About

 

Welcome to the Camp Vega website! There is no better way to introduce the magic of Vega and the girls overnight summer camp experience than with the words of our campers:

“Vega is special to me because it makes me feel like I can do anything.  Nothing can ever compare to Vega. It is my summer home because you get so close to everybody, that they feel like your family. It is so safe and cozy, that you feel at home.” – Dara, Vega camper, age 12

“Vega is special beacuse it is a great summer home filled with laughter and loving friends. Last year, was my first year and it was awesome I met the most amazing friends.” - Elle, Vega camper, age 10

“I love Camp Vega because of the friendly atmosphere! When I arrive at camp Linda, Kyle, Emily, the counselors, and my camp friends greet me very warmly and feel as though I am at home throughout the summer. Vega is truly my summer home!” – Tess, Vega camper, age 13

We consistently hear from our campers, alumnae and parents that Vega girls have the best summers of their lives.  There are so many reasons why over 98% of Vega girls come back year after year to the shores of beautiful Echo Lake.  We hope you enjoy learning more about Vega!

Camp Vega is an overnight summer camp for girls on Echo Lake in Maine.  Vega was founded in 1936 as an all girls residential summer camp.  Over the past 76 years, Vega has flourished while preserving its cherished camp traditions.  Our 300 acres of pristine forest and mile of majestic lakefront have been a summer home to generations of campers. Vega’s truly beautiful setting with unrivaled facilities is the backdrop for our rich traditions and nurturing environment.

We appreciate that every child’s interests are different and range from those who want focused athletic challenges, to those who are eager to play and learn.  Vega offers many activities, and we encourage each camper and her parents to work with us to select the best schedule for her.  Vega’s program is the perfect balance of structure and choice, and safety and fun.

The Vega community promotes friendship, skill development, kindness, gratitude, and connection to each other and to nearly 80 years of tradition.

MEET THE OWNER & DIRECTORS

Since the 1970′s, Camp Vega has been owned and directed by our family. We are totally committed to giving girls friendships, virtues and skills that will last forever.  Our camp strives to lead young girls to become strong, self-assured young women.

Linda Courtiss, Owner

Linda has been a owner and director at Camp Vega since 1978 and has played a key role in developing Vega’s camp culture and program.  In 1936, Vega’s founders established a democratic foundation on their campus, enabling campers to feel empowered to share their voice in events and tradition.  As a result, the tone of camp is one of harmony with positive energy and exciting programming.

Because of Linda’s broad knowledge, Vega campers become aware of and attuned to the natural environment and how they can respect, preserve and protect it.  Linda’s natural warmth and positive energy permeates all of Camp Vega. Above all, her experience in areas of safety and maintaining Vega’s beautiful campus marks Vega as one of the top camps in the Northeast.

Kyle and Emily Courtiss, Directors

Kyle and Emily strive everyday to create the best experiences for Vega’s campers and staff through their love and knowledge of camp, and positive outlook on life.  Their passion for camp started at a very young age as a result of their own camp experiences.  Kyle was born into the camping world and spent his first summers at Camp Vega before attending Camp Winadu and Camp Takajo.  Nearly every summer of his life has been spent as a camper, counselor, sports coach, program director, staff recruiter and now, director.

Emily and Kyle met during a college semester abroad in 2001, and were married in 2006.  Emily fell in love with Vega during her first summer as a counselor in 2002.  Her summers were spent as a camper with the girl scouts in Colorado and then several years at Teton Valley Ranch Camp in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  Since 2002, Emily’s roles at Vega included equestrian and bunk counselor, junior group leader, staff recruiter and now, director.

Kyle and Emily are completely committed to each camper’s happiness and take the time to get to know every girl and her family.  Their knowledge of camp extends to all areas.  Kyle specializes in staff and program, and Emily focuses on camper well-being and bunk life.

In February of 2010 Emily and Kyle welcomed their son, Paxton, and now have the pleasure of seeing camp from a parent’s perspective.  They treat each camper who comes through the Vega gates as family.  Kyle and Emily believe wholeheartedly in the magic of camp and the power it has to transform lives.  Campers at Vega create life-long friendships and girls live in a community dedicated to gratitude, connection, tradition, skill development and supporting each other.