting marshmallows.

Skill Development Opportunities:

Camp North Star is committed to fostering personal growth and skill development through:

Leadership Programs: Older campers have opportunities to develop leadership skills through specialized programs that include mentoring younger campers and leading activities.
Workshops and Clinics: Specialized sessions in sports, arts, and sciences designed to improve skills through focused instruction.
Personal Choice Activities: Campers can choose activities based on their interests, allowing them to deepen existing skills or explore new areas.

The array of activities at Camp North Star ensures that every camper can find something they love, challenge themselves, and grow in confidence and capabilities, all while having a fantastic summer experience.

The staff of Camp North Star

Camp North Star prides itself on having a dedicated, skilled, and compassionate staff, ensuring that campers have a safe and enriching experience. Here’s how they maintain their high standards:

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

To provide individualized attention and maintain a high level of supervision and safety, Camp North Star maintains an excellent staff-to-camper ratio of 1:4. This ratio allows their staff to effectively oversee and engage with each camper, ensuring a personal and supportive environment throughout their stay.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

Their hiring process is rigorous and designed to select the best candidates who are passionate about working with children and have the skills necessary to contribute positively to their camp community.

Background Checks: All potential staff members undergo thorough background checks, including criminal records and reference checks.
Interviews: Candidates go through a comprehensive interview process to assess their experience, skills, and suitability for the role.
Experience Requirement: They prioritize applicants who have previous experience working with children, whether in educational, recreational, or caregiving settings.
Educational Background: Many of their staff are pursuing or have completed degrees in relevant fields such as education, psychology, or sports and recreation management.

Training and Certifications

Once hired, their staff undergo extensive training to prepare them for the summer ahead. This includes:

CPR and First Aid Certifications: All staff members are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. Regular refresher courses are conducted to ensure skills are up-to-date.
Safety and Emergency Procedures: Comprehensive training on emergency protocols to handle various scenarios, from minor injuries to more significant incidents.
Behavioral and Developmental Training: Staff are trained to understand and manage a range of behavioral and developmental stages, ensuring they can support all campers effectively.
Activity-Specific Training: For those leading specific activities, such as swimming or archery, additional certifications or training are required, such as lifeguard certifications for aquatic staff.

The preparation and professional development of their staff are key priorities at Camp North Star. They invest in their training and well-being to ensure they, in turn, can provide the best possible experience for their campers. This commitment to quality staffing creates a nurturing and fun environment where children thrive.

Safety and Health in Camp North Star

At Camp North Star, the safety and health of their campers and staff are paramount. They have established comprehensive protocols and facilities to ensure that everyone enjoys a secure and healthy camp experience.

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Regular Safety Drills: They conduct regular safety drills, including fire, weather, and lockdown drills, to ensure that all campers and staff are familiar with emergency procedures.
24/7 Security: The camp is monitored around the clock by professional security personnel to ensure the safety and security of all individuals on the premises.
Strict Check-In/Out Procedures: To maintain a secure environment, they have stringent check-in and check-out procedures for campers and visitors, including identification checks.
Activity-Specific Safety Gear and Guidelines: Each activity is supervised by trained staff, and appropriate safety gear must be used at all times, whether it’s helmets for biking and climbing, life jackets for water sports, or goggles in the woodshop.

On-Site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Center: Camp North Star has a well-equipped health center staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, including nurses and a visiting doctor. The health center is open 24/7 during the camp season to handle any health issues that may arise.
Medication Management: Their healthcare staff is responsible for managing and administering all camper medications according to physician instructions.
Isolation Areas: For the health and safety of their community, especially important in the context of contagious illnesses, they have designated isolation areas to care for sick campers away from others.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Emergency Action Plans: They have specific action plans for various types of emergencies, including medical emergencies, natural disasters, and other critical incidents. These plans are regularly reviewed and updated.
Emergency Medical Care: In the event of a medical emergency, their on-site healthcare staff provide immediate care, and they have protocols in place for rapid transportation to the nearest hospital if needed.
Communication with Families: They prioritize clear and prompt communication with families in the event of an emergency affecting their child. They ensure that all contact information is up-to-date and accessible.
Staff Training in Emergency Response: All staff members receive training in emergency response, including how to use communication tools, first aid, and crisis management.

