Welcome to Camp Sebago, a cherished summer retreat nestled in the serene landscapes of Standish, Maine. Located within the picturesque region of Southern Maine, their camp is ideally situated on the shores of Sebago Lake, offering breathtaking views and an idyllic setting for a summer filled with adventure, friendship, and personal growth.

Founded with the vision of providing a nurturing and engaging environment for youth, Camp Sebago has a rich history of fostering independence and building character through structured activities and free play. The camp’s legacy is built on decades of cherished memories and traditions that continue to shape the experiences of each new generation of campers.

At Camp Sebago, their mission is simple yet profound: “To empower young individuals to develop their potential, forge lasting friendships, and engage with the natural world.” They are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and fun environment where campers can explore new activities, take on challenges, and grow in confidence and spirit.

Camp Sebago is a gender-inclusive camp that welcomes boys and girls aged 6 to 16. They offer a diverse range of programs tailored to different age groups, ensuring that each camper’s experience is age-appropriate and enriching. From water sports and hiking to arts and crafts and team sports, their activities are designed to cater to all interests and skill levels, providing every camper with the opportunity to shine.

Join us at Camp Sebago, where summer memories last a lifetime, and every camper leaves with a deeper appreciation for nature, strengthened abilities, and lifelong friendships.

Programs Offered by Camp Sebago

Camp Sebago offers a rich variety of programs designed to cater to different interests, ages, and duration preferences. Each session at Camp Sebago is thoughtfully crafted to ensure that every camper has the opportunity to explore, learn, and grow in a fun and supportive environment.

Programs Offered

Standard Sessions
- Length of Sessions: Campers can choose from one-week, two-week, or full-summer sessions.
- Activities: These sessions include a mix of traditional camp activities such as swimming, canoeing, archery, and campfires, along with structured games and free play.
Specialty Programs
- Arts: For campers interested in the creative arts, they offer workshops in painting, sculpture, drama, and dance, helping to cultivate creativity and artistic skills.
- Sports: Sports enthusiasts can participate in soccer, basketball, tennis, and more. These programs focus on skill development, teamwork, and healthy competition.
- Science and Nature: Their science programs engage campers in hands-on activities that include ecology, astronomy, and environmental studies, encouraging an interest and respect for the natural world.

Typical Daily Schedule

A day at Camp Sebago is structured to provide a balanced mix of activities, meals, rest, and free time. Here’s what a typical day looks like:

7:30 AM – Wake Up: Start the day with a refreshing morning routine.
8:00 AM – Breakfast: A nutritious meal to fuel the day’s adventures.
9:00 AM – Morning Activities: Campers participate in their chosen specialty programs or engage in rotating activity blocks.
12:00 PM – Lunch: Time to refuel with a healthy meal.
1:00 PM – Rest Hour: Campers relax and recharge for the afternoon activities.
2:00 PM – Afternoon Activities: The afternoon session offers a new set of activities, ensuring campers experience a variety of options.
5:00 PM – Free Time: Campers enjoy some unstructured time to socialize, play, or relax.
6:00 PM – Dinner: A hearty meal shared with friends.
7:00 PM – Evening Program: Each evening features a different program such as campfires, talent shows, or themed parties.
9:00 PM – Cabin Time: Campers wind down for the day with their cabin mates.
10:00 PM – Lights Out: Time to rest up for another fun-filled day.

Camp Sebago’s program structure and daily schedule are designed to provide a balanced experience that stimulates both personal growth and group cohesion, making every day at camp both exciting and rewarding.

Accommodations in Camp Sebago

Camp Sebago offers comfortable and rustic accommodations, ensuring that campers have a pleasant and safe stay while enjoying their summer adventures. Their facilities are designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, providing a true camp experience.

Sleeping Arrangements

Cabins: Campers are housed in cozy, wooden cabins that are nestled among the trees. Each cabin sleeps between 8 to 12 campers and is equipped with bunk beds and storage space for personal belongings. Cabins are assigned based on age group and program, with separate areas for younger and older campers to ensure a comfortable environment tailored to their needs.

