Acadia Teen Camps
For campers Entering Grades 8-10
Camp Beech Cliff is excited to continue our expanded teen offerings for the summer of 2025. With offerings in Traditional Teen Camp, Adventure Teen Camp, and Outdoor Living, 2025 will be a season full of opportunities for community, connection, adventure, and growth!
Acadia Teen Camps (ages 13-16) are created to cater specifically to the interests, independence, and social dynamic of young teens and broaden exploration of Acadia National Park and the great state of Maine.
In 2025, we are excited to be adding more whitewater rafting trips, as well as Sea Kayaking to our teen camp offerings. There will also be canoe based expeditions in the Maine Woodscraft Program. Traditional Teen Camp will remain a week focused on activities in and around our campus in an independent program full of social and peer-bonding opportunities that are imperative for this age group.
Adventure Teen Camp will see our teens heading off camp, and even beyond MDI for adventures that will involve at least one offsite overnight trip, planned and provisioned by the teens (with some help), as well as a focus on one of four different adventure based programs.
2025 Adventure Teen Camp Schedule (Ages 13-16)
June 23 - 27 – MDI Summit Club: There are 26 peaks in Acadia National Park. How many can we reach in one week? Summit Club is a hiking focused week. Campers should prepare for robust hiking experiences every day regardless of weather, and dress accordingly with appropriate footwear, clothing, a backpack, and a water bottle.
June 30 - July 3* - Rock Climbing I: We’ll spend time each day of the week climbing at different locations throughout Acadia with professional rock climbing guides. This week will include one overnight camping experience. *No camp Friday, July 4.
July 7 - 11 - Whitewater Rafting I: We’ll start the week preparing for a trip to the Forks for camping and rafting in the beautiful Maine wilderness. The campers will depart for their adventure on Tuesday and return on Thursday afternoon.
July 14 - 18 - Coastal Camping & Kayaking: Following a day of on-site group development and bonding, teens will embark north for a three night camping excursion. Lamoine State Park will serve as a bas camp for our Teens as they undertake outdoor activities in the surrounding area, as well as daily Sea Kayaking Adventures in Coastal waters.
July 21 - 25 - Whitewater Rafting II: We’ll start the week preparing for a trip to the Forks for camping and rafting in the beautiful Maine wilderness. The campers will depart for their adventure on Tuesday and return on Thursday afternoon.
July 28 - August 1 - Rock Climbing II: We’ll spend time each day of the week climbing at different locations throughout Acadia. This week will include one overnight camping experience.
August 4 - 8 – Coastal Camping*: Following a day of on-site group development and bonding, teens will embark north for a three night camping excursion. Each night teens will camp at a state or national park campground, while undertaking outdoor activities in the surrounding area. See the itinerary listed above for an example of what may be in store. *There will be no Sea Kayaking Component of this Coastal Camping
August 11 - 15 - Whitewater Rafting III: We’ll start the week preparing for a trip to the Forks for camping and rafting in the beautiful Maine wilderness. The campers will depart for their adventure on Tuesday and return on Thursday afternoon.
Maine Woodscraft Offerings (Ages 13-16)
July 21-25: Maine Woodscraft - Survive and Thrive – Tool Craft, First Aid, Fire Building, Direction Finding, and Shelter in all its forms (Ages 13-16). Learn the skills and use the tools you’ll need to navigate the great outdoors when you may not have been expecting it.
***NEW FOR 2025!!! ***
July 28 - August 1 - Introducing Our Junior Maine Guide Teen Expedition!
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Camp Beech Cliff's newest offering: a 4-day canoeing expedition through Maine's pristine woods and waters. This program is perfect for beginners curious about outdoor pursuits, as well as teens already passionate about canoeing, backcountry camping, and exploring the great outdoors.
Expedition Overview: Participants will navigate Maine's waterways, carrying all necessary gear and provisions in their canoes. Teamwork is essential as campers learn to paddle efficiently, set up and break camp, and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Maine. This journey not only hones paddling and outdoor living skills but also fosters friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
The Outdoor Experience: This expedition is a full-time outdoor adventure, proceeding rain or shine. In cases of severe weather, such as high winds or lightning, the group will remain ashore for safety. Each day involves collaborative decision-making and leadership as we traverse the waterways. Participants will practice low-impact camping employing Leave No Trace principles, with minimal access to modern amenities, embracing the simplicity and challenges of wilderness living.
Skill Development: Aligned with the esteemed Junior Maine Guide Program, campers will develop competencies in:
Canoeing: Mastering paddling techniques and water navigation.
Campcraft: Building shelters, starting fires, and preparing meals in the wild.
Navigation: Utilizing maps and compasses to traverse the Maine wilderness.
Fire Building: Crafting reliable and sustainable campfires under various conditions.
Environmental Stewardship: Practicing Leave No Trace principles to protect natural habitats.
...and so much more!
These skills not only prepare participants for future outdoor endeavors but also instill confidence, independence, and a deep respect for the environment.
Competent Leadership: Safety and expertise are at the heart of our expeditions. Participants will be guided by experienced counselors over the age of 21, who are certified Maine Trip Leaders. Our staff are also certified lifeguards and trained in Wilderness First Aid, ensuring the highest standards of care and preparation for all participants.
Earn Your Maine Woodscraft Patch: As part of this transformative experience, participants will have the opportunity to earn their Maine Woodscraft Level Patch, a recognized credential in wilderness skills and outdoor leadership. This achievement reflects proficiency in key areas of the Junior Maine Guide curriculum and provides a tangible milestone to celebrate their hard work and dedication.
Join Us! This expedition is a fun and transformative experience that challenges teens physically and mentally, offering rewards that extend beyond the journey.
August 11 - 15: Maine Woodscraft - Eatin’ Good When You’re in the Woods - Cooking & Camping Skills (Ages 13-16). Just because your camping, doesn’t mean you can’t eat well. Learn how to plan a camping trip and create a menu you’ll want to write home about.
Note: These programs are inspired by the Junior Maine Guide curriculum, a renowned wilderness camping skills program designed to foster enjoyable, safe, and healthy outdoor living experiences for youth. (juniormaineguides.org)