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ACTIVITY
PROGRAM
The foundation of Arcadia is the belief that each girl should, with guidance,
plan and carry out her own individualized program. The activity program
is divided into two parts- Basic Activities and Elective Activities.
In the spring before camp, each camper plans her program
with her parents. We prepare a daily schedule throughout the summer, offering
every camper each day the opportunity to choose activities in which she
will participate. The activities are grouped by interest and ability,
rather than by age or living units.
In all activities campers learn the safety regulations
specific to the activity she is attending, in addition to developing skills
and knowledge. Girls work to achieve levels 1-4 (1:beginning skills, 4:
most advanced skills) in each activity. In all our activities encouragement,
response,feedback, support, warmth, humor and enthusiasm by our counselors
enable our campers to develop expertise and to investigate new areas of
learning.
BASIC
ACTIVITIES
One of the goals of Arcadia's program is that each girl becomes comfortable
and confident in the out-of-doors. Each girl attends boating, campcraft,
canoeing and swimming until she attains proficiency in these activities.
The skills in these activities help the girls to become more independent
in the woods, on the water and in the water.
Boating:
Arcadia has 6 rowboats that allow campers to learn oarsmanship and small
craft safety.
Campcraft:
Campers learn the skills needed to live in the woods including fire building,
use of jackknives, axes and saws, cooking over fires and stoves, orienteering,
shelters, trees, plants, and conservation. Girls have the opportunity
to use these skills on a variety of mountain and canoe trips ranging in
length from 1-6 days Girls 14 and older have the opportunity to participate
in the summer long Junior Maine Guide Program. Since the program began
in the 1950s, over 200 Arcadians have been certified as Junior Maine Guides
by the State of Maine. Our Campcraft staff are certified in Wilderness
First Aid and CPR.
Canoeing:
Arcadia has 25 canoes including wooden/canvas, aluminum and ABS canoes
.Campers learn lake and river paddling skills, wind theory, care and repair
of canoes and small craft safety. Girls have the opportunity to use these
skills on a variety of canoe trips ranging in length from 1-6 days.
Swimming:
Taught by certified Water Safety Instructors and Lifeguards campers learn
Red Cross Level 1-6 skills as well as additional water safety and competitive
swimming skills. Girls have the opportunity to participate in a number
of swim meets with other camps. Older campers have the opportunity to
take American Red Cross Basic Water Rescue and Lifeguard Training (including
CPR for the Professional Rescuer).

ELECTIVE
ACTIVITIES
To help enrich the basic activity program, Arcadia offers 16 additional
elective activities.
Campers have the option of attending the activities of their choice when
they are not scheduled for the basic activities.
WATERFRONT
ACTIVITIESaterfront Activities
With over a mile of lake front, including two beaches on Pleasant Lake,
we feel safe and protected with the freedom for unlimited waterfront activities.
Our canoeing, diving and swimming docks are at the main beach area and
there are two additional docks, one for boating and one for sailing a
short distance from main beach. All waterfront staff are certified American
Red Cross Lifeguards.
Diving:
Campers learn basic diving skills from the 1-meter springboard including
front dives, back dives and inwards and somersaults for more advanced
divers.
Kayaking:
Arcadia has 9 kayaks that allow girls to learn basic to advanced kayaking
skills. There are opportunities for girls to go on day and overnight kayaking
trips.
Sailing/Windsurfing:
Campers learn to sail in a variety of boats including 4 Turnabout sailboats,
4 420 sailboats, 4 Hobie One sailboats, 2 Laser sailboats and 4 Windsurfing
boards. There are also two motorboats used for safety and instruction.
Pleasant Lake provides an excellent location for girls to learn recreational
and racing sailing skills. Arcadia participates in many sailing regattas
with other nearby boys and girls camps.
Synchronized Swimming:
Campers learn a variety of skills and have the opportunity to choreograph
and perform routines for fellow campers and parents.
THE ARTS
Arcadia has facilities for many kinds of creative expression. Girls have
the opportunity to display their work and perform in front of parent and
camper audiences.
Arts & Crafts:
Campers create projects in a variety of media including painting in oils
and watercolors, working with clay, wire and materials found in nature,
and making paper mache objects.
Chipmunk Chatter:
Campers contribute writing pieces to the camp's literary journal that
is published 2-3 times each summer.
Dance:
Campers learn classical, ballet, and modern dance movements and have the
opportunity to choreograph and perform their own dance routines. Dance
Instructors are certified in CPR and First Aid.
Dramatics:
Campers rehearse and put on musical comedies, plays and readings. They
learn acting, backstage and makeup skills. Arcadia has an extensive costume
collection and sets and props are designed with the assistance of Arts
and Crafts.
Knitting:
Campers enjoy knitting hats, scarves, and squares for quilts. They learn
basic to more advanced knitting skills including the purl, popcorn, cable
and twisted stitches.
Music:
Lessons are provided for campers who wish to learn or continue to learn
the piano or instruments they bring from home. There are also opportunities
for girls to sing in groups for Sunday meetings.
Weaving:
In the Weaving Hut, campers learn many skills to create bracelets, pot
holders, pompoms, wall hangings, and rugs. Campers work with cardboard
looms, wooden looms, Inkle looms, and floor looms. A variety of materials
are used including yarn and materials found in nature.
SPORTS
Archery:
Under the supervision of a certified archery counselor, campers learn
basic archery skills, understand the importance of safety and have the
opportunity to perfect their shooting skills from different distances.
Gymnastics:
Campers learn basic mat skills including tumbling, handstands, cartwheels,
as well as skills on the balance beam. Girls have the opportunity to perform
gymnastics routines for parents and campers.
Tennis:
The four hard-court tennis courts overlooking Pleasant Lake permit individual
and group instruction. Tennis tournaments at Arcadia and with camps in
the surrounding area add a more competitive environment for campers who
seek it. Archery and Gymnastics Instructors are certified in CPR and First
Aid. Tennis Instructors attend an intensive 3 day training clinic.
Nature and Conservation:
Arcadia covers 365 acres of pine forest and open fields on spring-fed
Pleasant Lake.This provides a wonderful opportunity for campers to explore
the world around them and to learn ways to preserve the wonderful things
nature offers us.

