FAQs

Where is camp located?

Camp Micah is located in the towns of Bridgton & Sebago, Maine. Micah is a short 2 hours and 30 minutes from Boston. The camp is perched high above 735 acre, secluded Peabody Pond. We are only 45 minutes from Portland, and have the advantage of being in the heart of the Lakes Region and 35 minutes from New Hampshire’s White Mountains.

When does camp operate?

Camp Micah has three options for campers to attend. For 2023, the full season is just shy of seven weeks, first session is three weeks, and second session is three and a half weeks.

Click here for this season’s dates and tuition.

How big is our camp?

Camp Micah has approximately 280 campers and CITs each session, ages 7-17.

How many staff members are there in a bunk?

Each bunk will have 2-3 counselors and 8-9 campers living in it.

What are the bunks like?

All our bunks are equipped with electricity and bathrooms complete with 2 toilets, 2 showers, and 2 sinks. Also, our mattresses do not compare to other camp mattresses, they are Simmons mattresses made exclusively for Camp Micah!

How do I keep in touch with my child while at camp?

Families are encouraged to send their campers letters, e-mails, and faxes as well as two optional phone calls per session. Parents can always call our directors and head counselors to check in on their camper.

Is Camp Micah considered a competitive camp?

Camp Micah competes athletically with local camps in both tournaments and individual games. Although we play to win, Camp Micah’s goal is to compete at a strong level while showing the best in sportsmanship and teamwork. All those who choose to be a part of Camp Micah’s teams are able to compete on the same team as we divide campers by age, not divide campers by skill level. All campers are valued for their talents and the uniqueness that each adds to the camp community. It is expected that whatever success a person has athletically, it is just as important to be a mensch and positive member of the camp community.

Micah is a Jewish camp; what does that mean?

Judaism is woven into the fabric of Micah life as we appreciate the importance of connecting our campers to their rich Jewish heritage while understanding our collective responsibility to make the world a better place. Our truly unique and spirited Friday Night Services coupled with our exciting, creative and hands-on Shabbat programs make being Jewish fun! Jewish knowledge is learned in school and at home, Jewish connection and spirituality through community is strengthened at Micah.

 

Click here to read more about Camp Micah’s Jewish Culture.

What is the food like?

There is always something healthy and delicious to eat! Our meals are top quality, plentiful, and served family style to each bunk. Lunch and dinner have full salad bars and alternate food choices including peanut butter and jelly, a pasta bar, and a sandwich bar.

Camp Micah is not a kosher camp, although pork and shellfish are not served. The dining hall is always open…campers are able to stop by for a piece of fruit as they go from activity to activity. Snack is served twice daily – in the afternoon as well as after evening activity.

Click here to read more about the food at Camp Micah.

What happens if my child is homesick?

Homesickness is a very normal feeling. There is a reason it is called homesick, you really do feel sick. In our experience, at some point over the summer almost all campers (and even staff) will have at least some moments of missing home or separation anxiety, even when they are having the time of their life. Please understand that one of the best benefits of overnight camp is to help your child learn to cope with the normal feeling of missing home. Our staff are trained before campers arrive to deal with homesickness and are supported by our leadership team during the summer. Before camp, parents are encouraged to implement some homesick prevention strategies, which we include in our Parent Handbook (sent to parents each winter).

Do you allow electronics at camp?

For years, Camp Micah has struggled to balance camp life with technology. At camp, we try to assist kids in unplugging for the summer. For many reasons, including the safety of our campers, we find it necessary to prohibit campers from accessing the internet while at camp. Technology changes so fast and it’s difficult to keep up with which devices have the ability to connect to the internet (whether via Wi-Fi or 4G/5G/LTE). We have, therefore, instituted a NO SCREENS policy at camp. In order to restrict campers’ access to the internet, and to assist them in unplugging and enjoying camp life. We do encourage campers to bring a music playing device, if they wish, and there are MP3 players available that do not have games, screens, videos, or access to the internet. For avid readers, we encourage sending good old fashioned books to camp!

How does the scheduling system work?

Our schedule offers campers the opportunity to choose their activities within a structured format. Although each camper has a certain amount of choice, the scheduling system is designed to encourage a well-rounded day filled with water activities, sports, the arts and more. Campers are able to rank their preferred activities on-line before camp begins. They then have opportunities to modify their personalized schedules when they arrive at camp.

Click here to read more about the daily program at Camp Micah.

What do the campers wear?

At Micah, we value who we are as opposed to what we are wearing. Jewelry, makeup, and expensive clothes are discouraged and not necessary. All information needed to prepare for the summer is sent to families in January of each year. Each camper must purchase a small list of Micah items which include t-shirts and a sweatshirt (used for inter-camp activities, trip days, and Color War), as well as a white Micah shirt that is worn for Shabbat dinner and services. All orders can be made through Amerasport (www.amerasport.com). Other than these special occasions, campers are free to wear whatever makes them feel comfortable throughout the day.

What about the bugs?

Concerns regarding ticks and other bugs are on the rise in our country. At Camp Micah, we take a proactive approach by partnering with Ivy Oaks Analytics, a public health company based out of Virginia that specializes in the control of ticks, mosquitoes, and poison ivy. Although this has never been a major issue at our camp, we feel strongly that we have an obligation to our camp community to do everything in our power to reduce the risks. Their process includes a natural tick control spray around the entire camp perimeter as well as other specific areas, landscape modification, as well as ongoing tick population measurements, and more. The exterior of every building is sprayed to curb the wasp, ant, and mosquito populations. Staff are trained to ensure that all campers are performing regular tick checks, with an awareness of the risks and importance of taking tick checks seriously. Each bunk shower contains an instruction card to remind everyone to check for ticks. Campers and staff are encouraged to apply bug spray (and sunblock) throughout the day.

Can I visit camp while my child is there?

Yes and no…all first session and full season campers’ families have a Visiting Day on the Sunday at the end of first session. After visiting, first session families bring their camper home with them. For those first-time second session campers that haven’t toured camp, we encourage families to come up and visit camp between June 1 – 15 so that they may be more comfortable with their first Micah experience.

What if my child gets sick?

Camp Micah has a full health center staffed by 4 full time nurses and 1 assistant nurse throughout the summer. Micah also has a doctor on site and Bridgton Hospital is a short 10 minute drive from camp, right outside of Bridgton Center. Micah also has access to Maine Med, a level 1 trauma hospital in Portland.