Frequently Asked Questions

These are answers to our most asked questions. If you’ve any other questions, just ask!

Food

My child has food allergies.

  • Campers SwimmingIn most cases, we can accommodate food allergies, provided our kitchen staff are given advance notice. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs.

Nuts

  • Due to the increased prevalence of nut allergies, we have instituted a policy of not serving nut products in the meals we provide and ask all participants to refrain from bringing nuts or nut-related products into camp.
  • Due to the variety of programs and activities taking place at camp,  we can not guarantee that we are a nut-free facility for those with severe allergies but we are doing our best to significantly reduce the risk of nut-related reactions. Please feel free to discuss your specific needs or our policies.

My child has specific dietary needs.

  • Please contact us to discuss whether we can accommodate them. Our chefs are often able to create options suitable for most dietary needs.  Include detailed dietary needs in your child’s medical history.

Why can’t my child bring food to camp?

We ask that no food is brought (or mailed) to camp. The main reasons for this request are:

  1. Some campers have severe food allergies
  2. Food stored in cabins and our bunkhouse can attract wildlife

We have a wide selection of food available at mealtimes together with healthy snacks during recreation times, plus additional energy-rich food & snacks provided for those on hiking trips or other extended adventure activities.

Can my child have a cell phone at camp?

Although we understand that many of our campers have cell phones, they are not allowed to have them at camp for a variety of reasons.  Parents that needs to contact their child my call our office.   This policy is for the safety of your camper.

Homesickness

A small period of homesickness is common with most new experiences. We do our best to orient campers quickly so they will become comfortable in the camp environment. Our staff is trained to help campers overcome being away from home.

Some hints for you to consider:

  • A positive pre-camp attitude is often the key to a successful camp experience. Before camp, discuss things they can hope to get from their experience: new friends, songs and stories, learning about the natural world, good food, swimming, etc.
  • Avoid telling your child they can come home “at any time” if things aren’t going well.

Birthdays

We do our best to make birthdays at camp extra-special, and we ensure counselors are informed about any campers who have a birthday during the camp week.

Camp Life

Can our camper bunk with friends?

We attempt to put friends together in housing when indicated on the registration form or in correspondence with us prior to arrival at camp.  Remember, camp is a great place to make new friends and often strong friendships develop during the camp session.

Who are the counselors?

Our staff are chosen for their maturity, experience with youth, enthusiasm, and love of the outdoors. Some are former campers, many are from Maine,  many are college students and all are excited about camp. They participate in at least one week of staff orientation which includes safety/first aid, child development, program planning. All staff have thorough background checks through the University of Maine.

What if I have an accommodation need?

The University of Maine system is an equal opportunity institution committed to nondiscrimination.  Recognizing all individual needs are varied, our sincere desire is to have a comfortable and welcoming living arrangement for all our campers. Campers who would like individual consideration regarding housing, please contact the camp directors at 207.665.2068 or via email at registration.bp@maine.edu.

Can campers do laundry?

Laundry facilities at camp are for bed wetting or extenuating circumstances.  Please send enough clothing to last the entire one or two-week session.  Our four-week session will have the opportunity to use a laundry facility.