The Finest Arts and Outdoors Sleep Away Camp

Located in coastal Maine, our "co-ed" summer sleep away camp features distinctive programs for children ages 8 to 14. Depending on your interest, HVC is a visual arts camp, a horse camp, an adventure camp, a performing arts camp, a nature camp, a water camp, a sports camp and much more. Or — because you choose your activities — it can be all of these!

I can say without hesitation that there is something fantastic happening at your camp! Something I'm not seeing anywhere else.
- HVC Parent

Fun at sleep away camp

Creative, Upbeat, Transformative

Since arriving at Hidden Valley in 1988, directors Peter and Meg Kassen have nurtured a community where children come first. Their mission is for HVC to instill in young people a feeling of independence and an even greater capacity to live happily and work constructively with others. These goals are accomplished through an array of carefully crafted arts and outdoor programs, and by hiring and training a team of professional staff.

Peter and Meg have developed an upbeat and creative environment that fosters independence and interdependence at the same time. The camp philosophy fosters creativity and participation in new activities while modeling and instilling strong values and ‘people skills’ for campers.
- HVC Parent

The campers at HVC sleep away camp

Hidden Valley’s philosophy has its roots in the tradition of progressive schools and sleep away camps. Over the years, the Kassens have built on the camp's history with a commitment to quality and professionalism in all aspects of daily life. We keep a watchful, sensitive eye on everyone who joins us and maintain a deep awareness about campers’ individual needs and the dynamics of group life.

...You know everybody really cares and looks out for you at Hidden Valley... They really want you to have a good time.
- HVC Camper

And we endeavor to make this process fun! Daily cabin activities and community events enliven children’s experience as only a well-designed summer camp program can. In doing so, Hidden Valley becomes more than a vacation for children; we're a community of young people living together co-operatively, meaningfully, joyfully.

Hidden Valley is an easy camp to talk about because it is unique and because it does exactly what it sets out to do, and more, with style and a lot of heart.
- Richard Kennedy, author of "Choosing the Right Camp" discussing the “50 Best Camps” in the U.S.

When your child walks to the beat of a different drummer, you can spend years trying to find other who are dancing to the same rhythm. Obviously, Katy’s ‘drummer’ lives at Hidden Valley. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
- HVC Parent

We are so grateful to be part of this strong, loving community.
- HVC Parent

Accreditations and Memberships

ACA
The American Camp Association is the world’s largest professional camping organization. Its Accredited Camp insignia is a recognized symbol of quality, saying to those seeking a summer experience for their children: “This camp has met or exceeded standards for health and risk management, staffing and counselor training, facilities and administration, and all of its camper programs.”

Maine Summer camps
Through its educational efforts and relationships across the state, Maine Summer Camps (MSC) supports meaningful developmental, educational, environmental, and recreational experiences for children. MSC has long been a pioneer in the field of youth camping, creating the first state camp licensing law in the country. The American Camping Association uses many of these original standards in its accreditation of youth camps.

 

GCI

As members of the Green Camps Initiative, HVC is committed to preservation of the environment. Read more about our efforts to sustain the planet and nurture our local environs.

Quick Facts

• HVC is Coed, Ages 8-14
• 4-week, 8-week & 2-week “intro” sessions for first-timers 8-10 yrs

• 2024 Dates:
1st Session: June 23 to July 18
2nd Session: July 21 to August 15
2 Week “intro”: 6/23-7/5, 7/5-7/18, 7/21-8/2, 8/2-8/15
"6-weeks" and "8-weeks" also available

Click here for tuition details.

Why Families Choose HVC

• Over 50 enlivening top-quality
programs
• Non-competitive philosophy
• Elective schedule, lots of choices
• Directors work closely with parents
• Professional staff, 3:1 ratio
• Balance of structure and freedom
• Longtime commitment to diversity
Owner/Directors have lived on site for
over 30 years
• Children from all over the U.S. and
overseas
• Wholesome, delicious meals
"Electronics-free" environment (with
modern amenities of course)
• Peaceful, expansive location on 350 acres in mid-coast Maine
• Expressive atmosphere
• Individual attention to first time
campers

Search FAQ to learn more about HVC.

See us in action!

Visit our video collection to see more HVC people and programs.

The directors Peter and Meg are caring, intelligent, organized and simply the best at what they do.
- HVC Parent

Our Diamond Anniversary!

Seen at HVC

HorsePottery Painted girlsarcheryThinking girl