While our Activities Schedule for this summer is still in the planning stages, here are some of the activities we've offered in past years. (Program plans are tentative and subject to change.)
Interested in seeing the camp
schedule from last summer? Click here to see the wide variety of activities you will have to choose from on a daily basis while at Camp. But remember, even though all these activities are offered, you can simply relax by the lake all week if you like.
Daytime Activities
Adventure Course & Climbing Wall Challenge yourself mentally and physically on our amazing ropes course or climbing wall! Four levels of difficulty and 14 different elements to conquer combine for an adrenaline-pumping experience, and an exhilarating sense of accomplishment.
Aerobics Get a great start on your day with moves guaranteed to shake off the morning cobwebs, get your heart pumping and mind cleared for a great day! Classes will consist of low impact, high impact, isometrics – and a fun dance routine! And we’ll pay some attention to those abs, too… All levels of fitness welcome.
Astrology Fascinating astrological insight to the meaning of your birth date & time! With your basic birth data, Barbara can create your birth chart on the spot during a late afternoon consultation – then join fellow Campers for a morning seminar to learn more about your chart.
Basketball Take some time to hoop it up on the basketball court! Each session will begin with a review of basic skills like dribbling, passing and shooting. There’ll also be fun shooting games like H-O-R-S-E and 21 – and those popular half-court pick-up games from last summer will continue! Who knows? If it really gets going, maybe some full court action will happen, too!
Beading Camper Raul turned a beading hobby into a business – and now he’s excited to teach you techniques that you too can use for fun! Just arrive with a desire to learn – bring your creativity, too (everyone has some!) – and leave with a fabulous necklace, bracelet, or key chain sure to impress all your friends back home!
Beauty Parlour Join Princess (Camp’s resident semi-experienced drag queen) for some pointers and instruction on everything from frocks to make-up – she’ll even help you plan a fabulous outfit for the Tea Dance on Thursday. A perfect way to unleash that inner (Drag) King or Queen you’ve always known – or suspected – was inside you!
Boot Camp Work-Out Have fun & get fit with challenging but fun work-outs set to music that combine cardio and ab work – along with a focus on a different body part each day, including a “core” development session on Friday. All levels of fitness welcome.
Broadway Dance Ever dreamt of dancing in a big Broadway show? Well, here’s your chance, ‘Camp’ Camp style! Join this three-part class where you’ll learn a choreographed dance to share to thunderous applause at Friday night’s big Talent/No Talent Show.
Canoeing & Kayaking Learn or relea
rn the basic paddling strokes and the basic skills to balance and direct a canoe or kayak in the mornings, then take a relaxing guided tour of the lakes surrounding Camp in the afternoon!
Circus Arts Learn traditional circus skills like juggling, plate spinning, diabolo, devil sticks, stilt walking, partner acrobatics, tumbling, and – new for for 2010 – Aerial Fabric lessons! No experience necessary.
Cooking: Healthy Alternatives A fun class that will teach you how to make delicious food with less calories and fat! On the menu: Greek Style Salad with Fat-Free Yogurt Dressing, Crunchy Lemonade Chicken, Roasted Sweet Potato Squares, No-Yolk Deviled Eggs (with a surprise filling!), and Reduced-Fat Brownies made with no flour. Learn more about substitutes for all those high calorie/fat ingredients you have in your kitchen at home!
Cooking: Maine’s Own Chutney In the spirit of going green, we’ll use locally-sourced ingredients to create an Apple-Blueberry Chutney. A brief history of chutneys and the basics of canning, and you'll take home your own homemade chutney!
Cooking: Scratch Baking for Non-Bakers Think outside the (cake mix) box – and step away from those boxes and bags of baking mixes! We’ll go step-by-step through a few easy recipes you can make in your own kitchen using basic ingredients, a bowl and a wooden spoon. Scones and cookies are on this class’s menu, along with one other item, time permitting. “Don't fear the flour!”
Cooking: Vegetarian Ever wanted to learn how to cook without meat? Here's your opportunity! Learn the basics of vegetarian cooking and nutrition, while preparing tofu curry and vegetable dumplings. Impress your friends with a delicious meatless meal!
Croquet Back again by request, croquet is an enjoyable pastime for the athletic & non-athletic alike. Surprisingly captivating! Come early in the week and brush up your skills for the big end-of-the-week tournament!
Dance Camp’s own version of “Dancing with the Stars”! And there’s no reason to be a wallflower: having no partner – or no experience – is absolutely no excuse, ‘cuz there’s always someone to dance with here. Camp’s resident professional dance instructor will teach you all the basics of everything from Salsa to Tango to some advanced Swing moves for all you experienced Swing-ers! ... Want something totally hot and hip? Well, then break it down in our fun and energetic Hip-Hop classes!
Digital Photography Learn how to get the most out of your digital camera equipment. The class includes an introduction to common camera features, basic concepts of composition and lighting, and lots of tips & tricks. Learn the basics, then capture the beauty of Camp during an afternoon Photo Walk!
