What makes your camp different from others in today’s crowded market?
We eat all of our meals outside right by the lake, under a 100-year-old oak tree – and that really captures a lot of what our camp is. We focus on being outside in a beautiful location, forming strong personal relationships without the barrier of phones and other screens. We have a beautiful sandy beach on a private lake, and nothing beats being in or on the water on a summer day.
We offer more than 30 different activities, and campers get to choose what they do and how they spend their time. Our safe and supportive setting makes us a great place to try new things and meet new people.
We also have an amazing staff. The average age of our counselors is 21, and we don’t have any junior counselors or counselors-in-training. Our staff get to know the kids on a personal level and serve as great role models.
How would you describe the “feeling” of your camp in one sentence?
We are a place where kids can step out of their comfort zone, try new things, and meet new people – all in a safe and supportive setting.
What can a camper gain from a 2–3 week session that might surprise families?
The bonds they form with their cabinmates and counselors, and the memories they make. Campers are part of so many fun and meaningful experiences in such a short time. One of our staff goals is: “Counselors have a positive impact on each camper, such that in 20 years each camper will remember their counselor’s name and their experience at camp” – and we believe we consistently deliver on that.
How do shorter sessions still deliver a “complete” camp experience?
Our session is structured in a very intentional way to maximize the fun in just a few weeks. All campers arrive and depart together, so your child will never make a close friend only to have them leave partway through a session. We offer a wide variety of activities and out-of-camp trips, and we close with intentional activities over the final days that leave a lasting impact – campers go home excited to come back the following summer.
How do you support first-time campers who may not be ready for a full summer?
We have multiple layers of support for first-time campers. Our counselors are specifically trained on integrating new campers, spotting signs of homesickness, and helping kids feel comfortable in an unfamiliar setting. We also have Cabin Heads and a Camp Experience Director whose primary role is supporting the social-emotional wellbeing of our campers and staying in communication with parents.
Parents need support too when sending their child away for the first time – which is why we do a lot of pre-camp information sharing and meetings to set everyone up for success and help parents feel confident trusting us with their child. We also personally call the family of each new camper after the first week to share an update on how their child is doing.
What would you say to a teen who feels like they “missed the window” for camp?
It is never too late to come to summer camp! We have new kids at every age level, and they will almost never be the only new camper in their cabin. Our older campers go on weekly out-of-camp trips and have more autonomy and freedom in their schedule. And since no one has their phone, everyone is on the same level – which makes it surprisingly easy to make new friends.
If you had to describe Kingsley Pines in three words, what would they be, and why?
Safe, supportive, and fun. Being away from the comforts of family, home, and technology can feel intimidating – and we work hard to make that transition as easy as possible. With so many activities, there truly is something for everyone, whether you want to try something brand new or grow your skills in something you already love.
About the contributor:
Dan first set foot in Maine, and at Kingsley Pines in 2005, his first year as a counselor. Over the years he was a Counselor, Campus Head, Program Director, Assistant Director, and now Director. He loves working with campers and staff, and enjoys seeing their growth not only throughout the summer but over multiple years.
He knows from personal experience that camp can be a life changing experience, and 2026 will be his 22nd summer at camp. Dan is actively engaged in the broader summer camp community. He has presented at the world’s largest camp conference and works with the American Camping Association to train new Camp Directors. He lives in Westbrook, Maine with his family.