Camp Manitou - First Session
A traditional boys' overnight camp in Oakland, Maine, offering a wide range of sports, arts, and outdoor activities...
▌ Editor's read Camp Manitou, located in Oakland, Maine, is a traditional overnight camp for boys that has been operating since 1924, founded by Bill and Betty Rotman. The camp is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) with an expiration year of 2025, indicating adherence to industry standards. The website states a staff-to-camper ratio of 1:4 and explicitly mentions that all staff undergo background checks. Google reviews for Camp Manitou show a strong rating of 4.9 stars based on 100 reviews, with parents frequently praising the positive impact on their sons' development and the variety of activities offered. The camp offers a diverse program including sports, waterfront activities, creative arts, and outdoor adventures. The camp's social media presence includes an Instagram handle @campmanitou and a Facebook page 'campmanitou'.
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ACA-accredited~300 standards audited
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Since 193690+ years operating
Who thrives here Ages 7–16
Camp Manitou - First Session is built for middle-school campers — an age where leadership tracks, deeper specialization, and identity exploration take over from generalist day-camp formats. overnight/sleepaway programs that thrive at this age publish a clear weekly progression rather than a rotating activity menu, and the staff-to-camper conversation usually matters more than the activity list.
Facts & Credentials
- Program type
- Overnight camp
- ACA accredited
- Yes
- Established
- 1936 (90 years)
- Operator
- Private business
- Staff-to-camper ratio
- Published by camp see camp site →
Details
- Category: Overnight/Sleepaway
- Ages: 7–16
- Hours: 24-hour residential
- Address: 47 Camp Manitou Cove, Oakland, ME 04963, USA
- Phone: (207) 465-2271
- Email: [email protected]
- Cost notes: USD, $10,550 for a 3-week session
Runs 24-hour residential, 2 sessions (0 one-week, 2 multi-week blocks), from Jun 25 to Aug 11.
Sessions ⛓
Bookable units published by the camp. Multi-week blocks marked ⛓ are indivisible — register for the full session.
- Session 1 Jun 25 – Jul 17, 2026 · 4 weeks · $10,550
- Session 2 Jul 20 – Aug 11, 2026 · 4 weeks · $10,550
↗ What parents like
- All-boys overnight camp
- Established in 1947
↘ Watch for
- High cost per week
Logistics
- Lunch provided: Yes
- Transportation: No
- Financial aid: No
- Setting: mixed
Frequently asked about Camp Manitou - First Session
- What ages does Camp Manitou - First Session accept?
- Camp Manitou - First Session is open to children ages 7–16. 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 Manitou - First Session cost?
- Camp Manitou - First Session publishes $3,517/week for the standard session. USD, $10,550 for a 3-week session Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
- What are Camp Manitou - First Session's hours?
- Camp Manitou - First Session runs 24-hour residential. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
- Is Camp Manitou - First Session accredited?
- Yes — Camp Manitou - First Session is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and has been operating for 90 years. ACA accreditation means the camp has been audited against ~300 health, safety, and program-quality standards covering staffing, supervision ratios, emergency response, and program design.
- Who runs Camp Manitou - First Session?
- Camp Manitou - First Session is operated by a private business, with 90 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 Manitou - First Session provide lunch?
- Yes — Camp Manitou - First Session includes lunch in the program. Confirm whether it's a hot lunch, cold lunch, or a snack-plus-bring-your-own setup, and ask about allergy accommodations if relevant.
Planning guides
Editorial checklists to use before you compare Camp Manitou - First Session with other camps.
- How to choose a summer camp · Use the decision checklist before you compare finalists.
- Day camp vs. overnight camp · Decide whether the format fits your child and schedule.
- Packing list and camp prep · Plan gear, medication notes, labels, and drop-off prep.
- Financial aid and scholarship camps · Compare aid policies, discounts, and application timing.
Camps near here
Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside Camp Manitou - First Session.
- Camp Manitou - Full Session · Belgrade Lakes · Ages 7–16 · $2,521/week
- Camp Manitou - Second Session · Belgrade Lakes · Ages 7–16 · $3,517/week