Camp Sunshine
Camp Sunshine provides retreats for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families, offering respite, support, and fun activities at no cost.
▌ Editor's read Camp Sunshine, located in Casco, Maine, has been operating since 1984, founded by Anna Gould, offering retreats for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families at no charge. The camp's website, campsunshine.org, loads successfully and details their mission and programs. Google reviews for Camp Sunshine indicate a very high satisfaction, with an average rating of 4.9 stars from over 300 reviews, frequently praising the supportive environment and positive impact on families. The camp is a nonprofit organization and explicitly states that all staff and volunteers undergo background checks. While not listed on the ACA directory, the camp's focus is on family retreats rather than traditional youth camp programming. Social media presence includes an active Instagram handle @campsunshineorg and Facebook page @CampSunshineOrg. The program type is overnight, catering to families for week-long sessions.
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Since 198739+ years operating
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Nonprofit operator501(c)(3) tax-exempt
Who thrives here Ages 5–12
Camp Sunshine fits middle-elementary campers — old enough for skill-building to land, young enough that friend-group dynamics and counselor warmth still matter more than program rigor. Parents at this age band tend to prioritize a balanced rhythm of structured activity and unstructured play, which is the actual differentiator inside any given specialty program.
Facts & Credentials
- Program type
- Overnight camp
- ACA accredited
- Not verified
- Established
- 1987 (39 years)
- Operator
- Nonprofit organization
- Staff-to-camper ratio
- Not listed
Details
- Category: Specialty
- Ages: 5–12
- Hours: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Address: 35 Acadia Road, Casco, ME 04015
- Cost notes: All programs are free of charge for families.
Logistics
- Lunch provided: No
- Transportation: No
- Financial aid: No
- Setting: mixed
Frequently asked about Camp Sunshine
- What ages does Camp Sunshine accept?
- Camp Sunshine is open to children ages 5–12. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
- How much does Camp Sunshine cost?
- Camp Sunshine doesn't publish a flat per-week rate — pricing varies by session. All programs are free of charge for families. Contact the camp directly for the current schedule of fees.
- What are Camp Sunshine's hours?
- Camp Sunshine runs 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
- Who runs Camp Sunshine?
- Camp Sunshine is operated by a nonprofit organization, with 39 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
- Does Camp Sunshine provide lunch?
- Camp Sunshine does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.
Planning guides
Editorial checklists to use before you compare Camp Sunshine with other camps.
- How to choose a summer camp · Use the decision checklist before you compare finalists.
- Summer camp pricing in 2026 · Benchmark weekly cost before you commit a deposit.
- Summer camp safety and accreditation · Review licensing, supervision, and accreditation signals.
Camps near here
Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside Camp Sunshine.
- Camp Laurel South · Ages 7–15 · $2,914/week
- Camp Laurel South - First Session · Ages 7–16 · $2,550/week
- Camp Sunshine · Casco, Maine, USA · Ages 5–12
- Camp Laurel South · Ages 7–15
- Camp Laurel South · Ages 7–15 · $2,475/week
- Camp Laurel South - Camp Laurel South: