What should I pack?

Please use our camper packing list as a guide; however, keep in mind that it is geared towards campers who attend camp for 2-4 weeks rather than a 9-week staff commitment. In addition to the items on the camper list, we suggest you bring an alarm clock.  Remember to bring something nice for a day/night off and for your post camp travels!

Is there a camp uniform?

We are not a uniform camp. We provide you with a staff shirt that you will be asked to wear on certain occasions. We also have a fantastic new online camp gear partner and an on-campus store. Med-o-larkers love wearing our gear to show their Med-o-lark spirit! You may not wear explicit clothing, clothing that features drugs, tobacco, or alcohol, or shirts from other summer camps. Please do not bring these items to camp. 

Does Camp Med-o-lark have special events I should pack for? 

Yes! We have several special events and evening activities that you are encouraged to pack for. However, please do not feel obligated to make special purchases solely for these events. “Dress to express!” The wackier the better, especially for our theme nights! 

Do I need to bring my own bedding? 

If you have the space, you can bring your bedding items. However, we can provide free pillows, sheets, blankets, towels, and washcloths. 

Can I do laundry at camp? 

Laundry service is complimentary and is done once a week by an outside company. Clothing is washed, dried, and returned within a two-day window. Each bunk has an outside clothesline to allow for air drying of swimsuits and towels. Please bring your own (unique-looking) laundry bag. 

Can I ship items to camp? 

Yes. Items may be shipped to [Your Name] c/o Camp Med-o-lark 82 Medolark Road, Washington, Maine 04574. Please exercise moderation. When using Amazon, we suggest utilizing Amazon Delivery Day, Monday-Friday, to minimize packaging.

What if I need to go shopping? 

If you want to save room in your luggage, you may wait to purchase some items until you arrive. We will make a trip to Walmart and other stores during staff orientation.

What is the weather like in Maine? 

Maine experiences different types of weather, from absolutely beautiful to cold, windy, and rainy. Generally, it is warm and sunny during the day and cools off quite a bit at night. The temperature ranges between 55-90F (13-32C) during the summer but is usually around 80F (26C). You should pack a versatile jacket for rain or nighttime and a small personal fan for your bunk for warm nights.

May I bring my laptop/phone/other devices?

You may bring your laptop/computer to camp. Cell phones, laptops, and expensive personal items may not be kept in camper cabins. Please keep these items in the staff cabin lockers. These items may not be used in front of campers. 

Does the camp have WiFi?

We offer open WiFi at our Staff Cabin for staff to use on their time off.

How can I decorate my bunk?

Decorating your space depends on whether you have a private cabin, share a cabin with other counselors, or are in a camper cabin. You may personalize your bunk, but please be considerate of your shared space. No permanent changes (painting, etc.) may be made.  

What is a typical day like for staff? 

We try an offer transportation to a different destination every week, but the time is yours to do with as you wish. Staff are welcome to stay on camp, sleep in, enjoy a meal with us or participate in activities, however all campus rules apply. Remember, you represent Camp Med-o-lark even when you are off duty, so please make good choices!

When do I get time off? 

The camp staff is divided into two different day-off teams. These teams alternate their evenings and days off. When Group A (Green) is on, Group B (Yellow) is off, and vice versa. All staff will receive a schedule with their specific team.

Nights off: Each team has alternating nights off according to a schedule from the end of evening activity until wake-up the following morning. The first week of Staff returning from a night off must be in the cabin at the wake-up bell.

Days off: All staff will have one day off per week. You are off from the bell for evening activity until wake-up the following day, roughly 32 hours. 

Is camp a lot of work? 

It doesn’t feel like work when you do what you love! Truthfully, camp is the hardest job you will ever love. You have to pace yourself, or you can burn yourself out. The job is extremely rewarding, but it can be tough at times. Make sure to drink plenty of water and get plenty of rest!

What can I do during my time off?

Sleep, relax, take a bike ride into town, or go see all the wonderful things Maine has to offer. If you want to stay on campus, you can do that as well! We will try and provide transportation (whenever possible) to help facilitate you getting out of camp on your day off.

 I was a counselor last year; should I expect the same policies and experience this year?

Big, exciting changes are part of Camp Med-o-lark. We are looking for ways to improve every element of the Med-o-lark experience, and with that comes some adjustments. We hope that our new policies will elevate the experience of all members of our Med-o-lark family. 

May I have visitors at camp?

Camp Med-o-lark is a private community; all visitors must be approved in advance by a director. Former campers or camp employees may only be approved by a Camp Director. Overnight accommodations for guests are not possible.

How much money should I bring?

You will be paid your salary over the whole summer, but you should consider bringing extra money if you want to shop, or enjoy your experiences on your off days. Most staff travel after camp and depending on what you are doing and where you are going, you should be financially ready for these trips.  

What if I get sick or injured while at camp?

Camp Med-o-lark has a full health center with nurses on staff to help in many ways.  We also have a Clinic about 9 miles away and hospitals about 30 minutes away. We do our best to take care of you while at camp with anything we can do to make you feel better and there is no cost for this. Most camp counselors on a J1 visa are covered under their agencies’ health insurance and most domestic counselors (26 and under) will be covered under their family health insurance.

Is alcohol and/or marijuana allowed on campus? 

Alcohol, regulated drugs (including marijuana), vaping, and tobacco products are strictly prohibited from the camp property, including the staff cabin. The use, possession, or distribution of alcohol or regulated drugs (including marijuana) on the property will result in immediate termination, expulsion from campus, and reporting to the relevant legal authorities.