Choosing Camp Crescent Cove
Is Camp Crescent Cove a good camp for first-time campers?
Absolutely. We welcome first-time campers at all ages, whether they’re starting sleepaway camp at 7 or joining The Cove for the first time as an older camper. Our owners and directors work closely with new families before camp, including in-home visits, so we can get to know each camper before they arrive.
We’re thoughtful about helping new campers feel comfortable, make connections and become part of the community, regardless of the age or year they begin their Cove experience.
What is the co-ed experience like at Camp Crescent Cove?
Camp Crescent Cove is a traditional co-ed sleepaway camp in Raymond, Maine. Boys and girls live on separate sides of camp while coming together throughout the day for activities, meals, special events, evening activities and camp traditions.
Most activities are co-ed and instructional, while competitive team sports are age-appropriate and single gender. This structure gives campers the best of both worlds, the comfort and connection of their own cabin community along with the energy and friendships of a co-ed camp experience.
What session lengths does Camp Crescent Cove offer?
At Camp Crescent Cove, our 2-week sessions are available to campers of all ages and experience levels, not just first-time or younger campers. A camper can choose a 2-week session for their first summer, return for 2 weeks year after year, or choose a 3½-week session when it feels right for them and their family.
Both session lengths offer the full Cove experience, including activities, special events, traditions and the friendships that make camp so meaningful. We believe families should be able to choose the session length that works best for their camper each summer.
Can my child attend Camp Crescent Cove for just 2 weeks?
Yes! Camp Crescent Cove offers 2-week sessions for campers ages 7–16. Our 2-week option is available to both new and returning campers and is not limited to younger or first-time campers. Campers enjoy the full Camp Crescent Cove experience, including waterfront activities, sports, arts, adventure, evening activities and camp traditions.
Can my camper extend from 2 weeks to 3½ weeks during the session?
Yes! Campers enrolled for 2 weeks may have the opportunity to extend their stay to 3½ weeks, based on availability. If your camper is thriving and wants more time at The Cove, we’ll work with you to see if extending their summer is possible.
Where do Camp Crescent Cove campers come from?
Camp Crescent Cove welcomes campers from across the United States and around the world. While many of our campers come from the Northeast, our community includes campers from states throughout the country as well as international campers. Bringing together children from different places and backgrounds is part of what makes The Cove such a special community.
Does Camp Crescent Cove have a Visiting Day?
Because Camp Crescent Cove offers 2-week and 3½-week sessions, we do not have a traditional mid-summer Visiting Day. Instead, families are welcome to spend time at camp during pick-up at the end of their camper’s session. Parents can visit their camper’s cabin, tour camp and see the places where their child spent their summer.
Life at The Cove
Where do campers live?
Campers live in modern, spacious cabins with electricity and private bathrooms inside each cabin, including showers, sinks and toilets. Cabins typically house 8–10 campers with 2–3 counselors, creating a comfortable space where campers can build close friendships and a strong cabin community.
Who makes a camper’s schedule?
Campers will make their personalized schedule every Monday for the week ahead after an orientation period.
What do campers do in the evening at camp?
Every evening at The Cove brings something different! Evening activities bring campers together for favorite traditions and special events like campfires, lip sync, karaoke, capture the flag, glow parties, dodgeball and more. Some nights are all-camp events, while others give campers time to enjoy something special with their age group or cabin.
What time do campers go to bed?
Bedtimes vary by age, with younger campers heading to bed earlier and older campers staying up later. After a full day of activities and an evening activity, campers have time to wind down with their cabin before lights out.
Where do we swim?
Campers swim in beautiful Crescent Lake, right at our waterfront in Raymond, Maine. The lake has clear water and a sandy bottom, and our 1,000 feet of shoreline gives campers plenty of room to swim, play and enjoy everything the waterfront has to offer.
What happens when it rains?
Camp doesn't stop when it rains! With large indoor spaces and activity areas throughout camp, we have plenty of options to keep campers active, creative and having fun when the weather brings us inside.
How is the food?
Meals are an important part of camp life at The Cove. Campers enjoy three well-balanced meals each day along with snacks, with plenty of choices to help everyone find something they enjoy. Meals are also a time for campers and staff to come together and connect.
How is laundry done?
Camper laundry is done in-house once each week and returned to the cabin the same day. We recommend packing enough clothing for approximately 10 days, and our packing list provides detailed guidance on what campers should bring.
Does Camp Crescent Cove have a uniform?
No. Camp Crescent Cove does not have a uniform, although campers need a few required Cove clothing items for off-campus events. We encourage comfortable, practical clothing and a relaxed camp environment where the focus is on having fun, being yourself and participating—not what you're wearing.
Do campers bring their own sports equipment?
Camp Crescent Cove provides equipment for our sports and activities. Campers are welcome and encouraged to bring personal equipment they use regularly, such as a favorite baseball glove or tennis racquet. Our packing list includes details about sport-specific items, such as cleats or shin guards, that campers should bring.
Are electronics allowed?
Camp Crescent Cove is a screen-free camp. Campers do not bring phones, tablets, smartwatches or other internet-connected devices to camp. Music devices without internet access, such as a Mighty or Firefly player, are permitted. This gives campers the opportunity to unplug, be fully present and focus on friendships, activities and everything happening around them.
Camper Care & Staying Connected
How do parents stay connected with their camper during the summer?
Letters are always welcome at The Cove, and parents can also send one-way emails that are printed daily and delivered to campers during rest hour. We post photo albums each day with facial recognition, making it easy for families to follow along with life at camp.
Campers staying for 2 weeks have one Zoom call after their first week. Campers staying for 3½ weeks have two Zoom calls—one after the first week and another one week before the end of the session.
How do you manage homesickness?
Homesickness is a normal part of being away from home, and we approach it with patience, compassion and individual attention. Our counselors are trained to recognize when a camper may need extra support, and our leadership team works closely with campers and staff to help each child feel comfortable, connected and successful at camp. Because we get to know our campers and families before the summer begins, we can approach homesickness with an understanding of the individual child and what may help them most.
What if a camper gets sick or injured at camp?
Camp Crescent Cove has a fully equipped Health Center staffed by registered nurses who are available 24/7, with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) on call. Our nurses care for campers who become sick or injured and communicate directly with parents when additional care or follow-up is needed. If a camper needs to be seen by a physician or requires care beyond what we can provide at camp, we have access to medical providers and hospitals in the surrounding area.
Our Camp Community
Who are the staff at Camp Crescent Cove?
Our staff is at the heart of the Camp Crescent Cove experience. We carefully select counselors and activity staff who are enthusiastic, responsible and committed to creating a safe, supportive and fun environment for our campers. Every staff member is personally interviewed by our directors to ensure they are the right fit for The Cove. Our team also completes extensive training before campers arrive, with a strong focus on safety, supervision, building relationships and creating the kind of community we want at The Cove.
Do you offer religious services?
Camp Crescent Cove welcomes campers from many different faiths and backgrounds. While we are not a religiously affiliated camp, we do our best to accommodate campers who wish to attend religious services during their time at The Cove.
