Indian & Forest Acres Camp, in their 103rd summer, is a traditional summer camp in Fryeburg, Maine, built on community, belonging, and purpose. They believe children grow best when they are truly known – not just by name, but by personality, strengths, and needs.
As brother-sister camps, their camps sit two miles apart but share the same Directors and several facilities. Their program blends athletics, creative arts, outdoor adventure, and meaningful traditions in a structured yet joyful environment. Directors are present and engaged, counselors are carefully selected and mentored, and every camper is supported socially and emotionally throughout the summer.
At Indian & Forest Acres, camp is more than activities filling a schedule. It is a place where children build confidence, form lasting friendships, develop independence, and feel a genuine sense of belonging.
What truly sets Indian & Forest Acres apart, especially for families deciding between a smaller camp and a larger one? How does the brother-sister camp model shape the experience for campers and families?
- Indian & Forest Acres sits in the space many families are searching for – large enough to offer depth, tradition, and strong programming, yet small enough for every camper to be truly known and supported by fellow campers, staff, and Directors alike. In bigger camps, children can feel lost in the crowd; in smaller camps, program breadth and tradition may feel limited. At IA/FA, campers experience both personal attention and a wide range of activities, from competitive team traditions to an expansive waterfront and serious riding program. The brother-sister model strengthens this balance. Boys and girls grow in focused environments where confidence builds and social pressure lessens, then come together intentionally for shared experiences like Coed Play, weekly dances, and dedicated Brother/Sister time. The result is independence, meaningful connection, and a sense of belonging within something bigger than themselves.
Are there traditions or moments that really capture the spirit of IA/FA?
- We have so many traditions both big and small that encapsulate who we are. Some that come to mind…
- It’s a random Thursday evening and you’re walking past our theater, TipTop. Inside, you’ll likely find nearly every camper 13+ from both camps singing their hearts out, rehearsing for that summer’s Coed Play. Last year it was All Shook Up, the summer before Mamma Mia. You can’t help but smile – and want to jump in and join them!
- We do Color War differently. Campers stay on the same team for their entire camp career, alongside their siblings and relatives, and if we’re lucky enough to welcome their future children, they’ll be on that same team, too. It creates a powerful sense of legacy, belonging, and pride, with each camper knowing they are a valued member of that team forever.
How does IA/FA support the growth and development of each camper (socially, emotionally, and creatively) throughout their time at camp?
- Socially: We recognize every camper for who they are and meet them where they are. Our small, close-knit community allows campers to build genuine friendships and learn to navigate social dynamics in a supportive environment. With just two to three cabins per age group, and an effort to keep bunks together year after year, campers grow up alongside one another, forming bonds that feel like family. Counselors actively guide everyday interactions, modeling teamwork, inclusion, communication, and empathy while helping campers resolve conflicts, advocate for themselves, and build lasting confidence.
- Emotionally: There are no rules around emotion at camp, and no expectations for how feelings should look. We help campers learn to regulate and understand their emotions while celebrating them as individuals. Whether it’s trying something new, working through homesickness, or forming a new friendship, campers develop resilience, self-confidence, and a stronger sense of self.
- Creatively: Creativity is woven into every part of camp life – in the arts, athletics, outdoor adventure, and performance. Campers are encouraged to explore new interests and express themselves freely, often stepping into roles they might never try at home. Beyond scheduled activities, self-expression shows up in writing and song at Friday Night Services, Campfire, and Friendship Circle, where campers of all ages share how camp has shaped and inspired them.
What’s the best kept secret about Indian & Forest Acres?
- We have a few. One is the standard of our riding program – arguably one of the premier programs in the industry. We attract riders of all levels while still offering a well-rounded camp experience. Another is our lake. Although it’s a quick five-minute drive, it feels like a Trip Day every time campers go, spending a full morning or afternoon enjoying everything it offers. We’re the only camp on the lake, and with a cabin right on the water, campers can not only participate in a wide range of activities but even sleep out there with their bunk. And finally, because our lake is offsite, both camps sit on the Saco River, and each has a heated Olympic-style pool. That means three waterfronts for every camper – not something you see every day!
What’s your top three most popular activities?
- Lake
- Horseback riding
- Volleyball
If you had to describe Indian & Forest Acres in three words, what would they be – and why?
- Community – Community isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a byproduct of our size and leadership style. Because we are intentionally small, directors know every camper by name, staff know each child as a whole person, and campers connect beyond just their bunk. In larger camps, kids can hide. At IA/FA, they are seen. There is warmth, accountability, and real partnership with families. Older campers feel responsibility for younger ones, traditions span generations, and directors are present, visible, and accessible.
- Belonging – If community is our structure, belonging is the feeling. Every camper has a place, is known, and contributes. It looks like a shy camper being gently included, homesickness noticed early, and children valued for who they are – not how athletic or outgoing they may be. Families don’t just want attendance; they want their children to matter. Protecting that culture is a priority for us.
- Intentional – Many of the moments campers cherish happen in the ordinary rhythms of camp life – and very little is by accident. We hire staff who align with our values, create programming that builds confidence, and set policies that prioritize safety and growth. From group dynamics to parent communication, we lead with thoughtful intention in everything we do.
About the Contributors:
Melissa Newman- Director- Melissa started at camp when she was 7 years old in Cabin 5 and spent nine summers as a camper at Forest Acres before returning as a counselor and Unit Leader. After completing her undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Michigan, she moved to Boston to attend Northeastern University, where she earned her Masters of Science and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in School Psychology. Melissa started her career as a School Psychologist in an elementary school in the suburbs of Boston. She left the school setting, moved into a corporate setting and eventually grew to manage a team of 10. Melissa feels her work experience has resulted in the perfect combination for camp: time spent working with kids, parents, and teachers, as well as managing others. More than anything, it has given her the ability to listen first and then react- a practice she considers vital for a leader and strives to maintain daily in this role.
After several years away from camp, Melissa returned to camp in 2024 with her husband, Jeff, and two children, Jordyn and Tate. Leading Indian & Forest Acres Camps has been a lifelong aspiration of hers, and she is so happy to be back spending her summers in Maine and sharing her love for camp during the winter months. Melissa’s favorite aspect of camp is seeing campers come into their own and find their interests, passions, likes, and dislikes. Outside of camp, she lives in Boca Raton, Florida. She loves being able to travel and visit with campers and their families. When she is not traveling or planning for the following summer, Melissa is actively involved in her children’s school and is on the Parent Board, raising funds and planning events for the school community. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, playing Fantasy Football, baking, and cheering on the Michigan Wolverines!
Moe Burness- Assistant Director– Early on in his years at camp, Moe developed a deep love for camp and its traditions. He feels blessed to be able to “live camp” all year round, and it is his profound joy to have the opportunity to give back to a camp that has given him so much since he was 9 years old, as well as pay it forward to campers and counselors for generations to come. Moe came to camp in 1967 as a second-generation camper; his mother and uncle both attended camp in the late 1930s. He was a cabin counselor, Unit Leader, Athletic Director, Program Director, and Head Counselor. Moe is a graduate of Boston College where he proudly created and became the first mascot (The BC Eagle) at the college. When he is not in Maine or on the road visiting our campers and their families as well as meeting prospective camp families, he resides in South Windsor, CT.