Camp Beech Cliff - Mt. Desert, Maine

Thunder Camp

 (campers entering grades 1*, 2 and 3)

sailboat lesson thunder camp

To Campers: “Try it all at Thunder Camp! – paddle canoes (and flip them!), do cannonballs and swim, run around and play, be a nature detective. Make arts & crafts projects (and messes), hit the balloons on the archery targets – and collect camper bucks! Come have fun, play with old friends and make new ones, and try your very first camp OVERNIGHT!”

— Alyie, 2011Thunder Camp Coordinator

loon counselor

 

To Parents: Designed specifically for younger campers, this program provides a nurturing setting to introduce campers to activities in each of our program areas with ample support from staff. The day will begin and end with a Thunder Camp circle for songs, announcements and attendance. Campers will travel as a group with their Thunder Camp counselors to each of their activity areas, where they will join specialized program area staff. Some of these same staff will accompany the group on off-site activities, to support, supervise and bond socially with the campers. Activity blocks will be approximately 50 minutes long, to ensure a dynamic schedule with opportunities to try the various program areas camp has to offer.

* New in 2012 – We'd love to have your rising First Grader attend camp!

The question is:  Is your son or daughter ready?  Being ready for Camp Beech Cliff means being able to:

  • keep up with older Thunder Campers in the group (7 – 9 years old) from 9AM to 4PM
  • carry a backpack with lunch, water bottle, swim suit and towel throughout the day
  • hike down (and up!) the big hill once a day, carrying the backpack
  • keep track of belongings, change into swimsuit, and eat lunch and snacks independently

While we offer our Thunder Campers extra support and care with traveling counselors for each group, not all 6-year-olds are ready for this vigorous routine.  We cannot make special arrangements for half day or partial week programs, although you always have the option of keeping your camper home for a day.  The local community center camps are great for half-day options.  Check with Harbor House, Neighborhood House or the MDI YMCA.