Dining Options

Meal Plans: At Camp Sebago, they believe in the importance of nutritious and delicious meals to fuel the high-energy activities of camp life. They provide three balanced meals a day, served in their communal dining hall. Meals are prepared by experienced staff, emphasizing variety and balance to cater to the energy needs of active children and teens.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding that some campers have special dietary needs, they offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options. Their kitchen staff is trained to handle various dietary restrictions safely and thoughtfully, ensuring that every camper has wholesome and enjoyable meal options.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Facilities: Bathroom and shower facilities are conveniently located in proximity to the cabins. The facilities are gender-segregated and are maintained multiple times a day to ensure cleanliness and hygiene. Showers offer privacy and are equipped with changing areas.
Hygiene Standards: High standards of cleanliness are maintained, with staff dedicated to ensuring that hygiene facilities are sanitary and well-stocked with toiletries and supplies. Regular checks and maintenance are conducted to uphold these standards.

At Camp Sebago, their accommodations and facilities are designed to enhance the camping experience, ensuring that all campers feel comfortable and taken care of throughout their stay. This focus on providing a welcoming and well-maintained environment allows campers to focus on enjoying their summer adventures and personal growth.

Activities in Camp Sebago

Camp Sebago provides a diverse array of activities designed to engage campers of all interests and skill levels. From outdoor adventures to creative arts, their programs are structured to ensure that every camper has an opportunity to explore new interests, develop skills, and most importantly, have fun.

List of Activities Offered

Outdoor Adventures: Activities include swimming, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and fishing on Sebago Lake. Land-based activities feature hiking, archery, and various sports like soccer, tennis, and basketball.
Creative Arts: Summer camps can express their creativity through crafts such as pottery, woodworking, painting, and jewelry making. Drama and dance workshops are also popular, culminating in performances at the camp’s open stage.
Team Sports and Games: These activities focus on fostering teamwork and sportsmanship through organized sports and camp-wide games like Capture the Flag, ultimate Frisbee, and Volleyball.
Nature and Science: Programs designed to explore the local ecology, stargazing sessions, and environmental education workshops help campers learn about and appreciate their natural surroundings.

Special Events or Traditions

Opening Campfire: A tradition that marks the beginning of each session, where campers gather around the campfire for introductions, camp songs, and games, setting the tone for the session.
Sebago Regatta: A mid-summer event featuring boat races, swimming competitions, and a lakeside picnic.
Color Wars: This multi-day event divides the camp into teams that compete in various athletic, artistic, and intellectual challenges.
Closing Banquet: Held on the last evening of the session, this event features a formal dinner, awards ceremony, and reflections on the session’s highlights.

Skill Development Opportunities

Leadership Training: Older campers have opportunities to participate in leadership training programs, which prepare them for potential roles as counselors or leaders in their communities.
Specialty Skill Clinics: Camp Sebago offers clinics in specific sports like tennis and soccer, art workshops focusing on advanced techniques, and wilderness survival skills courses.
Personal Growth: Beyond specific skills, activities at Camp Sebago are designed to enhance personal development, including building confidence, fostering independence, improving social skills, and encouraging problem-solving and resilience.

Camp Sebago’s wide range of activities and special events ensures that every camper can find something that excites and challenges them, making their summer both memorable and transformative.

The staff of Camp Sebago

At Camp Sebago, they prioritize the safety and well-being of their campers by ensuring a highly qualified and dedicated staff. Their team is carefully selected and trained to provide a supportive, educational, and fun environment for all campers.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

Ratio: Camp Sebago maintains a low staff-to-camper ratio to ensure personalized attention and supervision. Generally, the ratio is one staff member for every five campers. This ratio allows their staff to closely monitor the safety and enjoyment of each camper, provide more individualized guidance, and foster a close-knit community atmosphere.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

Recruitment: They recruit staff from a variety of sources, including college job fairs, referrals from educational institutions, and online postings on platforms specializing in camp and educational roles.
Qualifications: Potential staff members are required to have previous experience working with children, preferably in a camp or educational setting. They look for individuals who are passionate about youth development and who bring skills in specific activity areas such as sports, arts, or outdoor education.
Background Checks: All staff undergo thorough background checks, including criminal history and references, to ensure the safety and security of their camp community.

