FAQs
Are you a structured or a non-structured camp?
In a word, both! Campers choose their own activities on a 2-week cycle and we keep track of them throughout the day. Children quickly learn that they have many options to create and explore, and that a helping hand will always be there for them. Read more about a typical day at HVC.
How will my camper choose activities?
Campers choose classes for two weeks at a time based on their own interests, not necessarily with their cabin groups. At the end of two weeks, they pick a new round of activities.
Children make these choices in small groups, based on individual interests, guided by their counselors and the camp's program directors. If campers find a particular class is not the right choice for them, we can easily switch them to another.
Can you describe a typical HVC Camper?
Hidden Valley campers are independent, non-competitive, creative, and open-minded. This is not a fancy place, so we don't worry about wearing certain kinds of clothes or "who-is-friends-with-who?" In short, these are upbeat children who throw themselves happily into camp life.
What is the ideal length of stay at HVC?
Over the years we have found that the 4 week session here provides a wonderful opportunity for children to adjust and establish themselves as independent young people with peers and counselors.
Most campers – new or returning – attend for 4 weeks. A 2-week “intro” program welcomes some young people for a "first summer" of friendship and independence. For some families, 4-weeks sounds daunting. What we know is that, after an initial adjustment period, with our support all HVC campers become successfully immersed in camp life.
About 15% of campers stay for 6 or 8 weeks with special activities and trips providing both variety and continuity.
How does my camper travel to HVC?
We work with each camper's family to help choose the most convenient form of transportation:
We chaperone air-conditioned buses leaving from New York, Connecticut and Boston.
We pick children up at the Portland and Boston airports.
Some parents drive their children to camp.
Most luggage travels on cars, buses and planes. Shipping ahead of time is fine too.
How will I stay in touch with my camper during the summer?
The most common means of contact are letters and incoming emails (which are printed and delivered with snail mail). Children are asked to write home weekly.
Phone calls can be arranged to say hello midway through the session and for special occasions. Extra calls are fine as family circumstances require. Remember: No cell phones or personal electronics at HVC.
Overall, we encourage letters and incoming email as these allow campers to go through their camp day uninterrupted, immersing themselves in their independent lives with friends and staff.
Packages are OK. No Amazon pantry please! Games and books are preferred.
How do you hire and train your counselors?
Many staff return year-to-year. We conduct extensive interviews and check both references and backgrounds. We also over-hire in case we determine that we have not made a proper match.
Each year, over 2-3 weeks of orientation, much is accomplished! Initially, we train and certify staff in these areas: wilderness, ropes, lifeguarding and horse riding. Then – with our entire staff group – we spend 6 days examining Hidden Valley’s values and talk about how these guide our efforts in cabin life, relationship building, conflict resolution, etc.
During the final week, cabin staff prepare for group life in their cabins, get to know individual campers (on paper, so please send us info to share with staff) and work with us to make lesson plans as their teaching schedules are established.
Prevention, hygiene and risk reduction issues are addressed throughout.
Here's an in-depth look at staff training.
Where do HVC Campers hail from?
Our diverse group is not concentrated in any one place. Families come from up and down the east coast ad from throughout the rest of the U.S. (California, the Chicago area, New Orleans, etc.) And about 7-8% of our campers are from overseas, so American children will likely find someone from Europe or Asia in their cabin.
Do campers come to HVC on their own or with a friend?
Most campers do come on their own, preferring to establish an independent identity with a group of camp friends. Our counseling efforts during the first days of the session help campers and families achieve this goal. Some children do come with friends and can be placed in a cabin together. We ask that these children be prepared to share cabin life with their larger group.
Can you tell me about Hidden Valley Cabins?
Cabin life is central to the camp experience. Each cabin has full bathroom facilities, private showers and toilets, hot water, etc. Children are grouped by age/grade/gender and live with 3 to 4 adult staff who alternate time off. Staff put a great deal of effort into creating a family atmosphere in the cabins, planning group activities for Arrival Day and throughout the session. Cabin staff also bring their groups together at meals, evening programs, a cozy bedtime, etc. Directors monitor group life and meet regularly with cabin counselors.
What happens when my child is too old for HVC?
Our 8-14 year olds thrive in a socially un-pressured environment where "big kids" do not dominate the scene. As directors, we can then concentrate on developing independence, confidence, and friendships with a minimum of social distractions.
Older 14’s, 15 and 16 year olds enjoy challenging small-group teen options in community service, wilderness adventures, advanced arts and more. Read details about HVC Teens.
What is ongoing contact like with the Camp Directors and Families?
In the winter we’ll provide you with preparatory info on a regular basis and are ready to answer any questions you have. Please call or email us all year long!
Once the summer is underway, please contact us about camp issues and special requests for your child. You can also expect to hear from your child's counselor. And we’ll post daily news reports on our news report page.
What if my child has a food allergy?
We easily accommodate almost all nutrition issues in a beautiful, modern dining and kitchen facility. We encourage you to call or email us to discuss your particular situation.
How do you handle homesickness?
In brief, we begin with an understanding that missing home is natural and a sign of connection with family and one's self. During our two-week training period, counselors are sensitized to the more subtle signs of homesickness. Counselors give lots of TLC and help the young person make friends and join in the life of the community. April and Wes speak with children daily and contact parents to review the situation. We all work together and a full adjustment is usually evident after a few days have passed.
When may parents visit?
We recommend visiting days on Saturdays, though we strongly suggest you wait 10 days to allow your child to adjust to camp. We allow one visit per session, and remember, most children do not receive visitors. Please call ahead to let us know your plans.
Please describe risk prevention at the lake and elsewhere.
Through our partnerships with the American Camp Association, the State of Maine and our insurance carriers, we have developed a strong regimen of procedures and training in this regard. At the lake and pool, we certify Red Cross Life Guards each summer and they are present at all times. Campers use a buddy system, swim evaluations are given to all on opening day, and life jackets are worn while boating.
What extra charges can we expect?
Very, very few... Our all-inclusive fee includes insurance, laundry (done weekly right in camp!), trips, and all camp supplies. Up to a reasonable limit, we make supplies (stamps, shampoo, batteries, etc.) available free of charge. Horseback riding is the only workshop requiring a nominal extra fee.
Do you limit electronics at HVC?
We do. Because we value individual expression in a supportive community that allows children to learn and grow, preparing for future group challenges at home, school and beyond.
Our focus on living in nature allows us to replace "virtual engagement" with "vital engagement" and supports children as they develop a deeper sense of their ability to lead independent, joyful, productive lives.
We also believe our approach nurtures campers' relationships with peers and their capacity for empathy. Of course, staff make positive use of technology in dance classes, in music and video areas, etc.
What is weather at HVC like?
It’s lovely! Maine is known for its clear, temperate summers. Daily average temperatures are around 80 degrees and the lake averages 70 degrees all summer. P.S. We have a low pollen count and no poison ivy.