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At Agassiz Village, we believe in providing an environment that encourages kids to grow and learn. Nestled on 320 scenic acres on the shore of beautiful Thompson Lake in Poland Maine, our summer camp provides a unique opportunity for children to develop and practice leadership and life skills that will positively impact their future. We aim to invest in the future of all children, especially those who may need more support, by offering them the chance to explore new experiences and reach their full potential. At Agassiz Village, our mission is to create a safe, joyful, and welcoming environment that gives all children a chance to thrive. We strive to foster a diverse and collaborative community, where children can feel free to express themselves and engage with their peers. Our core values of having fun, collaborating, exploring, and thriving are integral to the camp experience. We hope that through the camp experience, children will come away with a newfound sense of self-confidence, problem-solving skills, and an appreciation for the natural beauty of Maine. Our vision is for children from Maine to Massachusetts to have access to this unique opportunity, regardless of their economic circumstances. We believe that investing in the future of our children is the best way to ensure a bright and successful future for our communities.

Research has shown that a sense of belonging is essential for the healthy development of self-esteem and resilience in children. Camp provides a unique environment for children to form meaningful bonds and important connections with their peers and counselors. Through the close relationships they build, campers learn the key skills needed for healthy social and emotional development, like communication, teamwork, problem solving, and conflict resolution. At Fernwood, we believe that a sense of belonging is the single most powerful force in life that promotes health, joy and morality. Our camp experience allows and teaches children how to connect on a deeper level, fostering emotional growth and enabling them to live more “joyful” lives. We know that camp is an essential part of a child’s journey to becoming a happy and well-adjusted adult.

The combination of North Star’s value system, the RICHS, and our emphasis on teaching 21st century life skills is part of what sets us apart from other camps. It is the foundation of who we are as a camp, and it allows us to help each camper become the best version of themselves. The RICHS represent the moral fabric of our community and we strive every day to highlight these qualities in each camper. At North Star, there’s no award for most popular camper or best athlete. Instead, each summer we “recognize” the campers that best display each of these five values. One of our goals is for campers to not only live their life at camp by the RICHS, but for it to become their own personal value system at home. Respect: To value yourself, others and the North Star community. To be thoughtful in your actions and interactions with campers and staff. To embrace the differences and the individuality in each person Independence: To discover yourself and to celebrate whoever that may be. Independence is to try new things, challenge yourself, take some risks, make new friends and seek new experiences. To maybe take the ‘road less traveled'. Caring: To be thoughtful, kind, considerate and interested in the well being of everyone at North Star. To sometimes put the needs of others in front of your own. To provide a welcoming and helpful environment to everyone that you interact with at camp and be a friend to everyone. Honor: To do the right thing because it is the right thing to do. Be a positive leader by showing strong character and principles that deserve admiration. Be someone who challenges everyone to be a better person by sharing their sense of self with us. Spirit: To seize the moment and make the most of every day. Fully embrace the values and community of camp life. Become a beacon of contagious enthusiasm that spreads throughout the North Star community and celebrates the camp experience in your own unique way.