General Camp Information

Our goal at the Otter Pond Wilderness Day Camp is to provide a safe, caring and fun atmosphere that allows campers to experience a variety of activities, to try new things, and to challenge themselves. Teamwork and the Y?s Character Development Traits of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility play an important role in all of our programs and are incorporated into all aspects of camp.

• Nearly 80 years of experience in providing summer camps in Cumberland County
• Inclusive, high quality programs with positive educational and social experiences for all children
• Strong, consistent leadership with low staff turn over, that builds ongoing counselor-camper relationships
• Before and after camp care, with no extra fee
• And much more!

The Cumberland County YMCA prides itself on the quality and commitment of our staff. These individuals are caring, fun, energetic and responsible people who participate in a comprehensive training program. We perform criminal background checks on all of our staff over the age of 18 years old, and most are certified in First Aid and CPR. Staff members largely consist of college or high school students, teachers and parents.

If you are interested in a membership for your child or your family, please inquire with our membership department, 688-2255.

We build strong kids, individuals, families and communities through programs and services that promote a healthy spirit, mind and body for all regardless of ability to pay.

The YMCA strives to serve the entire community, regardless of the ability to pay. We do this by providing need-based financial assistance, made possible through the generous support of individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the area. The Y also accepts Summer Champs, Aspire, Child Care Connections and other vouchers. A 10% sibling discount is also available.

The Cumberland County YMCA is a partner agency with the United Way of Greater Portland. Together, we are part of a powerful network of resources that provide key programs to our community. We also participate in the Summer Champs program.

For Summer Champs participants, our identification number is29. If another social services agency is paying for your child to attend camp, we must have information from that agency when enrolling your child in camp. Summer Champs recipients have to pay a one time $50 fee to hold their spot in camp. For other social services agencies, the fee may be waived. If you do not have a contract with an outside agency, then you must pay the registration deposit. If you have any questions, call 874-1111.

The YMCA believes that all children, regardless of need, should be integrated into our programs, and will do everything in our power to make this possible. However, there may be particular needs which our staff is not trained to handle, or that our staff to camper ratio is not adequate to serve. In such an instance, the family or supporting agency will be asked to assist the YMCA in finding and providing an aide for the child, or, we may need to refer the child to a program better suited to meet his or her needs. Children with special needs are welcomed to attend camp if they are within the developmental ages that we serve, and are comfortable participating in their group's activities. Youth that require a one-on-one aide in school must be provided one at camp via family effort. Please call if you have any questions..

Extended care is provided at Otter Pond from 7:30 to 9 am & from 4 to 5:30 pm, as well as at the Greater Portland YMCA and Pineland YMCA from 7:30 to 7:50 am & 5:00 to 5:30 pm. There is NO EXTRA CHARGE for BUSSING or EXTENDED CARE.