In the farthest reaches of the Northeastern United States, tucked away like a secret treasure, lies the splendid state of Maine, or as our cool imaginary character, Captain Lobsterpants, hilariously calls it, "The Land of the Blueberry Pancakes." If you peek through the portholes of Captain Lobsterpants' magical sailing ship, you'd see a terrain generously dotted with forests, mountains, and over 3,000 majestic coastal islands. It's a beautiful, blue-and-green patchwork quilt laid out under the sky. Now, you may wonder, what's so special about the young buccaneers in this maritime paradise? Well, pull up an anchor, gather 'round, and let Captain Lobsterpants tell you a tale about the Maine Mermen and Mermaids - the most fearless, fun-loving swimmers you'll ever meet. In Maine, swimming is not just a pastime; it's a grand adventure. As the sun rises, you can see a fleet of these little water warriors, charging towards the beaches and lakes with the same zest as Captain Lobsterpants chasing a pancake thief. They dive into the water, splashing and laughing, swimming like dolphins under the watchful gaze of the lighthouses. These daring Maine kids conquer waves, swim across the bays, and play the funniest underwater games. Ever heard of ‘Capture the Seashell’? It's just like Captain Lobsterpants' legendary game of ‘Capture the Pancake'. And the best part? They do all this while dodging imaginary sea monsters, pirate ghosts, and sometimes, even Captain Lobsterpants himself, who, despite his love for the water, swims like a rock! In the Land of the Blueberry Pancakes, every swim is an epic sea saga, every ripple a new story, and every kid a fearless adventurer. So, anchors aweigh, mateys, it's time to set sail for Maine!
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Swift Nature Camp is the perfect place for your child to spend their summer! Our overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 is located in beautiful Wisconsin. We offer a unique blend of traditional summer camp activities and environmental education to help kids increase their appreciation for nature, science, and the environment. We’ve got it all – fun, friendships, adventure trips, and nature! Spend your summer with us – you’ll never forget it!
Located in Casco Bay on Peaks Island, this camp is accessible by the Casco Bay Lines ferry in Portland. Children ages 3 and up can take a morning boat ride to the island and spend the day engaging in horseback riding, kayaking, swimming, fort exploration, games, and crafts. Every day, campers and staff vote on daily activities, and each camper's input is valued. With the help of seasoned “honorary aides”, younger campers learn how to groom and saddle up the horses, while developing confidence and social skills. Horse Island Camp is a fun and kind place where kids can learn all about the horses and make lifelong friends!
At the YMCA of Southern Maine, we strive to promote youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility at all of our branches. Our Portland Branch has some particularly unique offerings that are sure to benefit your family. The branch is home to a gymnasium, four squash and racquetball courts, a men’s dormitory program, and the Greater Portland swim team. In addition, we offer In-Town Camp and Specialty summer day camps, and our Association office is housed at the branch. We encourage you to stop by or give us a call to learn more! The YMCA of Southern Maine takes pride in offering a number of programs and services to promote youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Our Portland Branch stands out with its wide range of features. From the gymnasium to the four squash and racquetball courts, our facility has something for everyone. The Men’s Dormitory program is also available, and the Greater Portland swim team is based out of the branch. We also host In-Town Camp and Specialty summer day camps. On top of all this, our Association office is housed on-site. Give us a call or stop by today to learn more!