Visiting HVC

We look forward to including family members in the camp community on Saturdays. A successful visit does require some planning, so take time to read this page. Note policies below.
For those visiting between the two 4-week sessions, read here please
• 2024 Update: All visitation is dependent on current health protocols. 

Visiting campers

Planning Your Visit

  • Only about 1/4 of Hidden Valley children receive guests. Because most children do not have visitors and also to allow you to appreciate the essence of day-to-day camp life, we keep visits informal as noted here...
  • We permit families to "drop by" on Saturdays only to minimize disruptions to campers' routines. 
  • Guidelines:
    > One Saturday-only visit per session 

    > Immediate family or grandparents only. No "friends."
    > You must arrive in camp between 9 and 11 AM. Plan to leave by 4 PM
    > Additional info below...
  • Once you know them, please tell us your visiting plans by email or phone, or via a Visitation Form at your Online Camp Account, going to "Forms & Documents."
  • Make reservations early. Resources can be found at Peter and Meg's Vacation Guide.
  • Driving to HVC — Only use googlemaps Other GPS have frequently led parents astray. Please see driving and parking directions or call/ email us.

When I visited this summer, I sat on the swing in the ‘backyard’ for an hour or so, and you could really see that it was a place filled with people of all kinds of backgrounds, interesting and exciting, and also with a gentle way about itself.
- HVC Parent

While At Hidden Valley

We hope your reunion will provide an occasion to celebrate both family relationships and individual accomplishments. It will be wonderful for your child to share "their place" with you.

Please remember that staff and children work hard to create a warm, enlivening environment that supports an independent summer for children. Visitors support this atmosphere by observing the courtesies noted here...

  • Upon arrival, please follow parking signs, then check in at the office. We'll give you a map of camp and help you find your camper in their activities.
  • We encourage you to observe your child's outdoor classes. Please introduce yourself to teachers and ask how your presence can best be accommodated.
  • Siblings must be supervised by parents
  • No cell-phone use except near the office.
  • Dogs must be leashed and quiet.
  • Lunch guests are welcome. Please note that our dining hall cannot accommodate additional people at breakfast and dinner.
  • Because cabins are private and many children will not have guests, please do not enter camper dwellings 
  • We ask that all guests depart by 4 PM so that cabin groups can concentrate on their evening together.
  • Please do not expect to have time with Meg and Peter. We will be involved in our regular routines, meeting with staff groups, visiting classes, etc.
  • You may not take campers out of camp.  

We hope to see you during your time at HVC. We are often busy in activities or meeting with counselors around camp, and so may not be near the office when you arrive. Please let office staff know if you'd like to say hello while you are here and we'll track you down for a brief visit.

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Thank you so much for the visit with my daughter. I had so much fun, and I was incredibly impressed with everything I saw all day long! Classes were beautifully run and so engaging. How you produce such delicious food in such large quantities is a mystery to me. Even our quick trip to the Nurse was a lovely experience! I appreciate all you do to create such a happy, loving, child centered environment.
- Hidden Valley Camp Parent

 

Getting to Know Maine

Suggested Reading:

  • Maine Handbook, by K. Brandes and Maine, An Explorer's Guide by C. Tree are best for lodgings, sights, etc...
  • See below and also Peter and Meg's Vacation Guide.
  • And of course there's Henry David Thoreau's In the Maine Woods, detailing his explorations here 150 years ago.
  • On the Web: Check out MaineGuide.com

Things to Do in Maine

Acadia National Park features the East Coast's first glimpse at the sunrise, rocky coastline (and a sandy beach called Sand Beach for a brisk ocean swim) and hiking or biking with sea views from a magnificent network of mountain trails. Camp out or enjoy Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor and other nearby towns.


The Kassens enjoying a coastal kayak expedition at Acadia Nat'l Park.

Island Ferry Rides: A local favorite leaves Lincolnville to Islesboro. We have taken this 20 minute voyage after which we picnic and explore the coastline, searching for driftwood and shells. Cars and bikes go along, providing a quick island tour... More exciting is Monhegan. Take the mailboat from Port Clyde and spend a terrific day or night on an almost car-less island. Though many artists summer there, Monhegan retains tangible roots in Maine's fishing culture. A hike around the Island brings you to cliffs 100+ feet above the Atlantic Ocean with a view of seals basking on the rocks.

Take a drive Down East towards Lubec: and the Easternmost point in the U.S. You'll find "old Maine" in local seafood joints, lovely ocean hikes, and the small lobster towns along the rugged coast.

Explore Maine's coastal towns and small cities: Go to Peter and Meg's Vacation Guide for more info on our Midcoast Maine area, Portland, Quebec City and Maine far and wide.

Intersession Trip

For children who will be in attendance between our two 4-week sessions, parents have two options:

  • Spend these 60-72 hours with your camper, or
  • Have them join HVC’s activities during this time.

Read about your choices and let us know your plans via your Online Camp Account. (Go to "Forms & Documents" and look for this form: Optional Charges.) Email us with questions.