About Camp Med-O-Lark
Where Creativity Takes Flight
Since 1967, Camp Med-o-lark has been a magical haven for young creatives - a place where all are encouraged to chase inspiration, let imaginations run wild, and be completely true to themselves. Set on the stunning shores of Washington Lake in Maine, Med-o-lark offers an immersive experience that invites campers to explore new interests, build confidence, and grow through the arts. With a long-standing tradition of embracing individuality, inclusivity, and a spirit of curiosity, our camp fosters a nurturing environment where campers ages 8-16 can safely develop their talents and make memories that will last a lifetime. Guided by our professional, dedicated staff, campers are empowered to create their own unique paths, embracing all that Med-o-lark has to offer in a crazy fun, wildly supportive, and wholeheartedly collaborative community.
Our Magical COMMUNITY
Founded in 1967 as a non-traditional arts camp, Camp Med-o-lark opened its arms to the creative, the curious, and the free-spirited. Building on the founding, we encourage and embrace collaboration, imagination, individualism, and inclusion. We have created a second home for campers to develop their artistic abilities and nurture their talents.
This is an intentionally created space with an atmosphere filled with creativity, arts, music, theatre, activities, energy, laughter, and fun. It’s where community is cultivated and where deep friendships and treasured memories are made.
A Legacy Of Inspiration
In 1904, Camp Medomak was established on Washington Lake in Maine by Frank Poland. It was one of the first all-boys summer camps in the United States. In 1924, just across the lake, Wetona Camp for Girls was founded by Bertha Stevens as Medomak Camp’s sister camp. Then in 1946, Medomak Camp eventually purchased Wetona Girls Camp and was renamed Med-o-lark. This name was a tribute to the original Medomak name and to the Meadowlark bird that is native to Washington Lake. Camp Med-o-lark operated as a co-ed camp until its closure in 1965.
Just two years later, Camp Med-o-lark was re-established as the Arts Camp that it is today. Diverse in every way, Med-o-lark was one of the first private camps to embrace campers of color and campers from other countries. It was a special place emphasizing individual growth and community spirit. As a result of this pioneering approach, Med-o-lark became an instant success. Today, Med-o-lark stays true to its roots, continuing its long tradition of values in a creative, nurturing, and fun environment.
Choosing Your Path
We value individualism and curiosity which is why campers are free to choose their activities! Families submit an Activity Preference Form prior to camp start so they can plan ahead of time. Then, on the first night of each session, we go over all our activities. The next day is for campers to try out anything that piques their interest. Once they’ve sampled to their heart’s content, they make their schedule!
Campers choose three “Primaries” and three “Electives.” Primaries are more focused creative activities that campers will do for the whole session, allowing campers to develop their skills and work on advanced techniques. Different Electives are activities chosen every week. Campers select Electives for fun, recreation, or to further skills or projects they want to work on. They can be the same activities as their Primaries or something completely different - it’s entirely up to them! The classes take place until the last few days of each session when we have our “Finale Festival.”
Making Every Day at Camp Count
In addition to our innovative classes, during the week, we have a “Leisure Day,” a day for slowing down and taking it easy, as well as a “Discovery Day,” in which campers can choose brand new activities for that day or just keep working on their Primary or Elective activities. Each session, we offer out-of-camp trips, an International Food and Fun Day, Carnival, Banquet, and many other exciting special events throughout the summer.
Campers have a drop/add period during the first few class days after each sign-up session. Campers may change a class for ANY reason.
Please note that some class space is limited, and we may be unable to accommodate all change requests. Some activities have restrictions based on the teachers’ feedback on whether a camper has the strength and physical ability to use specific tools.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Camp Med-o-lark rests on N’dakinna, the traditional ancestral homeland of the Nanrantsouak, a small band of the Abenaki Peoples. The Abenaki are part of a larger group of Indigenous people who called themselves Wabanaki or “People of the Dawn.”
According to Tribal oral tradition, Abenaki people have lived in the place now called Washington, Maine, for more than 12,000 years - since before Tribal memory. We acknowledge that Camp Med-o-lark rests on their unceded land and honor with gratitude the land and waterways and the Abenaki who have stewarded N’dakinna throughout the generations. We strive to respect and protect this land while continually honoring the legacy of Maine’s Indigenous Peoples.