FAQs - The Arts Camp of New England - Camp Med-O-Lark

FAQS

How is the Med-O-Lark summer organized?

Med-O-Lark has two four week sessions. Many campers choose to attend either the first or second session, but lots of campers stay for both sessions. New campers may attend our two week sessions offerings. View our dates and rates.

Where is Camp Med-O-Lark?

Med-O-Lark is located in picturesque Washington, Maine. We are a fifteen minute drive from Camden and the Maine coast and about a half-hour drive from Augusta. The Portland Jetport which services all major domestic cities is about a one hour drive to the south.

I don’t see a visiting day on the calendar – am I missing the date?

We do not have a special visiting day for parents. Instead of a formal visiting date we encourage parents to visit their children at a time convenient for them! We feel as this more open visiting policy allows for easier scheduling and less pressure on the parents’ end. We ask however, that when planning your visit to keep in mind that Thursdays are less than ideal for a camp visit as it is a camp-wide trip day. Also, please keep in mind that friends of campers under the age of 21 are not permitted to visit unless with parents. We look forwarding to welcoming you to camp!

What is included with camp tuition?

Camp tuition is all inclusive. There are only a couple of extra fees for optional activities like an all day white-water rafting excursion and horseback riding.

How do campers get to camp?

We provide a chartered, chaperoned bus to and from camp for both camp sessions. All luggage goes directly on the bus or, for campers who fly to camp, the airplane.Campers flying into the Portland Jetport or Boston’s Logan Airport, are met by Med-O-Lark staff, and are transported by a camp bus or van to camp.

What if my child is homesick?

Homesickness may affect common among new campers (as well as some returning campers) and the Med-O-Lark community works hard in the first few days of camp to help campers adjust to being away from home. Homesickness is entirely natural as campers regulate to a new setting and schedule. Our counselors and other staff are trained to recognize and nurture campers missing home and we find that most campers adjust to Med-O-Lark quickly as they reunite with old friends and make new ones.

What forms must I fill out before camp begins?

There are several forms we need parents to fill out before campers arrive, these include medical forms, emergency contact forms, and certain permission slips. Once a camper is enrolled, parents will be sent the exact forms they need – all forms will be available on line as well.

What is the all “elective” program like?

Campers have enough requirements and regimentation to the winter months, so at Med-O-Lark we believe strongly in allowing campers to pursue only the programs that interest them. Each day (except for trip days, special event days, and Lazy Days) is divided into five activity periods. At the beginning of each camp session campers are presented with “Activities Night” where they get a taste of each of the activities being offered. Campers then rate their preferences for each period and are placed in activities accordingly. With offering as diverse as waterskiing, digital animation, and circus trapeze each camper is able to take a whole range of fun, engaging programs in a single day!

How best do I keep in touch with my child during the summer?

We encourage parents and campers to keep in meaningful contact over the summer. Campers have two opportunities a day to visit our phone and internet pavilion where they can call home or send home an email recounting their latest adventures at camp. Each day parent emails are printed out and distributed to campers and ” snail mail” is delivered as well. Counselors encourage campers to write letters home often too. Of course, parents can keep track of their child throughout his or her summer at Med-O-Lark by checking in often at the Med-O-Lark website where we continually update hundreds of pictures of campers in action.