The Somerset Difference
New summer camps don’t come along often.
And for good reason. Entering into a competitive landscape, bringing a brand-new facility to life, and finding the right leadership are just a few of the challenges.
But we’re “camp lifers” with a dream and a vision. We grew up at camp, we worked at camp, and now we’re parents who could never imagine life for our children, or ourselves, without camp.
Along with our partners at Camp Manitou for Boys, we have nearly 100 years combined experience in camping. Camp is embedded in every fiber of our bodies and caring for and nurturing our campers is in our hearts and minds, always.
Somerset’s rich history and 60 years of tradition are woven into our new camp program. Our passionate alumni have provided us with stories, memories, and inspiration to re-create some of Somerset’s signature activities so that the campers of this new Camp Somerset will always be connected to the past.
We have options…
There is no one size fits all, and that’s why we offer three session lengths: seven, three and a half, or two weeks*. We look forward to working with you to determine what session length is best for your daughter.
*Our two week option is only available for campers having completed 4th grade or younger and only for their first summer. Space is limited for this session lenght.
Top talent…
Our entire staff is made up of college students or graduates, with an average age of 21. Best of all, we’re female first. From driving our boats to running our tennis tournament, our amazing female staff take the lead. While we’ll always hire the best person, we believe there’s no job at our camp that can’t be done by a strong and competent woman. And that’s a message we intend to send to our campers, every day.
Shiny and new…
Every building, road, and court … brand new! Every ball, fork, and lifejacket … brand new. More than two years of planning has gone into developing a master site plan, for today and the next 100 years. Careful consideration is paid to every detail of every building, to preserving the natural beauty of the land, and to creating a modern and unique facility.
A cabin that feels like home…
Great camp relationships start in the cabin, and campers will be happy to come home to ours. Enter the mud room and kick off your shoes. (Actually, please put them away neatly). And while you’re at it, hang your coat on a rainy day or place your tennis racket up on a high hook. Every cabin comfortably sleeps 12 campers and four counselors in a light-filled space with a massive picture window. Every camper has ample drawer, shelf, and hanging space right at her bedside. Spacious and colorful bathrooms include showers with enclosed changing areas. Cabins are equipped with full electrical and plumbing, emergency exits, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers. Cool and spacious, there is plenty of room for nightly circle time, card games, spa nights, and more.
Oh, the view
Nestled on a quiet wooded cove with more than 2,000 feet of shoreline, our waterfront is second to none. Our lakefront dining hall is the heart of camp, situated right along the beach, with wraparound porch and flagpole nearby, perfect for capturing the nightly golden sunsets over the crystal blue lake.
Green is good…
Building a brand new camp means we can make environmentally and safety conscious choices. Lots of natural light in buildings, energy efficient electric and plumbing fixtures, composting, a vegetable garden, and a carefully constructed storm water plan that protects our gorgeous lake all help Somerset be one of the greenest camps in Maine.
Three cheers for your red and blue…
We’re dress code camp. While individuality and self-expression are important, a camp dress code eliminates distraction and unhealthy competition and allows campers to focus on having fun and making friends. Blue shorts along with any Somerset logo shirt or a plain white tee allows for plenty of options. We’re not about matching, but we are about making things easy. Here’s all you need to know: wake up, get dressed, go!
Healthy Competition…
…is something we value and believe in. Whether it’s The League or Somer Cup, our intracamp competitions pits bunkmate against bunkmate, and friend against friend. These team experiences remind us all that no camper, counselor, or captain can win it alone. Every participant must use her teammates to strive further and be there to pick others up when fallen. Playing on the fields, singing songs and cheers, or painting your face to show some team spirit are all part of the bigger picture. These competitions might be challenging and exhausting but they are also exhilarating and rewarding and always bring out the best in everyone!
Food is family…
Not many camp directors boast 15 years of professional restaurant ownership and management. Ours does. Food has always been one of Josh’s passions and he brings this experience to Somerset. We offer a well-rounded, creative, socially conscious, healthy, and delicious menu. Time in our expansive, lakefront dining hall is cherished. Large tables allow an entire bunk to eat together. Plus, our food traditions are always a hit, from fresh pie every Sunday to ice cream sundae parties on the patio, and donuts and omelets for Sunday lazy mornings.
