Camp · Overnight/Sleepaway · Ages 8–15 · $2,357/week
Directory · United States · Maine · Poland
▌ Overnight/Sleepaway · Ages 8–15

Camp Fernwood

Poland, ME · $2,357/week

Traditional overnight summer camp for girls in Poland, Maine, focusing on skill development, community, and personal...

▌ Editor's read Camp Fernwood's website loads successfully and presents itself as a traditional overnight summer camp for girls. It is ACA accredited, with its accreditation expiring in 2025, indicating adherence to industry-recognized standards for health, safety, and program quality. The camp's 'About Us' page states it was founded in 1934 by Beulah and Harry Hirsch, making it 87 years old. The current directors, Bill and Cara, are the third generation of the Hirsch family to lead the camp. The website mentions that all staff undergo background checks. Google reviews for Camp Fernwood show a strong rating of 4.9 stars based on 10 reviews, with reviewers frequently praising the supportive community, diverse activities, and positive impact on their daughters. The camp offers over 30 activities, including watersports, arts, and land sports, and emphasizes a non-competitive environment. Social media handles include @campfernwood on Instagram and 'campfernwood' on Facebook.
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ACA-accredited~300 standards audited
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Since 193987+ years operating
Register → Shortlist in planner → Visit website

Who thrives here Ages 8–15

Camp Fernwood 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
1939 (87 years)
Operator
Private business
Staff-to-camper ratio
Not listed

How we verify these →

Details

  • Category: Overnight/Sleepaway
  • Ages: 8–15
  • Hours: 24-hour residential
  • Address: 48 Camp Fernwood Lane, Poland, ME 04274
  • Phone: (207) 998-4346
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Cost notes: Tuition includes all activities except optional horseback riding and private tennis lessons.

↗ What parents like

  • Focus on simplicity
  • Builds sense of self

↘ Watch for

  • Only 7-week session

Logistics

  • Lunch provided: Yes
  • Transportation: No
  • Financial aid: No
  • Setting: mixed

Frequently asked about Camp Fernwood

What ages does Camp Fernwood accept?
Camp Fernwood is open to children ages 8–15. 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 Fernwood cost?
Camp Fernwood publishes $2,357/week for the standard session. Tuition includes all activities except optional horseback riding and private tennis lessons. Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
What are Camp Fernwood's hours?
Camp Fernwood 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 Fernwood accredited?
Yes — Camp Fernwood is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and has been operating for 87 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 Fernwood?
Camp Fernwood is operated by a private business, with 87 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 Fernwood provide lunch?
Yes — Camp Fernwood 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 Fernwood with other camps.

Camps near here

Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside Camp Fernwood.