History and Philosophy

Our History

In the late 1800’s, one of the oldest boys camps in America was established on Washington

Lake, in Washington, Maine. This camp was named Medomak Camp. Across the lake,

Wetona Girls Camp was established in the early 1920’s on aparcel of land that was previously

a private farm. In 1946, Medomak camp purchased Wetona Girls Camp. After combining the

two, it was decided that a new name was in order. A twist of the Medomak name coupled

with the lovely Meadowlark bird, seen around the lake, yielded what is now known as Camp

Med- O-Lark. The camp was continuously occupied until 1965 when, after a period of slow

decline, it closed.

Less than two years later, however, it re-opened. The “new” Med-OLark

that was established in 1967 is the Med-O-Lark that exists

today. Different than all other camps of that era, Med-O-Lark was

created as a wonderful alternative to the traditional camps of those

times. It was designed as a co-ed, non-sectarian, non-competitive

camp that emphasized creative pursuits as the foundation of a campers

daily experience. Med-O-Lark’s goal was to embrace minority children as

well as children from other countries. It was to be a special place emphasizing

individual growth and community spirit. As a result of this pioneering approach to

camping, Med-O-Lark became an instant success. Today, Med-O-Lark stays true to its roots,

continuing its long traditionof values in a nurturing environment.

Our Philosophy

Open to the new and different... The underlying philosophy of Med-O-Lark is that children will thrive and

develop through individual choice and self-expression. Accordingly, Med-O-Lark encourages young people to

experience activities such as drawing, painting, dancing, acting, cooking, fencing, sailing, waterskiing and

much more. All instruction is conducted within an elective program, chosen by each camper individually. Evening

programs are also an extension of Med-O-Lark’s philosophy as campers perform, present and lead others as they

express themselves and share their talents.

Non-competitive attitude... Med-O-Lark does not have inter-camp sports competitions, tournaments or color war, as

most traditional camps do. There are no “best camper” awards that result in campers competing against each other.

Individual development and enrichment is promoted first and foremost, without competitive incentives.

Sense of community... At Med-O-Lark, community development is fostered at every turn. It is

a community where everyone shares, accepts and cares for others. For example, each day,

two camp-wide meetings are held to build a supportive and nurturing commnity.

Geographic and cultural diversity... Med-O-Lark has a wide mix of campers and staff

from many states and countries. Med-O-Lark is a place for people of any ethnic,

religious, national or racialbackground. It is coed, non-sectarian and diverse in every

respect.

Unique, non-traditional and pioneering... Among private c amps, Med-O -L ark was

at the forefront of changing the ca mp experience. It was among t he first to offer an

all-elective schedule, become coed and introduce vegetarian options at meal time.

It was the first to ban uniforms, color war and smoking on camp grounds. Long before

other c amps began doing so, Med- O-Lark embraced minority and international campers.

Med-O-Lark was the first camp to foster a pluralistic and non- competitive community.