Camp North Star is dedicated to maintaining a safe and healthy environment where campers can focus on having fun, learning, and growing. Their comprehensive approach to safety and health ensures that parents can feel confident about their children’s well-being while they’re at camp.

Cost and Registration in Camp North Star

Camp North Star is committed to providing an enriching and accessible summer camp experience. Here are the details on the cost of attendance, registration process, and financial aid options:

Cost of Attendance

Cost Range: The cost of attending Camp North Star varies depending on the length of the session and the specific programs selected. Prices generally range from $1,000 for one-week sessions to $6,000 for a full summer session.
What It Includes: The cost covers all camp activities, accommodations, meals, and basic medical care. Also included are any special events, regular laundry service, and transportation to off-site trips that are part of the camp program.

Registration Process and Deadlines

Registration Opening: Registration typically opens in the fall for the following summer. Early registration is encouraged as spaces are limited and tend to fill up quickly.
Deadlines: Specific deadlines vary each year but are usually set around the end of March. Late registrations are accepted based on availability.
Process: Parents can register their children through their online portal, where they will fill out necessary forms, select session dates, and choose preferred activities.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: Camp North Star offers flexible payment plans to help families manage the cost of camp. These plans can break down the total cost into monthly installments.
Refunds: Full refunds are available until a specific cut-off date, typically about two months before the session starts. After this date, refunds are partial and based on the proximity to the camp start date.
Cancellation Policy: If cancellation occurs due to medical reasons, a more significant portion of the fee may be refunded. Non-medical cancellations after the cut-off date may only receive a partial refund or credit toward future sessions.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships: They provide a number of scholarships each year to families who demonstrate financial need. These scholarships can cover a significant portion of the camp fees.
Financial Aid: Additional financial aid may be available in the form of reduced fees based on family income levels and specific circumstances.
Application for Aid: Families seeking financial support are encouraged to apply early, as funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp North Star

At Camp North Star, they strive to ensure that both campers and their parents are well-prepared for the upcoming camp experience. Here’s a guide on what to pack, understand their camp rules and policies, and some tips for first-time campers and their parents.

Packing List

To ensure campers have everything they need for a comfortable and enjoyable camp experience, they recommend packing the following items:

Clothing: Enough clothes for a week including t-shirts, shorts, jeans, socks, underwear, a swimsuit, a jacket, and a raincoat.
Footwear: Comfortable sneakers, sandals, and waterproof boots.
Bedding: Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets, pillow.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a small first aid kit.
Miscellaneous: Flashlight, water bottle, laundry bag, hats for sun protection.
Optional Items: Books, writing materials, and a disposable camera (if desired).

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: To maximize engagement and interaction, the use of personal electronic devices (like smartphones, tablets, and laptops) is restricted to certain times and areas at the camp.
Visitation: Parents and guardians are welcome to visit during designated visitation days, which are typically scheduled in the middle of the session to allow campers to settle in and adapt to camp life.
Behavioral Expectations: Respect for others, participation in scheduled activities, and adherence to safety rules are expected from all campers.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

For Campers:
- Stay Open-Minded: Try new activities, make new friends, and be open to new experiences.
- Communicate: Talk to your counselors if you’re feeling homesick or have any concerns. They are there to help!
- Pack Wisely: Label all your belongings and keep track of your items.
For Parents:
- Prepare Your Child: Talk about what camp will be like focusing on the fun and opportunities. Discuss any anxieties and reassure them.
- Stay Connected: Write letters or emails if allowed, and make use of any scheduled calls or visitation days to stay in touch.
- Trust the Process: It’s normal to worry about your child’s first time away from home, but remember that camp is a valuable experience for growing independence and confidence.

Camp North Star is dedicated to creating a supportive environment where campers can explore, learn, and grow. By preparing properly and understanding what to expect, campers and parents can make the most out of the camp experience!

At Camp North Star in Poland, Maine, they are proud to offer a dynamic and enriching summer camp experience that caters to a wide range of interests and ages. From the picturesque natural surroundings perfect for exploration and adventure to a diverse array of activities designed to foster creativity, teamwork, and personal growth, Camp North Star is more than just a place—it’s a community where lifelong memories are made.

Their commitment to safety, coupled with a dedicated and skilled staff, ensures that each camper not only has fun but is also supported in a nurturing environment. The flexible session lengths, extensive programming, and commitment to accessibility through scholarships and financial aid demonstrate their dedication to making the Camp North Star experience available to all.