Camp North Star

About Us | Info for Program Directors

Expert Camp & Trip Recommendations
Call 617-264-0939

Choice Camps Recommendation of Camp North Star

Camp North Star is a traditional summer camp located on 200 acres of towering pines, woods, fields, and dramatic rock outcroppings - all surrounding a private lake in Poland Spring, Maine. North Star’s full and half season programs are designed for campers to learn new hobbies and build skills in specialty areas. North Star is a non-competitive camp, and does not have a particular emphasis on any specific activity area - instead allowing all campers to explore their interests in all activities without the pressure to be a master in any one.

Campers and staff live by the “RICHeS” philosophy of Respect, Independence, Caring, Honor, and Spirit. Down time is consciously built into the schedule to give campers time to play, rest, and reflect in the camp’s beautiful wilderness surroundings. For campers looking for a well-rounded camp experience in a relaxed and caring environment, Camp North Star may be the perfect choice.

Program Description

At North Star, campers choose five electives on a weekly basis in addition to daily cabin activities and free time. Elective activities help build campers' skills in a specific program and often build toward a specific goal such as an inter-camp sporting event, dance recital, or final art project. Advanced level activities are also offered in a number of program areas. Campers can choose new activities at the beginning of each five day rotation.

Every sixth and seventh days are special event and trip days. On trip days, campers choose an out-of-camp trip by their age group. In addition to large group trips, many campers choose to participate in extended hiking and canoeing trips that provide variety in the camp schedule.

Depending on their age, campers can chose from white water rafting, sea kayaking, surfing, rock climbing, sailing, and beach trips.
Special event days include all-camp activities such as carnival, Olympics, and other themed activities.

Staff Overview

Camp North Star staff members are hand-selected for their
leadership and expertise. All staff members are required to attend a ten day pre-camp training session. In addition, North Star’s directors provide staff members with feedback and tools throughout the summer through ongoing training, evaluation and support. This promotes a safe, respectful, and fun environment for everyone. The average staff age is 22.

Setting & Accommodations

Camp North Star is located in southern Maine in the town of Poland Spring (home of the famous water). North Star is a two hour drive from Boston and six hours from New York City.

Campers live in well-maintained cabins overlooking the lake. North Star’s cabins traditionally house eight to ten campers and two counselors. Renovated in 2008, each cabin includes two new full bathrooms, new wooden bunk beds, and ceiling fans.

Meals are served buffet-style with lots of choices to accommodate all campers. Breakfast options also always include cold cereal, yogurt, and fresh fruit. In addition to the main entrée, lunch and dinner include a huge salad bar with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Snacks and drinks are served each afternoon. A vegetarian option is available at each meal, and other special dietary needs are easily accommodated.

Safety Standards

Camp North Star has a fully equipped health center with 24-hour, on-site service staffed by two registered nurses. The camp doctor is on call, and there are two full-service hospitals in the nearby city of Lewiston, just twelve miles away.

Camp North Star is accredited by the American Camp Association and meets more than 300 safety standards set forth by the organization.

Camp North Star Session Dates

Session Name	Dates	Ages	Tuition
Full Session (8 weeks)	6/27/10-8/21/10	7-17	$9,000
Two Week Session A	6/27/10-7/10/10	7-17	$3,200
Two Week Session B	7/11/10-7/24/10	7-17	$3,200
Two Week Session C	7/25/10-8/7/10	7-17	$3,200
Two Week Session D	8/8/10-8/21/10	7-17	$2,800
Four Week Session A	6/27/10-7/24/10	7-17	$5,400
Four Week Session B	7/11/10-8/7/10	7-17	$5,400
Four Week Session C	7/25/10-8/21/10	7-17	$5,400
Six Week Session A	6/27/10-8/7/10	7-17	$7,400
Six Week Session B	7/11/10-8/21/10	7-17	$7,400