Camp Kingswood: Residential Lakeside Summer Camp in Maine

The camp program offers a balanced daily schedule that mixes structured bunk activities with periods of individual choice, allowing campers to sample a wide range of options while also specializing in their favorite areas. The approach is centered on age-specific units (Olim, Tsofim, Bogrim, Chalutzim), each with tailored programming to meet developmental needs and encourage independence at the right pace. Activities span watersports, landsports, arts, and wilderness adventures, with a strong emphasis on participation, skill development, and fun over intense competition. The program is infused with Jewish traditions, spirited community events like Shabbat and Color War, and a focus on building courage, responsibility, and a deep sense of belonging.

The base cost includes full overnight accommodation in cabins, all meals and snacks, the full daily program of supervised activities and electives, evening programs, and basic camp facilities usage. It also covers standard on-camp trips and overnights. Optional or additional costs apply for special out-of-camp trips and specific specialized activities or extended travel. A registration fee is a standard part of the enrollment process and is charged additionally.

Campers live in spacious, well-maintained cabins on single beds, grouped by age and gender on separate "Girls’ Side" and "Boys’ Side" of the camp. Each cabin houses 10-12 campers and 3-4 staff members who share the same living space, fostering close bonds and supervision. Campers have personal cubbies for storage. Most cabins have in-bunk bathrooms, and some have showers; otherwise, private shower houses are steps away from all bunks. The setup is rustic yet comfortable, designed for community living, with porches and indoor hangout spaces. Safety is ensured by staff living directly with campers and being fully immersed in bunk life.

Camp Kingswood provides a full-board meal plan, with three family-style main meals prepared daily from scratch by an on-site culinary team, plus regular afternoon and evening snacks. The menus feature kid-friendly Kosher food, with each meal including a main dish and a full self-serve salad bar offering additional proteins, pasta, and various salads. The camp is completely peanut and tree nut-free and actively accommodates a wide range of dietary needs and allergies, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other specific restrictions, with a dedicated chef responsible for preparing safe and delicious alternative meals. Special weekly events, like lakeside BBQs and Shabbat dinners with homemade challah, are also included.

The camp offers a vast array of daily activities designed for fun, skill development, and cultural enrichment. These are divided into major categories: Watersports (skiing, sailing, swimming, paddleboarding), Landsports (archery, basketball, soccer, tennis), Arts (crafts, ceramics, drama, rock band), and Wilderness & Adventure (ropes course, zip line, hiking, camping). Beyond scheduled periods, the program features special all-camp and unit-based evening events (talent shows, themed games), traditional camp-wide gatherings like Shabbat and Color War, and optional trips to explore Maine's natural wonders. The goal is to provide diverse, engaging options that promote teamwork, personal achievement, and camp spirit.

The camp's prime facility is its extensive, private waterfront with 1,000 feet of shoreline on Woods Pond, featuring docks and equipment for all water activities. On land, facilities include sports fields and courts for various athletics, dedicated spaces for arts and crafts, woodshop, and drama, a climbing and ropes course area, and comfortable communal areas like the dining hall. Cabins are equipped with basic amenities and gathering spaces. The camp extensively utilizes its natural surroundings and the wider Maine region for its programs, including the White Mountains, Saco River, and other outdoor locations for hiking, rafting, and trips.

Camp Kingswood's quality is defined by its highly selective, passionate, and experienced staff, who undergo rigorous vetting and extensive pre-camp training. Many are returning alumni or specialists in their activity areas. They are the heart of the "camp magic," modeling values and creating a vibrant, supportive community. The overall atmosphere is intentionally warm, inclusive, and family-like, where every camper is known by name. The camp's long 110-year history and commitment to excellence in programming, facilities, and food contribute to its strong reputation, with alumni often citing transformative personal growth and leadership development, especially in the older units.