Drum Circle Use percussion to play together and make music collectively – and absolutely no experience is necessary. If you own a drum, bring it – if not, we'll have some you can play, so there’s no reason not to come out and tap into your tribal spirit!
Figure Drawing Explore the magic of expressing yourself through drawing the human figure. Designed as an outlet of expression through drawing and not a measure of how well you can draw, the class will offer fun for the novice or advanced artist.
Fishing Grab a rod and come land a big one! Whether experienced fisher(wo)man or novice, you can spend a peaceful afternoon fishing from a canoe or from shore on a tranquil pond, full of trout and bass. All the fishing rods and supplies you need are supplied.
Flag Football It’s finally officially a Camp activity! Come out for a rousing game of football – without all that butch tackling! After a quick run-down of the basics of the game, it’s kick-off time. All skill levels welcome.
Flagging Flagging, aka flag-dancing, dates back to (at least) the Middle Ages but is largely a gay phenomenon these days: undulation, spinning and waving of flags in a rhythmic fashion to music. It’s fun fun fun, and really really gay… you’ll love it!
Frolf Is it Frisbee – or is it golf? Well, it’s a little of both! Instead of using clubs to hit those pesky little balls into tiny holes in the ground, come out and play a nine-hole course using Frisbees and suspended hoops.
Hiking Trips Take a half-day hike along Burnt Trail to reach a beautiful panoramic view of the Maine wilderness. Want a bit more of a challenge? Well, then try a beautiful full-day hike through the forest up Blueberry Mountain to the open bluffs at the summit overlooking the Cold River Valley. (Bring your swimmers for this one!)
Jewelry Get creative! Learn silver-smi
thing and create a gorgeous souvenir ring for you or a friend or even impress everyone with a pendant that you design and make yourself! Why, you can even pick up a ‘Camp’ Camp logo charm in the Camp Store and use it to create your own one-of-a-kind piece of Camp jewelry.
Kickball Bet you haven’t played this one in years, have you? Everyone’s playground favorite is gaining in popularity with adults throughout the U.S., so we thought we’d revive it ‘Camp’ Camp. Since it’s probably been a while since you’ve played, we’ll first review all the rules – and then the balls will fly! If you can kick, you can play. (In other words, everyone is welcome.)
Massage Share the gift of touch and discover the relaxing and healing power of your own hands. Learn basic massage strokes while giving and receiving a relaxing massage.
Morning Swim Join hardy fellow campers for a ¾-mile swim across the lake (and back!) as the mist is rising off the water. Both swimmers and accompanying "safety kayakers" are welcome. C’mon – you can do it!
Mountain Biking After with a short intro to mountain bikes for beginners and a practice ride around camp, you’ll explore some of rural Maine’s country roads and the trails in the woods surrounding camp, where you'll encounter rocks, roots, logs, and mountain streams. Challenging but fun!
Nature Ambles Camp’s resident longtime nature enthusiast leads a series of leisurely exploratory walks (and paddles) through the woodlands and wetlands surrounding Camp. History and nature abound in our little corner of Maine – so come and explore!
New Games Break the ice – and maybe even (re)discover your inner child –with a series of fun & silly, large group “getting to know you” games, starring a cast of hundreds out on the Soccer Field during your first morning at Camp. You’ll have 200 new friends in no time!
Oil Painting An exploration of the landscape, lakes and buildings of Camp. After you meet at the Art Barn, you’ll venture out to the hills, fields, and lakeside. Each session will emphasize different tools and techniques. Offering skills that can encourage the novice painter, the class is also designed to be fun for the more advanced artist.
Pottery Get muddy as you explore your creative side! Enjoy wheel-throwing or hand-building down at our open-air Pottery Studio with its fantastic view of the lake and take home your very own high-fire stoneware clay creation. What could be better?
Sightseeing We don’t know why anyone would want to leave Camp (ever), but if you’d like to see a bit more of the White Mountain area while you are in Maine, head out on some fun off-site excursions. Past trips have included a drive up to the top of Mt. Washington where you can take in the spectacular views, a wonderful adventure into Portland for a historic and scenic tour of the Greater Portland Lighthouses, and a day spent discovering Portland's Historic Old Port with a lunchtime cruise around lovely Casco Bay. (Some trips involve additional fees.)
Silence & Reflection Come sit quietly in Camp’s designated sacred space for early morning meditation and reflection. A perfect & peaceful beginning to a busy day at Camp.
Softball Brush up those rusty, (or non-existent!) softball skills during the morning Softball Clinic. During the clinic, we will work on throwing, hitting, fielding, and catching through both group instruction and one on one, personal instruction. Then, put your skills to use during one of the afternoon games. Everyone is encouraged to play regardless of skill – and everyone gets to bat every inning! Remember, this is ‘Camp’ Camp – and it’s a compliment to be told you throw like a girl!
Song Circle Here’s your opportunity to sing…! Make music with your voice – without printed music – playing with sound, harmonies, and melodies, letting the music flow. You don't need to think you're a singer to sing: if you can talk, you can sing.
