Staff

	PROGRAM
	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.