Who We Are
Founded as the Maine Camp Directors Association in 1934, today Maine Summer Camps is the public face of the Maine Youth Camping Foundation (MYCF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the Maine Youth Camp Association (MYCA), a 501(c)(4) nonprofit. MYCF and MYCA work closely together for the benefit of summer camps in Maine and the benefit of children from Maine, New England, the U.S. and around the world. MYCA focuses solely on government relations and advocacy. MYCF provides free camp information to the public, including an online camp search tool. https://mainecamps.org/find-a-camp/
MSC offers education, technical assistance, and support exclusively tailored to the needs of Maine’s camp professionals and camp staff members and administers a camp financial aid program for underserved populations of school-aged children in Maine for whom such experiences would otherwise be unavailable.
2026 Goals
• Increase the number of Maine children thriving at youth camps in Maine by growing corporate and foundation support. Invite new corporate and foundation donors to join L.L.Bean to make summer camp possible for Maine children, for whom such experiences – and the unique benefits of attending camp – would otherwise be unavailable.
• Grow the number of MSC Business Members providing goods and services to camps.
• Deliver educational programs and support to the camp professionals who power Maine’s world-renowned youth camps, assisting them in responding to the needs of today’s children, parents, and families.
• Create visibility for the extraordinary impact of Maine camp experiences on optimal youth development. Partner innovatively with youth development and education professionals on behalf of children and young people.
Fundraising Events/Opportunities
Join MSC’s mini-trade show, the Business Networking Extravaganza, free to Business Members, in South Portland scheduled for Feb. 4, 2026, following MSC’s major in-person educational workshop. Camp leaders and decision makers are eager to learn more about the products and services offered by Business Members in attendance at this popular mini-trade show.
Giving Opportunities
Consider these essential forms of support by scanning the QR code on the right page. For sponsorship opportunities of programs serving MSC Camps and Camp Members, email camps@mainecamps.org.
• Become a Business Member with listings in print and online directories that are widely distributed and access to Camp Member contact information.
• Donate to camperships for Maine children, MSC’s Level Ground Initiative, MSC’s Junior Maine Guide program, and ongoing professional development opportunities for camp leaders and employees.
• Volunteer with your corporate team on a unique summer camp project.
