General Camp Information

Our goal at the Otter Pond Wilderness Day Camp is to provide a safe, caring and fun atmosphere that allows campers to experience a variety of activities, to try new things, and to challenge themselves. Teamwork and the Y's Character Development Traits of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility play an important role in all of our programs and are incorporated into all aspects of camp.

The Cumberland County YMCA prides itself on the quality and commitment of our staff. These individuals are caring, fun, energetic and responsible people who participate in a comprehensive training program. We perform criminal background checks on all of our staff over the age of 18 years old, and most are certified in First Aid and CPR. Staff members largely consist of college or high school students, teachers and parents.

We build strong kids, individuals, families and communities through programs and services that promote a healthy spirit, mind and body for all regardless of ability to pay.

The YMCA strives to serve the entire community, regardless of the ability to pay. We do this by providing need-based financial assistance, made possible through the generous support of individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the area. The Y also accepts Summer Champs, Aspire, Child Care Connections and other vouchers. A 10% sibling discount is also available.

The Cumberland County YMCA is a partner agency with the United Way of Greater Portland. Together, we are part of a powerful network of resources that provide key programs to our community. We also participate in the Summer Champs program.

For Summer Champs participants, our identification number is 29. If another social services agency is paying for your child to attend camp, we must have information from that agency when enrolling your child in camp. Summer Champs recipients have to pay a one time $50 fee to hold their spot in camp. For other social services agencies, the fee may be waived. If you do not have a contract with an outside agency, then you must pay the registration deposit. If you have any questions, call 874-1111.

The YMCA believes that all children, regardless of need, should be integrated into our programs, and will do everything in our power to make this possible. However, there may be particular needs which our staff is not trained to handle, or that our staff to camper ratio is not adequate to serve. In such an instance, the family or supporting agency will be asked to assist the YMCA in finding and providing an aide for the child, or, we may need to refer the child to a program better suited to meet his or her needs. Children with special needs are welcomed to attend camp if they are within the developmental ages that we serve, and are comfortable participating in their group's activities. Youth that require a one-on-one aide in school must be provided one at camp via family effort. Please call if you have any questions.

Extended care is provided at Otter Pond from 7:30 to 9 am & from 4 to 5:30 pm, as well as at the Greater Portland YMCA and Pineland YMCA from 7:30 to 7:50 am & 5:00 to 5:30 pm. There is NO EXTRA CHARGE for BUSSING or EXTENDED CARE.

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Otter Pond Wilderness Day Camp - 2009 Camp Schedule / Otter Pond Bus Schedule

For 5 - 12 Year Olds
Weekly: June 22 - August 28, 2009
$205 YMCA Members / $230 Non-Members

Otter Pond Wilderness Day Camp is located in Standish, Maine, just across from Sebago Lake. In addition to 250 acres of trails and woods, we have a sandy beach, swimming area, challenge course, frog pond, archery range, pavilion and much more. Two buses will provide transportation to and from Otter Pond from the Greater Portland area, as well as one from the Pineland YMCA in New Gloucester.

Otter Pond's most popular program is the traditional day camp. Campers age 5 - 12 come to have fun and learn new skills as they participate in activity areas such as Aquatics, Creative Arts, Sports, High Ropes and Nature. Campers are split into Villages equally by age and grade. Campers have a choice of activities in which to participate at each program area each day, along with a Village Activity and Free Swim time. Each week a special activity is planned for the campers.

Otter Pond campers have the opportunity to take the bus to and from camp and to utilize before and after camp care. Extended care is provided at Otter Pond from 7:30 to 9 am & from 4 to 5:30 pm, as well as at the Greater Portland YMCA from 7:30 to 7:50 am & 5 to 5:30 pm. There is NO EXTRA CHARGE for BUSSING or EXTENDED CARE.

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The Cumberland County YMCA, with its Portland YMCA, Casco Bay Regional YMCA and Pineland YMCA branches, is committed to building strong kids, individuals, families and communities through programs and services that promote a healthy spirit, mind and body for all, regardless of ability to pay.