best 13 programs in Hope, ME

Nestled in 178 acres of lush woodland is a serene escape from the city, a place fondly known as Camp Swamp. This overnight Christian camp, located just two hours east of bustling Atlanta, has been serving as a peaceful retreat since 1992. We like to think of it as our own "little slice of heaven," offering a respite from the daily hustle and bustle, and inviting people to reconnect with nature and their spirituality. Our primary offering is a week-long summer camp, but we've expanded over the years to include more than just summer fun. As part of our mission to support families and churches, we now also host three family camps throughout the year, as well as four parent/child retreats. These events offer a chance for families to bond, parents to connect with their children, and individuals to grow in their faith. Moreover, our facilities are not exclusive to our organized events. Camp Swamp also offers rentals to schools, churches, universities, sports teams, and even business groups. Whether you're planning a camp, a retreat, or a team-building excursion, our serene setting and well-equipped facilities provide the ideal backdrop for an unforgettable experience.

At Alford Lake Camp (ALC), we believe in fostering respect, leadership and responsibility in our campers. Our community values friendship, kindness, understanding and openness, and our technology-free environment allows the campers to more fully enjoy the natural environment and the people around them. At ALC, we focus on who we are, not what we wear. All campers wear camp clothing throughout the summer, and our choice-based program empowers campers of all ages to choose a variety of activities. Campers are encouraged to be joyful and embrace spontaneity, connection, adventure and challenge. The ALC experience is an investment in your daughter’s future. Through the camp activities, she will gain a greater understanding of herself and develop the skills needed to make a difference in our world. ALC is one of the world’s oldest girls’ residential summer camps, and we strive to provide our campers with the best experience possible.

At Camp Bishopswood, children aged 8 to 16 can experience the beauty of Maine’s Lake Megunticook region while engaging in the traditional camp activities such as swimming, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and arts & crafts. In addition, children can take part in the camp’s unique program of music, drama, improv, and dance. The camp is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment in which children can learn and grow. Camp Bishopswood has been a special part of the Episcopal Diocese of Maine since the early 1960’s. Located on the picturesque shores of Lake Megunticook near Camden, Maine, Bishopswood is a place where children aged 8 to 16 can enjoy a traditional summer camp experience. The facility was first built in the 1930’s as Camp Merestead, a private camp for girls with a focus on athletics, water sports, and the performing arts. The camp was the first in the state to feature a regulation field hockey field. In the early 1960’s, the Episcopal Camp Foundation purchased the facility and re-opened it as Bishopswood. It has been a co-ed camp since the early 1970’s. At Bishopswood, campers can take part in activities like swimming, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and arts & crafts. The camp also offers a unique program of music, drama, improv, and dance. The staff is dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment in which kids can discover and explore new things.