There are nine Fernwood Cove Values.  Each year the Fernwood Cove Directors choose a value to guide the camp community and help them strengthen their connection to each other and to camp.  The 2023 Fernwood Cove Value is Friendship.  Friendship is the most common reason campers return to camp each summer.   The value of friendship at summer camp is truly invaluable. Summer 2023 marks the 25th summer of Fernwood Cove.  Given the significance of friendship in the summer camp experience  we felt it was the perfect value to help us celebrate this significant mile ..read more

  Fernwood Cove Values include Diversity and Community among other important values that guide our programs, policies, and practices.  In recent years we have become increasingly aware of the need to assess our policies and practices to ensure we are honoring these values.  We have begun the hard work of creating an inclusive and extraordinary world.  A summer camp community that is inclusive and extraordinary for all of today’s girls.  Not just the ones that already call Fernwood Cove home. Our work actually began a few years ago as Maine Summer Camps began offering e ..read more

Recently we invited our incoming Senior Campers (Flamingos) back for their Senior Ski Weekend.  This whirlwind of a weekend is a mini version of camp within the beauty of the Maine winter.  Senior Ski Weekend is a time for these girls to reconnect with each other.  It is also a time for us to discuss what it means to be a Senior at Fernwood Cove.  This includes their role as leaders at Fernwood Cove.  And the part they play in creating community at summer camp. Imagine campers gathered around a cracking fire in a stone fireplace.  Surrounded by some of their close ..read more

Parenting in today’s world can feel quite daunting.  The challenges faced in today’s society have created a variety of long term impacts for today’s children, teens, and young adults.  This was true before the pandemic and it’s certainly true now.  This makes the experience of summer camp that much more important.  A quality summer camp has shown to be the foundation for lifelong success.  When each child’s experience is combined summer camp positively impacts an entire generation.  And thus helps create the foundation for an extraordinary world. As a former campe ..read more

November traditionally marks the beginning of the holiday season.  Gatherings, decorations, and events are sprinkled through celebrations in the final weeks of the year. Over the past twenty months we have all experienced change, including in our traditions.  We experienced changes in Fernwood Cove traditions this summer as well.  The administrative team quickly pivoted to a “how can we make this happen” mindset rather than getting upset about the changes that had to be made.  We are so grateful for summers at camp, even with changes to camp traditions. Going into the holid ..read more

The recent weeks at camp have definitely been showing the signs of fall at Fernwood Cove.  Cooler temperatures means long pants and even mornings where we are pulling on our fleeces and hats.  We are also noticing the days getting shorter which makes us truly take advantage of the daylight hours.  As we spend our time outdoors we are surrounded by the beautiful fall colors and warmed by the bright sunshine.  Our surroundings remind us that the seasons change at camp and in life, bringing renewal and growth to the outdoors and to each of us. As fall moves in we are reminded ..read more

Each summer provides opportunities for growth for campers, CITs, and staff alike.  It’s part of the magic of attending or working at camp- you’re guaranteed to learn and grow!  Summer 2021 was no different.  However, this summer the lessons learned at summer camp came from new and different challenges. These differences allowed us to learn and grow in new and different ways.  And that’s what summer camp is all about.  Whether it’s reconnecting with community or gaining independence.  Learning new skills or building new friendships.  Or navigating struggles or ..read more

We have crossed the one year mark since the COVID-19 pandemic began to significantly impact the United States.  In those long twelve months we have experienced change, loss, adversity, and sadness.  One of the things the Fernwood Cove Directors have missed most over the past year is the sense of connection.  The real, physical, meaningful connection between family and friends.  We miss the connections we create each summer with our Fernwood Cove family.  These connections are unique.  Summer Camp connections are natural.  They are real.  Camp connections ..read more

We couldn’t be more excited to be planning for summer 2021!  We know the coming summer will be different than our past summer camp experiences.  However, we are focused on returning to Fernwood Cove for the things we know and love.  Often when we think of camp we envision the waterfront, sunsets, campfire by the lake, and bunks nestled among the pines.  So many images of summer camp are in an outdoor setting.  The benefits of being outdoors, especially during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, help us provide an extraordinary camp experience.  This is why we have cho ..read more

At Fernwood Cove a core value is Personal Growth, each of our core values help guide us in how we operate. One of the most special times of day at camp is assembly where we gather, sing together and the directors share daily words of guidance. These words of advice allow campers to work towards personal self-improvement and becoming their best version. Some of the topics include how to advocate for yourself, introducing yourself to someone you don’t know, explaining Random Act of Kindness (RAK) and complementing others on their character. Personal growth and self-improvement are a passion of m ..read more