Vega Blog

More Camp Activity Updates!

With the summer season fast approaching, we’re happy to share some more updates about our camp activities! If you have not yet submitted the activity selection form, please take a few minutes to do so at your convenience or reach out to Brittany with any questions. In addition, if you would like to see a copy of your working schedule, you can also reach out. And of course once camp begins girls will have the opportunity to make schedule changes the first 2-3 days of camp and then again at the halfway point, Sunday the 14th of July.

Now, on to the updates and reminders! 

1. Lakefront Inflatables and Diving Activities:

We mentioned in the last blog that we have a slew of new inflatables arriving this summer, and spending even more time can be available as an inflatable activity period. New larger inflatables include the Aquaglide I-Hop, Rocket, Triad, and Overpass! For anyone who loves hanging out, bouncing, climbing, and/or sliding on the water, select “Swim – Free Swim and Inflatables”. Additionally, campers looking to improve their diving skills can hone their abilities at the 3-meter diving boards during activity periods by selecting “Swim – Diving”.

2. Wilderness Survival Program:

Challenge awaits with the new Wilderness Survival program (not to mention important life skills)! As an optional part of our Outdoor Adventure offerings, campers will have the opportunity to learn essential wilderness survival skills and earn the prestigious “Camp Vega Junior Maine Guide” bracelet award. Department Head Sophie, alongside her father who instructs Outback Survival in Australia, is developing a camp-friendly skill chart to guide campers through this exciting journey of exploration and skill building.  

Ultimately, the Wilderness Survival Program at Camp Vega is about more than just earning an awesome bracelet; it’s about embarking on a transformative journey of exploration, discovery, and empowerment. It’s about equipping campers with the skills, mindset, and reverence for the natural world that will serve those who focus on it throughout their lives.

3. Private Tennis Reminder:

Due to the volume of private tennis lesson registrations, we are setting a deadline of May 15th to register for private tennis lessons.  If you have not been in touch with Arup or completed the registration form, please take 1-2 minutes to complete the private tennis lesson registration form to reserve extra instruction.  

4. Musical Theater Productions:

We’re thrilled to confirm this year’s slated musical theater productions! Our talented campers will bring to life three spectacular shows:

  • Spongebob, The Musical: Sub Juniors and Juniors will dive into the underwater world of Bikini Bottom.
  • Aladdin: Sub-Supers through Super Seniors will embark on a magical journey through the streets of Agrabah.
  • Six: Tamary will showcase this electrifying musical, bringing to life the stories of Henry VIII’s six wives.

5. Dance Department Head Introduction:

After 18 incredible years, we bid a fond and grateful farewell to Michelle Tolson, who has decided to focus her professional endeavors closer to her home in Brooklyn, including towards her professorship at AMDA. Michelle’s dedication and passion for so many people at camp and dance at Vega will be greatly missed, and we extend our heartfelt thanks for her invaluable contributions to so many Vegans.

We are delighted to introduce Elaine Sledge from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, as our new Dance Department Head. With broad and extensive experience coaching and instructing most types of dance, Elaine is particularly skilled and trained in ballet and jazz. She is just as thrilled to join our camp community as we are to welcome her, along with everyone, in almost 3 months!

As we prepare to make this summer at Vega the best yet, we grow more and more excited to see and welcome everyone!

The Vega Team

Exciting Updates at Camp

Hello Camp Vega Family!

As we eagerly prepare for another unforgettable summer at Camp Vega, we are thrilled to share some exciting updates and additions to our camp programs and facilities. Each year, we strive to enhance the Vega experience, ensuring that our campers have the opportunity to create lasting memories, develop new skills, and forge lifelong friendships along the shores of Echo Lake.

Here’s a glimpse of what’s new at Camp Vega for the upcoming season:

New Program Offerings
Flag Football

We’re thrilled to introduce flag football as a new addition to our landsports program!  While it was offered last year, the groundwork is set for a full launch this summer with coach Jaidyn Krassner returning.  This fast-paced and exhilarating sport provides campers with a new opportunity to develop teamwork, coordination, and sportsmanship while having a blast on the field.

Yoga

Mindfulness and wellness are essential components of the Camp Vega experience, and we’re excited to introduce yoga as a new program offering.  Led by returning counselor Paulina Montaut who is undergoing instructor certification, our yoga sessions will provide campers with a peaceful retreat where they can relax, rejuvenate, stretch and connect with their inner selves.

Cheerleading

Get ready to bring spirit and enthusiasm to the Vega community with our new cheerleading program! Campers will have the chance to learn cheers, stunts, and routines while building confidence, teamwork, and coordination in a supportive and encouraging environment with Christine “Poppins” Barnard.

Facility Updates
Dining Hall Pavilion

Say goodbye to the tent on the dining hall deck (present since 2021) and hello to the new dining hall pavilion! We’ve replaced the tent with a beautiful pavilion, which matches the iconic aesthetic of Vega’s Dining Hall – including the glass “V” window. This new space will provide campers and staff with a more comfortable and inviting environment to enjoy delicious meals and hang out with friends.

Expanded Aquaglide Inflatables at Swim

Our waterfront afternoons and free swims, are always a highlight of the summer, and this year, we’re expanding our collection of Aquaglide inflatables at the swim area! Campers can look forward to even more fun and excitement as they bounce, slide, and splash their way through our inflatable obstacle course and water park.

Extensive Renovations to Katahdin and Tamary

The campers on Sugarkat Hill can be even more excited to enjoy a full renovation to Katahdin!  Meanwhile Tamary will now enjoy an improved view without telephone poles at the main entrance as we’ve upgraded and buried the electrical and internet feed in conduit which will pave the way to further updates!

As we continue to make improvements and enhancements, our excitement and commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and enriching environment remains unwavering. We can’t wait to welcome returning campers back to their summer home and extend a warm welcome to campers joining us for the first time.

Together, we can make summer 2024 the best one yet!

Warm regards,

Kyle, Emily and the Vega Team

Striving for Gratitude

Greetings Vega Families,

Next Thursday, November 23rd we will join in with those of you that are celebrating Thanksgiving and striving to take our gratitude to the next level. Everyone makes so many choices in life, and choosing gratitude is of our Vega Values as it has been shown to improve one’s own life in many publications like this one. These 5 values,  Believe in yourself, build unity, live with integrity, have empathy and choose gratitude are the values that each Vega camper and staff member strive to embody everyday and that is what makes Vega so special. 

Choosing Gratitude means looking for the good in all situations, knowing few situations are all 100% good. Choosing gratitude requires discipline and practice – it is easy to think about what is going wrong and fixate on what you wish would change. And yet, by choosing to focus on what is going right and where you can express gratitude you are choosing your own happiness as a priority, which can have a much greater impact than you may realize.  

We understand that there are moments Choosing Gratitude might sometimes feel like a challenge or are impossible. It is during these times that the simple acts of kindness, compassion and choosing gratitude can mean the most.  You can give this Thanksgiving by simply expressing gratitude verbally, because that is a form of giving. Whether it’s thanking someone for their support, acknowledging their efforts, or appreciating their presence, verbal expressions of gratitude contribute positively to relationships.  Remember it is about celebrating not only your own successes but also the achievements of others.  

Last year we shared Dr. Masaru Emoto’s research on the effect words and thoughts have on water with our staff and thought it was worth sharing here too. If thoughts and words can change water molecules like that, imagine how they can change you! 

Ivanna will be sharing some our gratitude on social media next week, feel free to join along!  And whether you are celebrating Thanksgiving or not, we invite you to spend the day choosing gratitude. 

With gratitude, 

The Camp Vega Team

CV ’23 – Weekly Video Wrap Up, Gratitude

Camp Vega Final Week

Greetings Vega Camp Families and Staff Members,

We are happy to share the Final Weekly Recap Video of 2023!

For weeks, Vega echoed with the laughter and shrieks of delight of campers and staff, the cheers of victories, and the heartfelt conversations beneath the starlit sky. From fine arts, to performing arts, to thrilling sports matches and wacky relays, every moment was a chance to bond, learn, and grow. The final week was no exception – it encapsulated the essence of the entire summer, bringing together memories, friendships, and emotions into a crescendo of experiences.

As we watched the highlights from the final week of Camp Vega, it became abundantly clear that it’s the little moments that make camp/life truly beautiful. It also reminded us how much we miss everyone! The smiles exchanged, the supportive hugs, and the shared triumphs – these are the memories that will forever be etched in our hearts.

Through these experiences, we’ve not only grown individually but also as a community. The camaraderie formed this summer is a testament to the magic of Camp Vega and the people that live here. We’ve learned to celebrate each other’s successes and lend a hand during setbacks. These lessons extend beyond the camp’s boundaries, serving as reminders of the kind of world we wish to create beyond the summer months. In other words: “Represent!”

As the sun sets on this remarkable summer, we look forward to the days when we can be together again, sharing laughter, friendship, and the spirit of Vega. Until then, know that you have made a difference in your own lives and the lives of many others.  Every camp family and staff member’s contributions will be forever a part of Vega and remembered fondly.

With gratitude,

Kyle and Emily

CV ’23 – Week 6 Video and Final Olympic Update

Dear Vega Parents and Campers!

We will share our reflections and thoughts of the entire summer in the next post – to sum it up in a few words: Thank you, congratulations and we miss you already!

Even though camp just ended and the final recap video is still being edited, we are happy to share the Week 6 Recap Video. Week 6 was a true whirlwind of excitement and spirited competitions that had us on the edge of our seats.

Halloween Extravaganza: A Spooktacular Summer Celebration!

First up, we have to talk about the Halloween festivities that took place at Vega this summer. From the moment campers and staff ended activities, there was an enchanting atmosphere in the air as they eagerly put on their costumes and transformed into a wide array of characters – from various staff members to mythical creatures, and everything in between! Vega was adorned with festive decorations, creating an immersive Halloween wonderland.

The night was filled with laughter and shrieks of delight, spooky storytelling, fortunetelling, candy, and a thrilling haunted house and haunted trail adventure that had everyone wondering what was around each corner. It was incredible to witness campers and staff alike embracing the Halloween summer spirit with enthusiasm and creativity.

Marathon: A Test of Senior Camp Spirit and Stamina

Marathon, an annual senior camp competition, lived up to its reputation as a true test of spirit, teamwork, creativity, and determination. Seniors through Tamary came together to participate in this exhilarating event, pushing their limits as they tackled various challenges that required not only physical strength but also strategic thinking.

The Marathon showcased the essence of camp unity as campers worked side by side, motivating each other through the toughest moments of the Messy and Marathon Relays. The sense of accomplishment and connection that filled the air was truly inspiring as we listened to each team’s melodies in Sunset Circle, leaving a lasting impact on all who participated.

Olympic Relay: A Culmination of Teamwork and Passion

The Olympic Relay, a highlight of our summer Olympics, was an absolute masterpiece of teamwork and coordination. The generals gave their all as they sprinted, hurdled, and passed the baton in a race that symbolized unity, perseverance, and the unbreakable bond formed during the camp experience.

In this summer’s Olympics, the Green Team emerged as the victors over the White Team, though not without an impressive comeback from the latter. The White Team’s resilience and determination kept us all on the edge of our seats as they made a remarkable turnaround in the events leading up to the final Olympic Sing.

As we focus on and remember the events of Week 6, it’s clear that the magic of camp is more than just activities – it’s the relationships formed, the lessons learned, and those memories and bonds created that will stay with us forever. It is also a reminder of how time flows differently at camp!

We’re immensely proud of everyone’s sportsmanship, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to making this summer truly special. Thank you to all our campers and staff for contributing to the vibrant tapestry of Vega 2023. As we move forward, we hope everyone from camp continues to embrace the spirit of unity, self-belief, gratitude, empathy, integrity and adventure.

