2026 Parent Handbook

This handbook is required reading for all parents as it outlines the rules and policies for attending Agassiz Village. There are a variety of topics covered to give you a better understanding of our camp

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Packing Guide

Not sure what to pack for summer camp? This handy guide will show you what clothes and personal items should be included in your child's luggage and what should not be included.

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What qualities help children succeed at camp?

- desire to attend camp
- ability to live in close quarters with others
- ability get along well with others
- ability to take direction from young adults and/or adults who are not part of their family
- ability to take responsibility and consequences for their actions
- ability to care for themselves independently
- ability to verbally express their needs
- willingness to try new things and accept new experiences
- have respect for other camper’s belongings and personal space

How much does camp cost?

Agassiz Village is a nonprofit organization committed to ensuring that every child has access to a life-changing camp experience, regardless of their family's financial circumstances. Through the generosity of donors, foundations, and community supporters, we are able to subsidize a significant portion of the cost of camp. While the full cost of an 11-day session is approximately $3,200 per camper, most families qualify for substantial financial assistance and pay only a small portion of that cost. For many lower-income families, the family contribution is approximately $110, or about 5% of the actual cost of camp. We do ask all families to make a modest commitment fee, as we have found that investing even a small amount helps strengthen a camper's commitment to attending. To learn more about camp fees, financial assistance, and scholarship opportunities, please contact our office at 781-860-0200. We are happy to work with families to make camp affordable and accessible.

In a typical summer, how many children attend camp?

Each session has approximately 120-140 campers and we have three sessions to choose from during the summer.

What are the camp’s cabins like?

Agassiz Village is in the midst of a multi-year effort to renovate and modernize our cabins and facilities to provide an even better experience for campers. Our Ranger Village (teen camp) has already been fully renovated and features modern cabins with in-cabin bathrooms and showers, as well as heat and air conditioning for added comfort. Our Voyager and Pioneer villages currently feature cabins with nearby bathroom facilities and access to a dedicated shower house. Plans are already underway to upgrade these areas as part of our ongoing campus improvement efforts over the next several years. Most camper cabins house up to 12 campers in bunk beds, along with cabin staff who live in the cabin and provide supervision and support throughout the session. Every cabin also includes a covered porch, offering a great place for campers to relax, connect with friends, and enjoy the beauty of our Maine setting. While our facilities continue to improve, what campers remember most is the sense of community, adventure, and belonging they find in their cabin groups. That's where lifelong friendships are built and camp memories are made.

What are meals like?

Mealtimes are an important part of the camp experience and a chance for campers to connect with their cabin groups, build community, and refuel for the day ahead. Campers receive three nutritious meals each day, along with snacks, to keep them energized and ready for all the activities camp has to offer. All meals are served family style, giving campers the opportunity to share meals together, practice responsibility, and enjoy conversation with friends and counselors. Our menu includes familiar, kid-friendly favorites as well as healthy options designed to appeal to a variety of tastes. We know that not every camper likes every meal. In addition to the main entrée, campers always have access to our salad and pasta bar, ensuring there is a simple, familiar alternative available at every meal. Agassiz Village participates in nutrition programs supported by the Maine Department of Education and follows established guidelines to provide balanced, nutritious meals for campers throughout their stay. To help keep cabins clean and safe, families should not pack or mail food to campers. Food in cabins can attract insects and wildlife and may create concerns for campers with allergies. Most importantly, no camper goes hungry. Our dining hall team works hard to ensure every camper has access to plenty of food and leaves each meal ready for the next adventure.

What about food allergies and dietary restrictions?

Agassiz Village provides nutritious, kid-friendly meals throughout each session, including a vegetarian option at every meal. Because our food service program is designed to serve a large camp community, we are generally unable to accommodate specialized diets beyond our standard and vegetarian meal offerings. Families should carefully consider whether camp dining options will meet their child's dietary needs before enrolling. The safety of our campers is extremely important to us. Families must disclose all food allergies during the enrollment process so our team can determine whether we can safely support their child at camp. To help protect campers with allergies, Agassiz Village maintains a nut-aware environment and has procedures in place to reduce the risk of exposure. If your child has significant food allergies or dietary concerns, we encourage you to contact our office before registration to discuss their specific needs and determine whether camp is an appropriate fit.

Is laundry service available?

Yes. Campers may choose to use our optional laundry service, which is provided approximately midway through the session. We recommend sending enough clothing for at least 7-8 days, or for the full 11-day session if you do not plan to use the laundry service. Laundry is washed and returned by our housekeeping and laundry team during camp.

To help ensure clothing is returned to the right camper, all items should be clearly labeled with your child's name before arriving at camp. If clothing arrives unlabeled, our staff will do their best to mark items with the camper's name. Because camp laundry is washed in large loads, we recommend sending durable, everyday clothing and avoiding items that are delicate, expensive, or require special care. While we make every effort to return belongings, camp can be tough on clothing, so it's best to leave favorite or irreplaceable items at home.