Training and Certifications

Mandatory Training: Prior to the start of camp, all staff members participate in an intensive training program that covers camp operations, emergency procedures, child behavior management, and specific training for their assigned activities.
Certifications: All staff members are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. Staff involved in specific activities, such as swimming or boating, hold additional certifications, such as Lifeguarding or Water Safety Instructor certifications from recognized organizations like the American Red Cross.
Ongoing Development: Throughout the camp season, they provide ongoing training and professional development sessions to ensure staff skills are honed and updated according to the latest standards in child care and safety.

Camp Sebago’s commitment to a high-caliber staff ensures that their campers not only have a memorable and fun summer experience but also a safe and nurturing environment where they can thrive. Their staff is equipped to handle both the every day and the unexpected, ensuring peace of mind for parents and a fantastic camp experience for children.

Safety and Health in Camp Sebago

At Camp Sebago, the safety and health of their campers and staff are paramount. They are committed to providing a secure environment through comprehensive safety protocols, well-equipped health facilities, and clear emergency response policies.

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Daily Safety Checks: their staff conduct daily inspections of all camp facilities and equipment to ensure everything is in safe working order. This includes checking sporting equipment, boats, and general camp infrastructure.
Safety Training: Campers receive safety briefings at the beginning of their session and before engaging in specific activities, such as boating or archery, to ensure they understand how to participate safely.
Supervision: Constant supervision is maintained in all activities, with staff trained to enforce safety rules and prevent accidents.
Weather Preparedness: They monitor weather conditions continuously and have protocols in place to respond to various weather scenarios, including severe storms, ensuring that all campers and staff can quickly and safely reach shelter if necessary.

On-site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Center: Camp Sebago has a well-equipped on-site health center staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, including nurses and a visiting doctor. The health center is equipped to handle minor injuries and illnesses and is operational 24/7 during the camp season.
Medication Management: Their medical staff manages and administers all camper medications according to physician directions. They ensure that all medication is securely stored and recorded.
Health Checks: Upon arrival, all campers undergo a health check to identify any existing conditions or allergies that their medical staff should be aware of during their stay.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Emergency Response Plan: Camp Sebago has a detailed emergency response plan that covers a range of potential scenarios, including medical emergencies, natural disasters, and other urgent situations. This plan is reviewed and practiced with staff before the arrival of campers.
Communication: In the event of an emergency, Camp Sebago maintains clear lines of communication with parents. Parents are immediately notified of any issues affecting their child’s health or safety.
Local Partnerships: They have established relationships with local emergency services, such as the fire department, police, and hospitals, to ensure a quick response if external assistance is needed. These agencies are familiar with their camp layout and special protocols for entering and operating within the camp.

Through these measures, Camp Sebago strives to create and maintain a safe, healthy, and enjoyable environment for all campers, ensuring that parents can feel confident in the care and oversight provided during their child’s camp experience.

Cost and Registration in Camp Sebago

Camp Sebago aims to provide an enriching and accessible summer experience for children and teens. Understanding the financial commitment involved, they offer detailed information on costs, registration procedures, and financial support options to help families plan effectively.

Cost of Attendance

Cost Structure: The cost of attending Camp Sebago varies depending on the length of the session and the specific program selected. Fees typically cover all aspects of the camp experience including lodging, meals, activities, and any special events.
What’s Included: The registration fee includes accommodation in their cabins, three meals per day plus snacks, all program materials, and access to all camp facilities and equipment.