RIDING
PROGRAM
Our stables and riding ring, just a short walk from the Main Lodge, are
located at our ten- acre Gibb's Field.
The balance seat riding program includes instruction and experience in
equitation, horse care and grooming.
Trail rides take campers through the pine woods, up dirt roads to views
of the White Mountains and down to
Pleasant Lake. Campers have the opportunity to participate in horse shows
and gymkhanas at Arcadia and
other camps. Riding Staff are certified in CPR and First Aid.
TRIP
PROGRAM
Every camper has the opportunity to go on both mountain and canoe trips.
All Trips staff are certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR. Staff also
attend an intensive 3 day training clinic. Please visit our Trips
page for more information.
EVENING
PROGRAM
Each evening after supper, our counselor staff offer several activities
for campers to choose from. Activities might include: capture the flag,
beach volleyball, yoga classes, Harry Potter readings, open boating and
canoeing, making nature note cards etc. On warm evenings, we open the
Waterfront for a quick dip before bed, a tradition the campers really
enjoy! Every Tuesday evening, our Unit Heads will plan a special evening
program just for the Unit to enjoy together. Saturday evening we have
our traditional Campfire by the lake. Campers receive levels they have
earned for the week. Games, songs and topics about Maine are also part
of the weekly Campfire.
SPECIAL
EVENTS
Arcadia's Birthday:
Camp Arcadia celebrates its birthday in early July, complete with a special
meal, cake, songs and celebrations.
All-Camp Events:
Twice a summer, our counselor staff will create an unforgettable afternoon
for the campers. In the past we've had 'Olympic Sunday', a carnival, Harry
Potter day etc. The campers are grouped into teams and work together by
dressing in team colors, creating team chants and completing a series
of fun initiatives.
4th of July:
A fun filled day begins at lunch with a cookout at the beach. To celebrate
the diversity of our camp community, campers and staff sing their home
state and country songs. In the afternoon, we gather in our pine grove
to learn the meaning of the 4th of July. The day concludes with lodge
skits, special songs and a bonfire at the beach.
Parent-Camper Weekend:
A chance for campers and parents to visit and enjoy the weekend together
in mid-July. Campers will participate in activity demonstrations they
have been working on. Parents are invited to enjoy camp with their daughter
or campers may leave for the day. We gather on Saturday evening for an
outdoor supper, followed by Campfire. On Sunday, parents are invited to
join the camp for our weekly Sunday Meeting.
'Casco Days':
The town of Casco, just a mile down the road hosts this special weekend
at the end of July. Campers can enter the 5 mile road race around the
lake. Our staff will help the campers train in the preceding weeks. There
is also a colorful parade through town where the campers can march as
a group. We make signs, decorations and chants to promote keeping Pleasant
Lake clean and pollution free. In the evening, our Counselor Training
Group can enjoy the midway, bingo and fireworks.
Banquet:
To celebrate a fun filled summer together, we conclude the season with
a special banquet. Campers and staff will sit together by lodge. We all
sing songs and enjoy the last day of camp together in a festive, happy
environment.
Final Assembly:
A gathering to celebrate special achievements over the summer. Campers
who have demonstrated themselves in particular activities are recognized.
Those who have participated in wilderness canoe and mountain trips will
also be recognized, along with campers who have earned other camp achievements.
Final Assembly is followed by a casual outdoor supper together. Parents
are invited to attend both events if they wish.

INTER-CAMP
ACTIVITIES
While Arcadia is not a competitive camp, campers have many options to
participate in Inter-camp activities if they wish. These include: tennis
tournaments, sailing regattas, horse shows, swim meets and dances with
neighboring boys' camps. Arcadia hosts some of these events and campers
are involved in the preparations for these events.
SUNDAY AT
CAMP ARCADIA
Sundays are more relaxed. We rise a bit later and take time to enjoy camp,
often enjoying a casual outdoor breakfast. We gather for our non-denominational
Sunday meeting in the pine grove, where themes of friendship, the environment
and community spirit are featured. Campers and staff can participate in
our choir, and contribute musical talents, poetry and thoughts toward
the weekly theme. In the afternoon, we enjoy a hearty lunch together,
followed by an extended rest hour. Campers spend the remainder of the
afternoon swimming, reading, visiting with friends, taking a shower and
other less structured activities.

COMMUNITY
SERVICE
There are many ways campers can become involved in community service at
Arcadia. In the past, the Junior Unit has visited the Retirement home
in Casco to sing songs and provide some comic relief! All campers can
join the Casco Day parade to raise environmental awareness about Pleasant
Lake and keeping Maine beautiful. Campers also participate in a weekly
camp clean-up and learn about conserving water and resources at camp.
The Counselor Training Group raises money over the summer for a special
cause, such as giving other children the opportunity to attend summer
camp.
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