Stained Glass Choose a design or draw your own, then learn the techniques used to cut and solder colored glass to make a sun-catching gift for someone or to put in a favorite window. One of ‘Camp’ Camp’s most popular activities!
Swim Lessons Gone through your whole life swimming more like a Cocker Spaniel than a person? Get some patient and helpful feedback and tips from our fun and talented waterfront staff.
Tennis Our resident professional tennis pro will be giving excellent instruction on forehand, backhand, volley, & serve to get you ready for the big end-of-the-week tournament. Or enjoy free play on one of the five excellent hard courts. Didn’t bring your racket? Not an excuse – we have plenty!
Tie-Dye Turn a piece of drab white clothing (or any other fabric-based
item for that matter!) into a one-of-a-kind work of psychedelic art with this traditional summer camp craft.
Volleyball Brush up or learn new skills in a morning Volleyball Clinic, then put ’em to use during one of the popular pick-up games before dinner. …“Spike it, Peaches!”
Waterfront Instruction and free time for swimming, sailing, kayaking and canoeing. Or just bring a novel, relax on the sand beach or docks, and chat with a new friend. If you’re lucky, you might even catch an impromptu water ballet or two…!
Yarn Time The Camp knitting craze continues! Learn to knit and crochet – or add to your skills. Structured like a knitting club, each session will have a specific focus, but those who want to work on their own projects – or just “spin yarns” – are welcome anytime. …Warning: yarn can be highlyaddictive!
Yoga A series of postures and movements which stretch and tone the body, performed slowly and deliberately while focusing on the breath and quieting the mind. While most appropriate for beginners, the class can also be enjoyed by those with a more advanced yoga practice.
Evening Programs
Activity Fair & Ice Cream Social Get the skinny on the week’s activities during this fun & informative event your first night at Camp. Short, sweet, and followed by ice cream! Activity leaders will be available to answer all your questions.
Barn Dance You can’t keep a good ho’ down! Greet old friends and make new ones at this favorite traditional Monday night Camp event, offering fun & laughter to klutzes and twinkle-toes alike. Featuring live music & callers from New Hamp
shire! Why not give it a try?
‘Camp’ Camp Dance Dance Go out in style at the last official ‘Camp’ Camp event of the season. The Camp DJ will be spinning a great selection of tunes to ensure everyone gets down all night long!
Karaoke Lounge It’s baaaack! We’ll fire up the karaoke machine and let everyone tap into their inner Diva! Karaoke at Camp is always full of fun and surprises, so even if you aren’t one to grab a mic and hop on stage, you still won’t want to miss this perennial Camp favorite.
Pajama Par-tay! The Lodge will be buzzing with a whole selection of “sleepover”-inspired activities, promising fun for every taste: cards & board games, facials, fingernail painting, tarot card readings, a fun Photo Booth – or be really brave and join in a good ol’ fashioned game of Spin-the-Bottle!
The Rainbow Challenge Join members of your Rainbow Group for a competition of wits, speed & gumption as you solve puzzles and find clues throughout the camp. Part group theatre, part treasure hunt – and completely super fun.
Talent/No Talent Show How do you get to the ‘Camp’ Camp Theatre? Practice, practice, practice! Polish up your best performance pieces (be they musical, dramatic or other amazing talent/no talent) and thrill your fellow campers with your fabulousness – in this popular, traditional Camp event.
Tea Dance Grab the spotlight (and the dance floor) at this fiestaof energy & excess. The experience begins with a parade of buxom & bearded beauties and costumed characters. Pose for the paparazzi or strut your stuff on the red carpet. Then, just dance – take a break for Camp’s annual BBQ dinner – then dance some mo’ till you break a (high) heel!
Late Nights
Campfires Drop by the ol’ campfire and share s’mores, jokes, ghost stories, and more! Join your fellow Campers at the Campfire Circle for one of our theme campfires: the Classic Campfire or, for you more adventurous types, the Gay Ol' Campfire. (Guess which one is all about the showtunes?) Come and sing along or just come for the camaraderie!
Late Night Movies Enjoy ‘Camp’ Camp’s own on-going film festival each night in the Main Lodge. Past screenings have included such films as “Auntie Mame”, “Thelma & Louise”, “Grease”, “All About Eve”, “Xanadu”, “Trick”, “D.E.B.S.”, “All About My Mother”, and “Hairspray.” Bring your sleeping bag and a pillow if desired – delicious fresh popcorn is provided!
Night Hike Experience a nighttime walk in the woods surrounding camp on one of Camp’s ever-popular Night Hikes. Filled with activities that open your senses to the sights and sounds of a living forest after dark, you'll rediscover your night vision and learn to view the natural world in way you never have before.
Skinnydippin’ Soak your groove thang with the rest of the gang under the stars. A late-nite ‘Camp’ Camp favorite!
Stargazing End your day discovering the hidden surprises of the glorious Maine night sky... Explore the moon and its terrain, identify planets, visit distant galaxies – and wish upon the shooting stars!
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