Registration Process and Deadlines

Registration Opening: Registration for Camp Sebago typically opens in January each year for that summer’s sessions.
Deadlines: Early registration is recommended as spaces fill up quickly. The deadline for registration is usually by the end of April, but late registrations may be accepted based on availability.
How to Register: Parents can register their children through their online registration system available on the Camp Sebago website. This system guides them through the process, from selecting the desired session to completing the camper’s health information.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: Recognizing the financial burden a summer camp can represent, Camp Sebago offers structured payment plans. Families can choose to pay in installments, spreading the cost over several months leading up to the camp session.
Refunds and Cancellations: A full refund is available if cancellation occurs within a specified period, usually before May 1st. After this date, refunds may be partial or non-refundable, depending on the time of cancellation and the reasons for it.
Cancellation Due to Illness or Injury: If a camper is unable to attend due to illness or injury, they typically offer a prorated refund or the option to apply the fee to a future session, provided medical documentation is submitted.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships: Camp Sebago offers a number of scholarships each year to families who demonstrate financial need. These scholarships can cover a portion or the full cost of the camp, depending on the situation.
Financial Aid Application: Interested families are encouraged to apply for financial aid during the registration process. Documentation supporting financial needs is required to ensure fairness and proper allocation of funds.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Sebago

Preparing for a stay at Camp Sebago is an exciting moment for both campers and their parents, especially for those experiencing camp for the first time. To ensure a smooth transition and a comfortable experience, they provide a detailed packing list, outline their camp rules and policies, and offer tips for first-time campers and parents.

Packing List

To help their campers have everything they need for a fun and safe camp experience, they recommend packing the following items:

Clothing: Enough comfortable clothing for the session (including layers for cooler evenings), swimwear, rain gear, and sturdy footwear for hiking and sports.
Bedding: Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets (check if required), pillow.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, sunscreen, insect repellent, and any necessary personal hygiene items.
Other Essentials: Water bottle, flashlight or headlamp, hat for sun protection, and any needed prescription medication (to be handed over to camp medical staff).

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: Camp Sebago is a technology-free zone. They encourage campers to disconnect from their gadgets and enjoy the natural setting and activities. Phones, tablets, and other electronic devices are collected upon arrival and safely stored until departure.
Visitation: Parents are encouraged to visit only on designated visiting days to minimize disruptions and to help campers fully immerse in the camp experience. Detailed information about visiting days will be provided ahead of time.
Behavioral Expectations: Respect for fellow campers, staff, and camp property is expected at all times. They promote an environment of inclusivity, safety, and respect.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

For Campers:

Get Involved: Engage in as many activities as you can to make the most of your camp experience.
Stay Open: Be open to making new friends and trying new things. It’s a chance to learn and grow in ways you might not expect.
Communicate: Don’t hesitate to talk to the staff if you’re feeling homesick or need help. They’re there to make your camp experience the best it can be.

For Parents:

Stay Positive: Your excitement about the opportunities camp offers can help alleviate any nerves your child might feel about being away from home.
Pack Together: Packing together with your child can help them feel prepared and ensure they understand what they are bringing.
Communication: Understand the camp’s communication policies regarding updates on your child’s status and any emergencies.

By preparing thoroughly and embracing the spirit of Camp Sebago, both first-time and returning campers can look forward to a memorable summer filled with adventure, friendship, and personal growth.

Camp Sebago promises an enriching and unforgettable summer experience where campers can dive into a world of adventure, creativity, and camaraderie in the picturesque surroundings of Standish, Maine. With a focus on safety, personal growth, and community, Camp Sebago offers a diverse array of programs and activities designed to challenge, inspire, and excite. Their dedicated staff ensures that each camper receives individual attention, fostering an environment where every child can feel safe, welcomed, and engaged.

Whether it’s exploring the natural beauty of Sebago Lake, developing new skills in arts and sports, or forming lifelong friendships, Camp Sebago provides a perfect backdrop for making lasting memories and instilling values that will benefit campers long after they have left their grounds. They are committed to making every summer an incredible adventure that is as rewarding as it is fun.