Camp Arcadia FAQ for New and Returning Families:

What sets Arcadia apart is our simplicity by design and our close-knit community, which fosters genuine connections and lasting friendships. Surrounded by acres of natural beauty, campers embark on wilderness trips and enjoy an individualized program that encourages personal growth and adventure. As a family-owned camp for four generations, Arcadia combines tradition and care with the freedom to explore, making every summer both timeless and unique.

Camp Arcadia is located in Otisfield, Maine, on Pleasant Lake. Our lakeside setting provides a safe and scenic environment for swimming, boating and outdoor exploration.

​​An all-girls experience at summer camp is important because it provides a unique and supportive environment specifically designed to foster confidence, leadership, and personal growth for young women. • Boosts Confidence and Self-Expression: An all girls environment create a safe space where girls can explore interests and talents without fear of judgment. Girls feel free to express themselves authentically, which helps them develop a stronger sense of identity and self-worth. • Fosters Leadership Development: In an all-girls setting, girls are more likely to step up and take on leadership roles, contributing to the development of essential skills like communication, decision-making, and problem-solving. They get to see female staff modeling assertiveness and confidence, acting as strong role models. • Encourages Risk-Taking: The environment encourages girls to step outside their comfort zones, try new things, and pursue activities—like outdoor adventures—with unbridled enthusiasm. • Cultivates Stronger Friendships: Girls can concentrate on building supportive and enduring friendships, forming deeper relationships and engaging more authentically with their peers, seeing other girls as support systems rather than competitors. These bonds often become lifelong support networks. • Allows Freedom to Be Themselves: Girls are free to redefine themselves and break out of the molds they may have been cast into at school.

It is different for every child and family. The most frequent age for new campers is 8, 9, or 10 years old. That being said we have new campers in all age groups.

We believe that a full season of seven weeks for new and returning campers provides the greatest opportunity to achieve Arcadia’s four goals. Campers who attend all of our Basic activities (Boating, Campcraft, Canoeing, and Swimming) regularly, build confidence in their outdoor living skills and in themselves. Additionally, campers have the ability to work on additional skills such as Tennis, Sailing, Weaving, and Theater based on their interest. Campers have the freedom to choose their own activity program throughout the entire summer, and the time necessary to develop skills in the activities they choose. Our full-season campers also enjoy all of the fun adventures and programming offered during the summer, including but not limited to: • Participation in all Arcadia special ceremonies and events (e.g., Opening and Closing Candlelight Ceremonies, Arcadia’s Birthday, Club Supper, All Camp special events, Final Honors, Banquet, etc.) • A full and flexible trips schedule, including a lodge overnight, and hiking and canoeing Trips • Multiple shows in our Theater department and participation in our “Celebration of the Arts” night • Intercamp competitions (e.g., sailing regattas, tennis tournaments), and social events with neighboring boys camps • Junior Maine Guide, American Red Cross Lifeguard Training and Wilderness First Aid programs • Wilderness Trips

We offer shorter sessions for different age groups, along with a leadership program for older campers. Session lengths vary, so families can choose the best fit for their schedules and goals.

Safety is our top priority. Our staff receive extensive training in supervision, risk management and emergency preparedness. Our lifeguards are American Red Cross certified and our facilities and program meet safety standards outlined by the State of Maine and the American Camping Association.

At Arcadia, the health and safety of every camper and staff member come first. To support that commitment, we maintain smaller camper-to-counselor ratios than both the American Camp Association standards and Maine state requirements. Across Camp the overall ratio is 1:3, and in the lodges, it is 1:4 through the end of 7th grade, ensuring attentive supervision and individualized care. In 8th grade and up, the cabins are larger with ratios more in the 1:8 range.

A typical day includes morning activities, waterfront time, afternoon electives, evening program, and meaningful cabin time. Meals, traditions, and camp-wide events anchor the day and build community.

The food at Arcadia is delicious. It is made by our fabulous chef, Wanda. It is served family style in the Dining Room for breakfast and supper, and outside at picnic tables for lunch. There is a full breakfast and salad bar. Fruit is available all morning, and a snack is offered at 2:45.

Arcadia is a nut-free camp. We accommodate gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and vegetarian diets.

While we love campers to bring friends to Arcadia, they may sleep in the same building but not the same cabin. Let us know if you want to talk further about this.

Parents can send emails and letters. New families receive a call on day 3 from the director.

Camp Arcadia is technology-free. Should a camper need technology for arrival or departure, the device is checked in at the office upon arrival and picked up at the end of the session.

There are so many great opportunities for campers at Arcadia that there is no need for packages. Should your daughter need something from home, an email should be sent to the Director as to what is being sent, and then the package should be sent to the director and will be opened by the office staff then deliver it to the camper. If a girl has a birthday while at Arcadia, one package can be sent addressed to the camper. All other packages will be returned to sender and billed to the parent.

Counselors undergo a rigorous application process, background checks, and a week-long orientation. Many are former campers who understand the values and traditions. Staff participate in ongoing supervision and development throughout the summer.