Can campers call home? Can parents call campers?

One of the things that makes camp special is the opportunity for campers to unplug, build independence, and fully immerse themselves in the camp experience. To support this, campers do not have access to cell phones or personal electronic devices during their session. If a camper brings a cell phone to camp, it will be collected and safely stored in the camp office until the end of the session. We have found that frequent contact with home can sometimes make feelings of homesickness stronger and can make it more difficult for campers to fully engage in camp life. For that reason, routine phone calls between campers and families are limited. Parents are always welcome to contact the camp office during the session. Our leadership team is happy to provide updates on how your child is doing and answer any questions you may have. Campers will have designated opportunities to call home during the session, and additional calls may be arranged when appropriate. If there is ever a concern about your child's health, safety, or well-being, a member of our camp leadership team will contact you directly. Our goal is to help campers gain confidence, build resilience, and discover that they are capable of succeeding away from home, while ensuring families remain informed and connected throughout their camp experience.

Can parents visit camp?

As visitors to camp almost always create feelings of homesickness—and have negative and disruptive impact on other campers around them—Agassiz does not permit visitors except in the case of emergencies.

How can I stay in touch with my child?

Writing letters to your camper is important. We have seen first-hand how receiving letters from home can help a camper with feelings of homesickness. We encourage our campers to write home to reflect on their experiences. Although we like the old-school, handwritten letters, you can also send one-way emails to your camper. Please call our office for more information on this option.

Do you send camper updates?

Yes. When campers arrive at camp, we send a text message or email to parents letting them know their child has arrived safely. Mass texts are the goal but only to those who opt in. Also, you can check in with our Facebook page to get daily updates and photos of what is happening at the camp.

How will I know when my child is ready for an overnight camp?

Children who are most successful at camp are excited about trying new things, can participate in activities independently, and are willing to spend time away from home with the support of caring adults. Feeling nervous is completely normal and expected. What matters most is a child's willingness to try, even when they feel a little uncomfortable.

My child has never been away from home, can they still attend?

Absolutely. Many campers come to Agassiz Village without previous overnight camp experience. However, we encourage families to consider whether their child has had opportunities to practice independence through sleepovers, weekend trips with relatives, school trips, or other experiences away from home. These experiences help build confidence before camp.

Is homesickness normal?

Yes. Homesickness is a common and natural part of growing up. Most campers experience some level of homesickness during their stay and work through those feelings with support from counselors and camp staff. In fact, successfully managing homesickness often becomes one of the most rewarding personal growth experiences a child has at camp.

What if my child says they want to come home?

Campers often express missing home, especially during the first few days. Our staff are trained to help children through these feelings with encouragement, connection, routine, and positive engagement. We work with campers to develop coping strategies and build confidence rather than immediately calling home when homesickness occurs.

Will you call me if my child is homesick?

Not necessarily. Because talking to home can sometimes intensify homesickness, our staff first work directly with campers using proven strategies and support. If we believe a camper's emotional well-being requires family involvement, a member of our leadership team will contact you.

How can I help prepare my child for camp?

The best preparation includes:

Speaking positively and confidently about camp.
Practicing time away from home before camp begins.
Talking about feelings of nervousness as normal.
Avoiding "rescue promises" such as "I'll come get you if you're unhappy."
Encouraging your child to work through challenges and try new experiences.

Children often take emotional cues from the adults around them. Your confidence helps build theirs.

What should I avoid saying before camp?

While well-intentioned, statements such as "If you don't like it, we'll pick you up" can make it harder for children to push through normal feelings of homesickness. Instead, try saying, "We know you can do this," or "We can't wait to hear about your experience when camp is over."

When is camp not a good fit?

Camp is not always the best setting for every child at every stage of development. Children who are strongly resistant to attending, experience significant anxiety about separation, or are unable to participate safely and successfully in a group setting may benefit from waiting another year or exploring alternative programs before attending overnight camp.

Will my child be safe at camp?

Yes. The safety and well-being of our campers is our highest priority. For more than 90 years, Agassiz Village has provided a safe, supportive environment where young people can learn, grow, and thrive. Campers are supervised throughout the day by trained staff during activities, meals, transitions, cabin time, and overnight. While we encourage independence and personal growth, campers are never without the support of caring adults. Each cabin is staffed by dedicated counselors who live with the campers and help create a positive, structured community.

We also follow strict safety protocols, including our "Rule of Three," which ensures that staff are never alone with a single camper. In addition to cabin staff, our leadership team, including the Camp Director and Program Managers, provides ongoing supervision, guidance, and support across the camp. All staff and volunteers undergo comprehensive background and reference checks, and all visitors must receive approval and be accompanied by staff while on campus. We continually review and strengthen our policies, procedures, and training to ensure a safe and welcoming experience for every child.

What if my child is having difficulty getting along with other campers?

