Our core camp programs are designed to follow three learning paths as students move from introductory to more advanced skills. Woodscraft Skills, Naturalist Skills, and Primitive Skills each have unique ways of demonstrating and reinforcing our connection to the natural world. We also offer a number of Special Interest camp programs, and have created some new programs for this season. 

The Naturalist Skills Path combines high energy outdoor fun, with focused observation and study of the natural world.  A typical day may include a morning hike up Mt. Christopher, observing signs of wildlife and identifying trees and birds along the trail, followed by a challenging team-building session at the ropes course. The afternoon canoe lesson combines paddling games and skill development with a water quality test that students perform themselves. Later, on a computer in the Natural History Classroom, students record data from this test, and add it to a statewide database, or may experience an art and nature creative lesson. At an evening campfire by the lake, the group reflects on the day, while Field Teachers help distinguish between the calls of a barred owl, and a great horned owl amid the songs of Bryant Pond’s loons.

At our Coveside campsite, Woodscraft campers learn the skills of the traditional Maine Guide, as well as modern backcountry travel and camping. Long summer days at Coveside are filled with personal and group challenges and skill-building in axemanship, backcountry cooking, canoe skills and safety, hiking and backpacking, map and compass, survival, tree and wildlife identification, fishing, and much more! The program is led by Registered Maine Guides and outdoor professionals who are dedicated to passing along the skills and wisdom of the Maine Woods to a new generation. It takes dedication and practice to become a Junior Maine Guide, the highest outdoor skills award available to a young person in Maine. Begin working toward this prestigious award this summer by enrolling in Woodscraft at MCS!

Our Primitive Skills campsite is set in a stand of beeches and maples overlooking the hills to the east of Bryant Pond. Life for our primitive skills students is far removed from the bustle of the modern world. Imagine waking up to the sound of birdsong in a comfortable, dry shelter you built from natural materials the previous day! Working together, your small band of companions and two instructors gather wood for the fire while someone starts a “friction fire” with a bow drill. Become attuned to the cycles of nature by practicing the skills and earth-based wisdom of native peoples. Come prepared to be physically active all week, and to immerse yourself in the experience of living closely with the earth.

Special Interest Camps: 4-H Shooting Sports Archery Camp, 4HSS Shotgun & Rifle, Apprentice Hunter (4HSS Wildlife & Conservation), Fishing Camp, Paddling Adventures, Survivor Camp, Maine Woods Discovery, Rangeley Lakes Canoe, Appalachian Challenge, Outdoor Adventure Day Camp, Treasure Camp, Bushcraft, Conservation Leadership, Maine Outdoor Adventure Camp (6-week) program.

Camp Type:  Residential  Day Year Established: 1956 Gender: Coed Age of Campers: 8 to 18 years old Cost/Week: $501.00-$650.00/wk Religious Affiliation: Camp Owner(s): Pine Tree State 4-H Foundation Camp Director(s): Susan Jennings Nearest Large City: Lewiston/Auburn Off Season Rental: Yes Accreditations ? AEE MYCA

Camp Focus: Adventure Camps: Environmental Adventure Camps: Hunting Adventure Camps: Primitive Skills Traditional Camps: 4-H Camps

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Additional Activities:
Geology, gems & treasures, organic gardens, hunter safety certification, boating safety certificatio

Summer Camp sessions begin June 21 and run through August 21, beginning on Sunday and ending on Friday each week.

1 week/$575; 2-week programs/$1380; 3-week programs/ $2185; 4-week programs/$2875, 6-week program/$7200

Scholarships are available.