What to expect…
Swimming: There will be frequent swimming opportunities depending on the weather, at different oceanfront front locations, local swimming holes such as Lakewood, Echo Lake, Long Pond, and possibly some areas that campers will come across during their hikes.
Excursions: Blue Jays can expect to leave campus for 4 - 5 excursions per week and will explore all areas of Mount Desert Island. The distance of their excursions and whether or not they venture off island, depends on the theme of the week. You can expect to receive information regarding each excursion prior to the start of camp.
Activities: Arts & crafts, nature walks, reading stories, playing games, community circles, and moderate - strenuous level hikes are some of the activities you can expect to see every week. These are tied into the week’s theme in addition to the activities that are specifically created to reflect the week’s thematic educational goal and the daily learning targets that align to it.
5-day Session: $285 Resident / $360 Non-resident
Description: Venture into an epic summer adventure with the Blue Jays Camp for rising fifth and sixth graders, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park. “Landmarks of MDI/Acadia National Park” blends thrilling exploration with immersive education, guiding campers to examine the historical and natural landmarks. We will work to facilitate an understanding of their roles within the local ecosystem and community culture. Highlights include the “Exploring Ecosystems on MDI” activity, a cornerstone of our program that explores the island’s vibrant ecosystems. Campers will embark on excursions to iconic sites like Jordan Pond, Beech Mountain Trail, Wonderland Trail, and Bass Harbor Lighthouse, each offering unique learning experiences and views. Activities such as the Landmark Photo Expedition, Time Traveling Postcards, and the Future Guardians Project will enrich their knowledge and spark creative thinking and conservation solutions for the island’s treasures. Additional visits to Balance Rock on the Shore Path, the Stone Barn and Blue Horizon Preserves, Kittredge Brook Forest, and a Bubble Mountain Tour ensure a comprehensive exploration of MDI’s geography and cultural significance. This unforgettable journey will transform campers into informed environmental stewards equipped with knowledge, memories, and friendships that last a lifetime, all within the stunning setting of Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park.
5-day Session: $285 Resident / $360 Non-resident
Description: Nestled among the picturesque landscapes of Frenchman Bay, our Frenchman’s Bay Harvest Summer Camp session offers an ultimate adventure for rising fifth and sixth graders as members of the spirited Blue Jays group. This deep dive into the heart of Frenchman Bay’s history, nature, and life, with campers journeying through time and tide to discover the secrets of Egg Rock’s iconic lighthouse, the Porcupine Islands, and the historic naming of Frenchman Bay amidst centuries-old resource battles. Our campers will emerge as knowledgeable young navigators, understanding not just the history, but also the ecological and commercial significance that has shaped the region. Carefully curated excursions to Schooner Head Overlook, Hadley Point Beach, Frenchman Bay Overlook, and Compass Harbor will challenge their spirit of adventure and foster a deep connection with nature. Packed with interactive, fun, and educational activities.
4-day Session: $230 Resident / $300 Non-resident
Description: Dive into an enlightening summer experience with the Blue Jays Camp for rising fifth and sixth graders, centered around the theme of “Food Systems” on scenic Mount Desert Island (MDI), Maine. This dynamic camp immerses campers in local agriculture, fisheries, and community initiatives, highlighting the importance of sustainable food practices. Through the cornerstone activity, “Local Food Detective: Discovering MDI’s Treasures,” campers will become culinary explorers, uncovering the secrets of local food sourcing and the pivotal roles of local producers. Exciting field trips to Sweet Peas Farm, Beech Hill Farm, Bar Harbor Farm, and Bar Harbor Oyster Company will offer hands-on insights into the challenges and triumphs of local food production. The camp is designed to foster appreciation for local foods, understand the economic impact of local food systems, and inspire proactive support for sustainable practices.
5-day Session: $285 Resident / $360 Non-resident
Description: Welcome to the “Flora & Fungi of MDI” summer camp session, custom-made for the inquisitive Blue Jays, rising fifth and sixth graders ready to explore the botanical and fungal kingdoms of Mount Desert Island (MDI). This camp offers an in-depth look at the splendid diversity of MDI’s plants and fungi, from the moss-covered forest floors to the misty wetlands. Campers will uncover the secrets of lichen, study the symbiotic relationships between flora and fungi, and learn how human activities affect these species and their environment. The “Plant and Fungi ID” quest will challenge them to identify and catalog various species, enhancing their observation skills and connection to nature. Excursions to the Great Meadow Wetland and Bass Harbor Marsh will provide a real-world backdrop for discovery, highlighting MDI’s ecological communities. Activities like Growing Mushrooms and Making a Botanical Potion combine art and science, offering insights into mushroom cultivation and the cultural significance of botanical remedies.
