For generations, Nichols Day Camp has upheld its founder’s mission to provide peninsula area youth with opportunities to experience Maine’s natural beauty, and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for outdoor recreation and educational experiences. Established in 1963 by Mr. Francis T. Nichols, the camp made its humble beginnings as a program of the Blue Hill Society for Aid to Children (BHSAC) and was originally sustained solely by the efforts of devoted trustees and volunteers. In 1979, the organization acquired an exceptional waterfront parcel on Walker Pond in Sedgwick and has been located there since. Currently, Nichols Day Camp offers three program options during the summer months geared for children ages 5-14: Scamp Camp (ages 5-6), Nichols (ages 7-12), and Adventure (ages 13-14). Sessions are offered throughout the summer in 4-day and 10-day increments and kids are provided with countless enrichment opportunities, ranging from swim lessons and sailing to archery, outdoor living skills, and theater. The day camp hosts about 300 children a summer, hailing from Maine and further afield.
The value of adventure camps in a child’s development are manifold. One of the greatest benefits is the opportunity to develop social skills. Exposure to a variety of other personalities, perspectives, and levels of ability can help children learn how to feel more comfortable with and accepting of others, as well as promoting a sense of empathy. Nichols is a delightfully diverse community and, as stated on their website, “The more people there are in a child’s community, the more access they have to resources.” Nichols Day Camp provides opportunities for kids to learn and develop valuable social skills such as sharing, collaborating, problem solving, compromise, and conflict resolution. Abundant socializing helps children learn how to share thoughts, experiences, resources, and insights, and form meaningful connections in doing so. There are often lifelong memories formed in shared experiences such as those offered at Nichols, and certainly the potential for lifelong friendships, as well.
Nichols Day Camp turns life into an adventure through outdoor activities and play, both of which promote physical health (energy, stamina, muscle, and bone strength) and mental health (better mood, reduced stress, increased attention span, and ability to focus). Vitamin D, fresh air, and sunshine are all natural mood enhancers and playing outside can help kids release built-up tension and frustration in a positive way. Outdoor activities can also support motor development, cognitive development, emotional development, and social development. At Nichols, children are encouraged to try new things, meet new people, make new friends, discover things they are good at, discover skills they enjoy, and learn how to work as part of a team. Group leaders facilitate games and activities, designed to teach valuable skills such as reasoning and problem solving in a playful and collaborative way. There are plentiful opportunities for a sense of adventure and excitement at day camp wherein youth are encouraged to develop their sense of independence and autonomy. They are given opportunities to make decisions and determine the levels of risk they want to take physically, emotionally, and socially within the framework of a safe and supported environment. Growing a strong sense of autonomy and individuality can help children trust in their own capabilities and rebound from failures and can be especially helpful to develop for application later in life.
Nichols Day Camp, “fosters a relationship between children and nature based on respect, appreciation, and curiosity.” While at camp, kids are provided the opportunity to see and learn new things about the natural world, including the simple novelty of new smells and sensations. The smallest things can easily become wondrous to a child in the Great Outdoors, and make a lasting impact on how they interact with the natural world. Nichols also encourages children to appreciate the importance of natural resources and develop an understanding of how human behavior impacts the environment.
If you are interested in learning more about Nichols Day Camp, feel free to visit their website or reach out to the office manager, Heather, via email or phone at nicholsdaycampoffice@gmai.com or (207) 374-9906. Registration is currently still open for the 2024 Camp Season, although sessions are filling up quickly. Nichols is a non-profit organization dedicated to bettering and building their community and are always looking for people to join in the fun! Feel free to reach out to Heather with any questions about volunteer opportunities, scheduling events, job openings or donations. Monetary donations to The Blue Hill Society for Aid to Children are always greatly appreciated, and you can contribute by rounding up at the Co-op register this month (February) or via Paypal here.
— by Sarah Scamperlé, Marketing Assistant