Yours in camp spirit,

Kyle, Emily, and The Vega Team

CV ’23 Week 5 – Unforgettable Adventures and Thrilling Competitions!

Dear Vega Parents,

We hope this post finds you in high spirits as enter the final stretch of our summer camp journey! Time is flying, and we can hardly believe how much fun we’ve had so far. The memories made, friendships forged, and challenges conquered have made this summer truly exceptional. We hope you enjoy this recap of Week 5, 2023 at Vega!

Senior Trips: A Tale of Adventure and Exploration!

Our Seniors, Super Seniors, and Tamary campers embarked on unforgettable journeys during their exciting Senior Trips. The Seniors ventured to the picturesque Bar Harbor for two nights, immersing themselves in the stunning coastal landscapes and embracing the wonders of the great outdoors. Meanwhile, the Super Seniors had an exhilarating experience at Sunday River.

Our Tamary campers embarked on a cultural and historical escapade to Quebec, Canada, exploring the enchanting city’s cobblestone streets and embracing its rich heritage. These trips offered valuable opportunities for personal growth, self-discovery, and bonding among campers and staff alike.

Olympic Competition: The Race to Glory!

The Olympic spirit has been running high at camp as our teams gave their all in a thrilling display of teamwork, athleticism, and sportsmanship. As we approach the final events this weekend, the green team still holds the lead, but the competition remains fierce. Each team has shown dedication and determination, and we can’t wait to witness the final showdown to find out who takes home the coveted Olympic plaque. Regardless of the outcome, every camper has been a true champion, showing unwavering spirit and camaraderie throughout the games.

Interpalooza: A Night to Remember!

The Inters had a blast at their much-anticipated event, Interpalooza! It was an evening filled with laughter, music, and joy as campers showcased their talents, took part in games, and celebrated the strong bonds formed during the summer. These special moments are the heart and soul of our camp, and seeing campers come together in such exuberance reaffirms the magic that summer camp brings to each and every one of us.

Heartfelt Gratitude to our Camp Community:

None of this would have been possible without the support, trust, and enthusiasm of our incredible camp community—our dedicated parents, our passionate staff, and, most importantly, our amazing campers. Your belief in the power of summer camp and its transformative effects on young minds is what fuels our desire to provide the best experience possible.

As we approach the end of camp, we relish the time we are able to spend with each other and appreciate the personal growth and accomplishments of each camper. We appreciate your continued trust and support in making this summer an extraordinary one.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The Vega Team

CV ’23 – Week 4 Recap

We hope this post finds you all in high spirits and excitement as we reflect on the extraordinary adventures and memories created during the 4th week of our summer camp. The enthusiasm and joy exuding from our campers have been truly contagious, and we are thrilled to share some of the highlights with you, including the week 4 video!

1. Camp Olympics: Green Team Stays on Top! Vega has been brimming with competitive spirit as our campers continued to engage in Camp Olympics. The spirit, focus, and integrity shown by both teams has been remarkable, and the Green Team remains on top. They collected a cumulative 2048 points to the White team’s 1967. It was truly a sight to behold as campers cheered for their respective teams, and sportsmanship was evident throughout each event, no matter how silly. We are incredibly proud of all of the girls for their sportsmanship and dedication to making the Olympics so memorable thus far. As Kyle says, “it’s anyones Olympics… it’s everyone’s Olympics!!”

2. Unforgettable Parents Visiting Day:  What an absolute delight it was to welcome parents back to camp for our long-awaited Parents Visiting Day! It was heartwarming to witness the joyous reunions and the enthusiastic exploration of camp locations and facilities. The smiles on campers’ and parents’ faces as they showed their parents around were simply priceless. The girls have grown, learned, and achieved so much during their time at camp, and we are immensely grateful for your trust and support in making this summer camp journey possible for them. The sense of camaraderie and community on this special day reminded us of the magic of camp, bringing us even closer together as a camp family.