One of the most valuable parts of camp is learning how to live, play, and grow alongside people from different backgrounds and experiences. Camp provides a wonderful opportunity for young people to build friendships, develop social skills, and gain confidence in navigating relationships. Our counselors actively teach and model cooperation, kindness, empathy, and respect. They help campers resolve conflicts, work through challenges, and develop the communication skills needed to build healthy friendships. We recognize that disagreements and misunderstandings are a normal part of growing up, and our staff are trained to help campers navigate those situations in positive and productive ways.At the same time, every camper is expected to contribute to a safe and respectful community. Bullying, harassment, threats, or violent behavior are not tolerated and may result in disciplinary action, including dismissal from camp.

How do you support gender-expansive youth?

Agassiz Village is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment where every camper feels safe, valued, and able to be themselves. Because each child is unique, we work closely with families to understand a camper's individual needs and determine how we can best support them within our camp community. We believe open communication and partnership with families are essential to creating a positive experience for every camper. Our staff receive training on diversity, equity, inclusion, and LGBTQIA+ issues, including workshops led by organizations such as EqualityMaine. These trainings help staff create affirming spaces and respond thoughtfully to campers' needs. When supporting gender-expansive campers, we consider housing, privacy, participation in activities, confidentiality, and other individual needs on a case-by-case basis. We are committed to being honest and collaborative about available accommodations while working to ensure every camper can fully participate in the camp experience with dignity and respect.

Does Agassiz Village have medical staff on site?

Yes. We have a fully staffed medical center that includes a full-time RN and two additional licensed medical staff.

What if my child needs to take medications?

The health and well-being of our campers is a top priority. Agassiz Village has a licensed nurse and trained health center staff on site throughout the summer to oversee medical care and ensure medications are administered safely and accurately. All campers are required to submit a completed health history and current physical examination form prior to arrival. These forms help our medical team understand each child's health needs and prepare appropriate care during their stay. If your child takes prescription or over-the-counter medication, all medications must be brought to camp in their original pharmacy or manufacturer packaging with clear instructions. Please do not send medications in plastic bags, pill organizers, or unlabeled containers, as these cannot be accepted. When dropping off your camper or meeting camp transportation, please be prepared to provide all medications along with any required documentation. Our health team will review everything and ensure your child's medication schedule is managed throughout their session. If you have questions about a specific medication, medical condition, or accommodation, we encourage you to contact our camp office prior to your child's arrival so we can discuss how best to support their needs.

Who is the Agassiz Village staff?

Our camp is led by an experienced leadership team dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and fun experience for every camper. Camp operations are overseen by our Camp Director, who brings more than a decade of camp leadership experience, along with a Program Manager who oversees activities, special events, and camper programming. The leadership team also includes village leaders, staffing managers, health center personnel, and a licensed social worker who supports camper and staff well-being throughout the summer. Each year, Agassiz Village hires approximately 90 seasonal staff members who work together to support campers, build community, and create memorable experiences that help young people grow in confidence and independence.

What is the staff-to-camper ratio?

Agassiz Village meets or exceeds the staff-to-camper ratio standards established by the American Camp Association (ACA). Most cabins are home to approximately 10 campers and 3 cabin counselors, creating a direct supervision ratio of roughly 1 staff member for every 3 campers. In addition to cabin counselors, many cabin groups also receive support from activity instructors, village leaders, and Leaders-in-Training. This high level of staffing allows us to provide individualized attention, strong supervision, and meaningful support for each camper throughout their stay.

How are the camp counselors chosen?

We take great care in selecting the individuals who work with our campers. Staff are chosen based on their experience, maturity, judgment, leadership ability, enthusiasm, and commitment to working with young people. All applicants complete a thorough interview process and undergo criminal background checks and reference checks before being hired. Staff are also required to maintain certifications appropriate to their roles, including CPR and First Aid training. Specialized activities such as aquatics, archery, climbing, and ropes courses are supervised by staff with additional training and certifications. Our staff come from a variety of backgrounds, with many studying education, psychology, social work, recreation, and related fields. Many are former campers who have grown through our leadership development programs and return as positive role models for the next generation of campers. Above all, we hire staff who are caring, responsible, energetic, and committed to helping children succeed.

What training is given to camp counselors?

Before campers arrive, all staff participate in an intensive 10-day pre-camp training program designed to prepare them for every aspect of camp life.

Training includes topics such as:

Camper supervision and safety
Child development and age-appropriate behavior
Homesickness prevention and support
Positive behavior management
Bullying prevention and conflict resolution
Mental health awareness
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
Emergency procedures and risk management
Mandatory reporting requirements
First Aid and CPR review
Activity-specific skills and certifications

Throughout the summer, staff continue to receive coaching, feedback, and support from camp leadership to ensure they are providing the best possible experience for every camper.

Our goal is for every parent to feel confident that their child is surrounded by well-trained, caring adults who are committed to their safety, growth, and success.