Once upon a time, a jolly blue lobster named Larry lived in the magnificent state of Maine, known as the Pine Tree State. The landscape was sprinkled with thick forests that whispered secrets to each other in the wind, serene lakes that mirrored the bright blue sky, and a craggy, beautiful coastline that Larry liked to call home. The children of Maine were as adventurous as the explorers of yore. They were a diverse, clever, and courageous lot, who knew how to have a good time. They loved to explore the dense forests, build sandcastles on the long beaches, and go sailing on the clear, blue waters. But their favorite activity was the Rope Course, where they would zigzag between trees, climb tall towers, balance on swinging bridges, and zip through the air like superheroes. On the course, they would laugh, cheer and sometimes even shriek when they lost their balance, only to be caught by the safety harness. Little Johnny was known to make funny faces as he swung, just to make the others laugh. Sarah, the smallest among them, was fearless and would often lead the group. And Benjamin, he was the master of the Tarzan swing, hollering like the jungle man himself, causing the birds to scatter and the squirrels to scamper up the trees. But don't worry, they would soon return, curious and eager to witness the fun. Larry, the Lobster, would chuckle from his rock, clapping his big, blue claws in applause. He loved his home, Maine, and the brave, funny children who played there, their laughter echoing through the forests and across the waters. He often thought, "There's no place like Maine, and no kids like the ones here!"
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What began in a humble New York City apartment with just a single student, Spark, has since blossomed into an enriching program impacting thousands of children. Our unique educational approach combines the elements of art, yoga, meditation, and nature to create a holistic learning environment. This distinctive blend is what sets Spark apart, allowing us to reach and inspire a multitude of children in truly meaningful ways. With an array of offerings to accommodate various schedules and needs, Spark has something for everyone. Our services extend beyond the standard after school and weekend classes to include holiday and summer camps, birthday parties, portfolio preparation, private classes, and custom pods. We also welcome homeschool groups and are thrilled to announce the recent addition of a forest school program to our repertoire. You can find Spark on-site in various schools and at our main studio located in the Upper West Side. But we're not stopping there - we're also planning to expand to the Upper East Side and Brooklyn. For our families in Pennsylvania, we run the program from our family studio there. And if you're not in close proximity to any of our locations, don't worry. We offer in-home instruction and virtual options to ensure that Spark can reach you, no matter where you are. We invite you to explore all the ways you can experience Spark and look forward to helping bring our program to you.
At Camp Tapawingo, we are a close-knit family of campers and staff members. We share in the joys of our collective experiences, celebrate our differences, and hold one another accountable to our philosophy and culture. Our campers learn to camp, paddle the lazy Saco River, and explore the rugged trails of Maine in preparation for more challenging hikes and white water rafting. Through our camp community, our campers build strong connections and deep relationships that will last a lifetime. At Camp Tapawingo, we believe in the value of exploration and adventure. We provide our campers with the opportunity to discover the beauty of the Maine outdoors, from the lazy Saco River to the summit of Mount Katahdin. With trips to the Ogunquit region of the Maine coast and Montreal, our campers are exposed to a variety of experiences to help them grow and develop. Our campers leave Camp Tapawingo with a sense of belonging and a wealth of memories. By fostering a camp community that encourages open communication, mutual respect, and accountability, we create an atmosphere that allows our campers to create deep relationships and lasting connections.
Hidden Valley Camp has been a beloved part of family life since 1948. Located in a beautiful and tranquil 350-acre site near the Maine coast, this acclaimed international summer camp offers children and teens, ages 8 to 14, the very best in both arts and outdoor activities. You can choose your own focus, whether you're after art camp, horse camp, dance camp, water camp, farm camp, adventure camp, performing arts camp, or sports camp – or any combination of these great areas. Each day, campers will benefit from four one-hour periods of class instruction, enabling them to create, explore and set goals in any of the programs. Parents and campers can even let us know their wishes prior to the summer and we'll help design a tailored camp experience. At Hidden Valley Camp, children and teens have the chance to experience a summer full of fun and growth, making memories that will last a lifetime.
At the Movement Lab Collective, we are proud to offer the most comprehensive indoor Parkour education experience in Maine! Our mission is to celebrate Parkour in all its forms and provide the best possible experience for students of all ages. We have a 6000 sq ft facility that contains all the necessary equipment to help you learn Parkour, Ninja Warrior, and Obstacle Course Racing Techniques in a safe, effective, and natural way. We are dedicated to using best practices in both Parkour and education to create the best environment to learn and grow. Our goal is to provide an authentic experience and make sure every student has the necessary guidance and support to reach their full potential. At the Movement Lab Collective, we want to make sure everyone is having fun and learning the right techniques.
The combination of North Star’s value system, the RICHS, and our emphasis on teaching 21st century life skills is part of what sets us apart from other camps. It is the foundation of who we are as a camp, and it allows us to help each camper become the best version of themselves. The RICHS represent the moral fabric of our community and we strive every day to highlight these qualities in each camper. At North Star, there’s no award for most popular camper or best athlete. Instead, each summer we “recognize” the campers that best display each of these five values. One of our goals is for campers to not only live their life at camp by the RICHS, but for it to become their own personal value system at home. Respect: To value yourself, others and the North Star community. To be thoughtful in your actions and interactions with campers and staff. To embrace the differences and the individuality in each person Independence: To discover yourself and to celebrate whoever that may be. Independence is to try new things, challenge yourself, take some risks, make new friends and seek new experiences. To maybe take the ‘road less traveled'. Caring: To be thoughtful, kind, considerate and interested in the well being of everyone at North Star. To sometimes put the needs of others in front of your own. To provide a welcoming and helpful environment to everyone that you interact with at camp and be a friend to everyone. Honor: To do the right thing because it is the right thing to do. Be a positive leader by showing strong character and principles that deserve admiration. Be someone who challenges everyone to be a better person by sharing their sense of self with us. Spirit: To seize the moment and make the most of every day. Fully embrace the values and community of camp life. Become a beacon of contagious enthusiasm that spreads throughout the North Star community and celebrates the camp experience in your own unique way.
At Pinecliffe, we believe that every girl should have the chance to explore her potential in a safe and supportive environment. Our full-season summer camp for girls, ages 7-15, offers a unique opportunity for campers to develop meaningful friendships and become their best selves. Founded in 1917, our camp prioritizes personal growth and encourages campers to measure their success through their personal accomplishments and relationships. Throughout their summers at Pinecliffe, campers live together with their age group, developing the skills of flexibility and cooperation. By the end of their time at camp, our campers have built a lasting community and left feeling connected to each girl in their age group.
. Today, Cobbossee is just as vibrant as it was when it was first founded in 1902. Its cabins, lakefront, and sports fields are just as beautiful as ever, and it remains a summer home for boys from all over the world. This camp is a place where boys can come to learn, grow, and develop a sense of camaraderie. Since 1902, Cobbossee has been a beloved summer home for boys who love sports. It is the second-oldest continually-running camp in the nation, having weathered every era since the turn of the century. In the 1930s, the camp grew from tents to wooden cabins, and set a precedent for tolerance by welcoming boys of Jewish and Latino descent. This stunning spot in Maine still serves as a refuge for boys from all over the world today. Its cabins, lakefront, and sports fields remain picturesque and inviting, providing a safe haven for the boys to learn, grow, and foster friendships. For 114 years, Cobbossee has been a summer sanctuary for boys of all backgrounds who are drawn to its rustic beauty and sports-minded spirit. It remains an unparalleled place of learning, camaraderie, and adventure that will continue to be cherished for generations to come.