3. Thrills and Fun at “Funtown” Amusement Park The all-camp trip to “Funtown” amusement park was an adventure filled with laughter, joy, and unforgettable memories. We once again rented out the entire park so girls could enjoy rides with minimal lines. From some of the youngest campers experiencing their first roller coaster ride to the older ones challenging themselves on thrilling rides, the park echoed with excitement. We witnessed courage and camaraderie as campers and counselors encouraged each other to conquer their fears and embrace the thrill of the rides. The day was a perfect blend of excitement and bonding, leaving all of us with cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

We are incredibly proud of our campers for their resilience, enthusiasm, and the kindness they demonstrate towards each other every day. The friendships that have blossomed, the skills that have been honed, and the memories that have been created this week will undoubtedly stay with them forever.

We continue to strive to embrace each moment, cherish every smile, and create more unforgettable experiences together. Thank you for being a part of our camp family, and we can’t wait to see what week 5 holds in store for us all.

With heartfelt gratitude, The Vega Team

CV – Week 3: Celebrating and Anticipating Trips and Reunions

Dear Camp Parents,

Week 3 has come and gone – we hope you enjoy this glimpse of week 3! We are thrilled to share with you some exciting updates from the past week.

Olympic Update: Green Team Continues to Reign Supreme

The Camp Olympics have been an exhilarating competition, with campers showing their skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The Green Team is currently in the lead, with an impressive score of 1743 points against the White Team’s 1712 points! The enthusiasm and camaraderie displayed by the campers during the games have been nothing short of inspiring. The results of last night’s counselor hunt are still being tabulated!

A Day at the Beach: Sun, Sand, and Smiles

Last week’s Beach Trip was an absolute blast. Super Juniors through Super Seniors got to experience the sheer joy of spending a day at the beach, building sandcastles, exploring Crescent and Ferry Beaches, and splashing in the waves. The sound of laughter and the smiles on their faces were a testament to the unforgettable memories. And although the day is known as “Beach Trip”, the Sub Juniors through Sub Supers enjoyed a newly organized trip to Aquaboggan Water Park. We will be sharing more about Vega’s take-over of Funtown-Splashtown USA in the next post.

Trips are an integral part of the camp experience, whether heading out for an intercamp competition or for a nearby hike. These excursions allow them to explore new places and broaden their horizons. We see that experiences outside and time spent outside the camp environment provide valuable perspective and memories that will stay with the girls for a lifetime. It also helps everyone appreciate the comfort of their summer home!

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder: Derby Day

We couldn’t be happier to experience how girls cherished their time together with their brothers during Derby Day. The saying “absence makes the heart grow fonder” rings true, as seeing their joyous reunions reaffirms the strong bond between siblings. It was heartwarming to witness how the time spent apart makes these reunions even more special.

Visiting Day: Anticipation and Excitement

We are eagerly looking forward to welcoming those parents and guests who can attend tomorrow (Friday, July 21st). We are sure that the moments spent together will be filled with laughter, love, and cherished memories. We will surely feel how absence makes the heart grow fonder! Your presence will undoubtedly motivate and encourage your girls to continue embracing the camp experience wholeheartedly. And remember when it is time to say “goodbye” you can let your girls know that they will be home in just over 2 weeks (but don’t remind Tamary of that)!

As we look back on the success of Week 3 at Vega, we want to once again express our deepest gratitude for entrusting us with your children. We are honored to be a part of their journey and watch them grow, learn, and create lifelong friendships.

We wish you all safe travels and send our warmest regards,

The Camp Vega Team

CV – ’23! Celebrating an Unforgettable Second Week

Dear Parents,

We hope this blog post finds you in great spirits as we celebrate an incredible second week at Vega! The excitement is palpable, and we are happy to share a few the highlights and adventures that your girls have experienced over the past week. Festive Forth of July celebrations and thrilling Camp Olympic Competitions led to anticipation for today’s beach day.

4th of July Festivities:

As the nation celebrated Independence Day, Vega came alive with red, white, and blue decorations (and pancakes), songs, and joyous laughter and excitement. The girls engaged in various activities, including the great Egg Toss, Sunday Bar, Camper Counselor Tennis tournament, and a captivating speech from the Gneco sisters sharing international perspective of the holiday. The team at Central Maine Pyrotechnics led a spectacular fireworks display, lighting up the night sky with vibrant colors, as the girls gazed in awe.

