Who We Are
Maine Summer Camps (MSC) is the public face of the Maine Youth Camping Foundation (MYCF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and the Maine Youth Camp Association (MYCA), a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization. Since 2008, MSC has been organized as two nonprofit organizations with different purposes. MYCA focuses solely on governmental relations and advocacy, engages year-round on regulatory concerns, and updates camp professionals on the many forces that can affect them. MYCF creates networks and provides professional development and support for camps at a time when such support is greatly needed. A primary goal is to provide free camp information to the public.
Founded as the Maine Camp Directors Association (MCDA) in 1934, the organization helped create the Junior Maine Guide (JMG) program in 1937. To this day, JMG continues to provide certification for teens who master a specific set of wilderness skills. MCDA enlarged its membership in 1982 to include individuals, businesses and other organizations supportive of children’s camping and incorporated as the Maine Youth Camping Association (MYCA) reflecting the wide diversity of camps (private, nonprofit, religious, resident, day and specialty). A pioneer in youth camping, MYCA created the first state camp licensing law in the country. Many of those original standards are still used in the accreditation of youth camps nationally by the American Camp Association.
Since 2008, MYCA and MYCF have worked closely together for the benefit of summer camps in Maine and the benefit of children from Maine, New England, the United States and around the world.
What We Do
MSC serves 140-plus member camps and adventure programs across the state. One hundred and twenty-five Business Members specialize in providing goods and services to member camps. We maintain a searchable website of Maine camps, provide a print camp directory, and assist families in seeking summer opportunities for their children, including those with special physical or financial needs.
Using our online presence and publications, we enhance the public’s understanding of the value of attending camp in Maine. We assist camp and business members by offering in-person and virtual training and a broad range of resources and updates, including legislative and regulatory news and updates on best practices.
Fundraising Events/Opportunities
Join us for our annual Business Member Networking Extravaganza. The event, FREE for Business Members, will be held in Greater Portland on Jan. 29, 2025. This mini-trade show is a fantastic opportunity to meet with Camp Leaders (directors/owners, executive directors and administrators) face to face and present your services and products directly to camp decision makers in an informal setting. The Extravaganza follows MSC’s major educational event of the year – a three-hour workshop on a timely topic.
Giving Opportunities
There are numerous ways to support the mission of Maine Summer Camps:
Sponsor
• Business sponsorships of MSC educational offerings for camp professionals are available.
• Support our educational opportunities and impact the lives of 60,000+ campers and 20,000+ staff members in Summer 2025.
Contact camps@mainesummercamps.org.
Become A Business Member
• Be listed in the special 2025 print and online editions of Maine Summer Camps Directory
• Access camp contact information
Visit mainecamps.org/business-members/membership/
Donate
• Scan the QR Code on the facing page today!
• Support one or more of our programs.
Volunteer Opportunities
Camps in Maine are thrilled to have volunteer work groups. Contact camps@mainecamps.org to coordinate a customized opportunity for your business team.
