Camp History

Camp Med-O-Lark was founded in 1945 on the Southwest quadrant of Washington Lake in Washington, Maine.  It began its’ life as a sister camp to Medomak Camp, an all-boys camp located on the Northeast quadrant of Washington Lake.  Med-O-Lark was organized by a man named Mr. Howard C. Hoople, an Associate Director of Mr. Frank Poland, the Founder and Director of Medomak Camp.*

A connection to the earliest private camp in America exists between these three institutions.  Medomak’s Mr. Poland was moved to action by an incredible and inspirational story he read in McClure’s magazine, (the old-time equivalent of today’s Field and Stream magazine.)**  The story, ‘A Boys Republic’,*** was written in 1893 by Alfred Balch, brother of Ernest Balch,**** who founded Camp Chocorua on an island in Big Asquam Lake, at the foothill of Mount Chocorua in New Hampshire. It elegantly described in detail the special world where young boys spent their summers learning and growing.   Camp Chocorua became the first private overnight camp in America with it’s birth in 1881.  Mr. Poland made his vision a reality in 1904 on Washington Lake, Maine.

Camp Med-O-Lark pivoted in 1967 to become the Co-ed Arts community it is today. Under the Direction of Mr. Jay Stager, Med-O-Lark instituted dynamic changes in philosophy, structure, curriculum and composition that appealed to the underserved demographic of Creative, Non-Competitive, Curious, Individualistic, Diverse family of Free-Spirited children.  These characteristics have been the hallmark and values of Camp Med-O-Lark ever since. 

Scott and Dana Weinstein assumed Direction of Camp Med-O-Lark in the summer of 2006. During their tenure, the scope of activities has grown to compliment the robust Art programming Camp Med-O-Lark features.  Assistant Direction from Brendan and Jessica Miller, Laura Silvia, Missy Vigue and Jody Moser have been in place as long. 

* Arthur Walworth, “The Medomak Way”, (Lancaster, New Hampshire: The Bisbee Press, 1953), 104

** Ibid, 13

*** Alfred Balch,  “A Boy’s Republic”, ( McClure’s 1893) 

**** Ernest Berkley Balch, “The First Summer Camp”. (balchipedia.wikidot.com)