Camp Olympics:

The energy at Vega reached new heights with the thrilling Olympic Competition between the Green and White teams. The friendly rivalry has intensified, with the white team currently leading by 45 points. The spirit of sportsmanship and teamwork was evident as the girls participated in a wide array of challenging events, including swim relay races, obstacle courses, and senior Airband. The enthusiasm and determination displayed by every child has been truly commendable, fostering a sense of unity and healthy competition among them.

Beach Day Excitement:

Today the girls embark on a much-anticipated beach day adventure! Some girls are heading to Aquaboggan Water Park while others are eagerly looking forward to soaking up the sun, playing some beach games, building sandcastles, and exploring the coast.  Our experienced lifeguards will be encouraging the girls to feel how refreshing Maines coastal waters are!

Tamary Take Over Day:

While the majority of campers will be enjoying the beach day outing, we have something extra special planned for Tamary. As a token of appreciation for their dedication and enthusiasm, Tamary has been selected for a “Tamary Take Over Day.” It’s an opportunity for them to experience an exclusive day at the camp, taking full advantage of various activities. We are excited to help them create an unforgettable day for everyone involved.

Stay tuned for more updates!

The Vega Team

Celebrating a Phenomenal Week 1 at Camp: Shining Stars!

Dear Camp Vega Parents,

We hope this post finds you well, as we come together to reflect on and celebrate an incredible first week at Camp Vega. It’s hard to believe how quickly time has flown by, but we couldn’t be prouder of the accomplishments and enthusiasm the girls have shown during these action-packed days.

The week ended as we witnessed the comical spectacle of the “Olympic Breakout.” The mystery of Kyle’s missing megaphone and fedora hat were solved! The energy and excitement were palpable as the girls joined their 2023 Olympic teams and began to compete in various thrilling events, displaying their unwavering team spirit. From the Sing-Off (not to be confused with the final Olympic Sing) to the Hot Seat, our campers showcased their impressive skills and determination.

But it isn’t just about the competition. Olympics, like camp, is about fostering a sense of camaraderie, promoting healthy competition, and instilling the values of teamwork and sportsmanship. The girls will strive to embrace these principles wholeheartedly, cheering each other on and celebrating both victories and personal milestones.

Following the Olympic Breakout, we indulged in green and white cupcakes to signify the opening of Olympics! The air was filled with laughter, joy, and the aroma of freshly baked cupcakes. As the day transitioned into evening, we turned up the volume with a master beatbox DJ, who skillfully blended beats and tunes that had everyone mesmerized.

We know that camp is not just about fun and games; it’s an opportunity for personal and social growth, skill development, and self-discovery. And we are thrilled share a glimpse of week one with you to see the girls taking full advantage of the benefits Vega has to offer. Whether it’s honing their artistic abilities in fine arts, gaining confidence through challenging outdoor adventures, or exploring their leadership potential, the campers are embracing new experiences with open hearts and minds.

Beyond the activities, we take joy in the friendships that have blossomed in such a short time. Vega has become a melting pot of personalities and talents, and it’s beautiful to witness how these differences unite the girls in a shared sense of belonging and support. The bonds formed at camp are often lifelong, and we couldn’t be prouder of the inclusive and nurturing environment that has flourished at camp.

As we move into the second week of camp, we are excited about the upcoming adventures and challenges that await us. With an array of engaging activities, meaningful experiences, and a dedicated team of counselors, we remain committed to creating an environment where your daughters can grow, thrive, and create lasting memories.

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to you, the parents, for entrusting us with the privilege of nurturing and guiding your daughters. We cannot express our gratitude for your continued support and partnership in making Camp Vega a transformative experience for every camper. The girls are shining!

Stay tuned for more updates and we hope you enjoy the week 1 recap video for a glimpse into the magic happening at Camp Vega.

Happy 4th of July!

The Camp Vega Team

Load More