5-day Session: $285 Resident / $360 Non-resident
Description: Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our “Ecology & Fauna of MDI” summer camp for rising fifth and sixth graders. This session is curated to introduce campers to the captivating realms of ecology and biodiversity, spotlighting the unique ecosystems and diverse animal life of MDI. Through a series of “Habitat Exploration” activities, campers will journey through picturesque locales like Little Long Pond, Witch Hole Pond, and the Ship Harbor Trail, each offering a unique vantage point on the island’s natural beauty. An excursion to Kelley Farm Bernard Preserve further enriches this immersive experience, allowing campers to witness conservation efforts firsthand. Engaging activities are designed to deepen understanding, ignite curiosity, and inspire a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship. This summer camp session promises a deeper appreciation for MDI’s natural habitats, the interconnectedness of life, and an empowering realization of the vital roles everybody plays in conservation.
5-day Session: $285 Resident / $360 Non-resident
Description: Embark on the “Sea / Pelagic Birds” camp session, tailored for the adventurous Blue Jays, rising fifth and sixth graders eager to explore the wide open seas and skies, delving into the lives of birds that roam the vast ocean. This session provides an oceanic adventure into the world of pelagic birds. Campers will learn about these birds’ unique adaptations, migration patterns, breeding habits, and feeding techniques, enhancing their appreciation for sea bird diversity and resilience. “Birdwatching” serves as the camp’s core activity, where armed with binoculars and guides, campers will observe pelagic birds in their natural habitats, becoming adept at identifying species and understanding conservation’s critical role. Excursions to prime birdwatching spots offer firsthand insights into pelagic bird ecology, furthering their understanding of these birds and their habitats. Engaging Bird ID Games round out the experience, making learning both fun and competitive. The “Sea / Pelagic Birds” camp guarantees a summer filled with exploration, discovery, and respect for the ocean and its winged inhabitants, promising memorable adventures and invaluable birdwatching skills.
5-day Session: $285 Resident / $360 Non-resident
Description: Embark on the Source to Sea camp session , for adventurous rising fifth and sixth graders in the Blue Jays group. This camp session experience dives into the epic journey of water from its mountainous or underground origins, through rivers, and to the sea, highlighting the profound impact on ecosystems, human settlements, and the environment at each stage. Through the “Explorers of MDI River Ecosystem” activity, campers engage hands-on with the dynamic river ecosystems. Excursions aboard the M/V Osprey and along the scenic Hadlock Ponds, Little Long Pond/Jordan Pond Stream and Maple Spring Trails, offer diverse perspectives on waters’ essential role. Activities like the Water Protectors initiative aim to deepen understanding of the water cycle and inspire actionable strategies for conservation.
5-day Session: $285 Resident / $360 Non-resident
Description: Join us into the “Field Guide Artists” camp session, tailored for the Blue Jays group of rising fifth and sixth graders eager to blend their artistic talents with the grandeur of the outdoors. This camp session focuses on different art techniques to capture the beauty of nature. Campers will embark on a journey of artistic discovery, mastering the art of observing and capturing the fleeting moments of the outdoors. The highlight, “Artistic Journey Creating & Showcasing Your Masterpieces,” offers them a platform to display their artwork, celebrating their unique interpretations of natural beauty. Excursions to diverse landscapes provide endless inspiration, while activities like Nature Exploration and Collection, Nature’s Field Guide Collage, Nature’s Palette & Sketching Exploration, Light Play - Watercolor, Nature Print Making, and Discovering En Plein Air will deepen their engagement with their surroundings and practice their artistic skills. The “Field Guide Artists” camp sessions strives to provide a session of exploration, creativity, and deepened connection with the natural world, developing campers’ appreciation for the arts and the inspirations nature provides us.
5-day Session: $285 Resident / $360 Non-resident
Description: Venture into “Bushcraft,” a summer camp session crafted for the Blue Jays, rising fifth and sixth graders to learn basic survival skills. Visiting various places and hiking Acadia Mountain, Knight Nubble will offer opportunities to learn basic survival skills training, environmental education, and teamwork. Activities such as the “Knot Tying Master Challenge,” “Shelter Builders Workshop,” “Safe Flames Fire Safety,” “Water Wise Warriors,” and “Forage & Feast” will teach the Blue Jays group basic and essential bushcraft skills, from knot-tying and shelter construction, to fire management and water purification, all emphasizing teamwork, problem-solving, and sustainability. “Bushcraft” offers a session of profound discovery and camaraderie, readying campers to confidently embrace the outdoors and their role in preserving nature.