FAQs

Where is Camp Med-o-lark?

Med-o-lark is located in picturesque Washington, Maine. We are a 25-minute drive from Camden to our east and 25 minutes from Augusta to our west. The Portland International Jetport is a 75-minute drive to our south. Many parents take advantage of our lovely location to enjoy their own vacation in Maine!

How do campers get to camp?

Med-o-lark has chartered and chaperoned buses from NYC, Rye/CT, and Newton, MA. These are scheduled on the beginning and ending dates of the three- and four-week sessions. For two-week session campers, please get in touch with us for additional options. Chartered and chaperoned buses and vans service Boston, MA, and Portland International Jetport on all travel/turnover days. Staff are with campers at all times, picking up and dropping off. Parents also have the flexible option of driving to camp to drop off and pick up. You may read more about our transportation options here.

When may I visit my camper?

Because we keep our campers so busy, we do not have an official visiting day. However, you may still visit during the session, and we would love to see you at camp! We open visiting for parents on the weekend (Saturday and Sunday). If you visit your camper, please plan to spend the day at camp. Meet the staff, take a tour, participate in your camper’s activities, and then you can sign out your camper for dinner (if you choose). We do this so campers can experience classes and rehearsals and not lose a moment of their activity time.

Campers must be signed back in camp by their curfew (between 9:30 and 10:30 pm). If, for any reason, you cannot make it for a visit on the weekend, we will make arrangements, but please notify us in advance. Our “Finale Festival” is also open to visitation:  

Session 1: July 22-23, 2024
Session 2: August 12-13, 2024

Written parental permission is required for a camper to leave camp with anyone other than the parent or legal guardian who signed the application form. (This applies to going out to dinner with grandparents, Aunt Sally, 3rd Cousin Amos, older siblings, or with the family of another camper or non-custodial parent). Please advise the camp if there is anyone who may NOT visit or contact your child. Friends of campers under 21 are NOT permitted to visit unless with parents.

What if my camper is homesick?

Homesickness is a common issue in camps. It can affect new as well as returning campers for different reasons. The effective remedy for homesickness is plenty of warm, friendly engagement. Our Med-o-lark family goes into high gear to supply this when one of our campers exhibits homesickness. In most cases, homesickness is beat with engagement and ample time to allow campers to find their stride and make friends.

What is the communication policy?

Med-o-lark allows campers to use camp phones during their free time on class days and lazy days (Sundays). We open the phones on the third full day of camp for each session.

Email is optional for one-way or two-way communication through the BUNK1 system. This requires parents to set up an account with BUNK1, and a cost is incurred for each email sent and received. Pictures are available to view daily at no cost through the BUNK1 system. Separate information on BUNK1 is furnished to all enrolled camper families.

Good old-fashioned, written by-hand mail is still the best and preferred method for communication at camp. We have a working post office where campers love getting handwritten letters!

Are packages allowed?

Yes.  Please exercise moderation and remember that packages containing food or drinks are not permitted. When using Amazon, we suggest utilizing Amazon Delivery Day to minimize packaging.

May campers have mobile devices, smart watches, or gaming systems?

No, we are a “device-free” camp. We strongly advise that these devices remain at home. If devices are brought to camp, they must be stored in the camp office and will be returned just prior to the camper’s departure.

Do you have an enrollment deadline?

We accept enrollments up until 24 hours before each session begins. However, our sessions tend to sell out as we have limited space for each age group. To ensure your camper can attend, we recommend that you register as early as possible.

When is camp tuition due?

A deposit of $750 is due at the time of enrollment. The full balance of camp tuition plus additional out-of-camp trips is due by May 1.

What is included with camp tuition?

Camp tuition is all-inclusive. However, there are two optional extras: whitewater rafting and a musical theater show trip. There is a canteen and camp store in which families will be given a link to set up their canteen account if they choose, and transportation to and from camp is an added fee. 

Are there any mandatory clothing purchases to make?

We provide campers with a camp shirt, and while nothing is required, we have a fantastic new online camp gear partner and an on-campus store. Campers love wearing our gear to show their Med-o-lark spirit!

Does my camper need to bring bedding?

Campers may bring, and in fact should bring, two sets of their bedding and pillows from home. Many campers prefer their creature comforts from home and are welcome to bring them to camp. However, bedding and linens are available for campers who don’t mind using the general linen/bedding supply. Please see our packing list for more details.

What forms must I fill out before camp begins?

All forms will be made available through our website. You will need to get an actual signature from a physician for the health forms, but once signed, the forms may be scanned and emailed.

How are the Med-o-lark sessions organized?

Sessions at Med-o-lark run four and three weeks. There is also a two-week option. Campers may also choose a six- or seven-week length of stay. Attending the three-week or four-week session provides the added benefit of being included in all the finale festival, shows, performances, presentations, Carnival, and banquet.

Are there any age or skill restrictions for any activities?

No.  All offerings are designed for all ages and skill levels.

How does my camper choose their activities?

You will have a chance to sample many activities during the first full day of camp. You may play your instrument, audition for a show, try different arts activities, take a cooking class, and try something you have never done before. That night, you may sign up for what you would like to do for a two-week block.

Will my camper be assured to participate in all the activities they choose?

We do our best to ensure campers are happy with their daily program. While an activity might be full in a certain period, it is usually open in another. Our program staff helps campers find open periods to arrange their schedules to experience their perfect day. Please encourage your camper to advocate for themself and ask for assistance when needed.

Waterskiing periods can be tricky. We safely run multiple speedboats, but even this proves to fall short of demand. Therefore, this activity cannot be guaranteed to any camper. For campers who do not find an opening, we will use our free time and lazy days to provide this experience for them.