No two days are exactly the same. Our schedule is organized but flexible, leaving space for spontaneity and camper-led ideas. Campers spend their time swimming at our private beach, hiking, making art, playing games, doing scavenger hunts, cooking, gardening, practicing yoga, and simply enjoying life on a farm in Maine. Days are full, but never rushed—allowing confidence, creativity, and compassion to thrive in the in-between moments. Learn more on our “Life at Camp” page!

A child who thrives in a warm, home-like environment where they have the freedom to explore their interests, make choices, and feel truly seen and valued. Kids who enjoy unstructured time to explore, play, and create at their own pace—rather than following a packed schedule—tend to love it here.

Campers who are curious, independent, and open to trying new things—whether that’s creating, gardening, canoeing, cooking with fresh ingredients, swimming, or simply spending a quiet moment in nature—will find a place where they belong. It’s a camp for kids who love both adventure and stillness—who get excited about exploring the woods, swimming in the lake, and building forts, but also cherish slow, creative moments like sketching in a journal, picking berries, or crafting something with their hands.

Children who do best in small, close-knit groups and appreciate a setting that feels more like a family than a traditional summer camp will thrive here. It’s also a great fit for kids who may not always feel comfortable in high-energy, competitive environments and instead seek a more relaxed, thoughtful, and nurturing space. They find joy in both big, exciting adventures and quiet, magical moments—watching fireflies at dusk, telling stories around a campfire, or discovering a tiny frog in the grass.

If they love the outdoors, following their curiosity, and being part of a community that values kindness, play, and meaningful experiences, Growing Routes is the perfect place for them.

Camp Chloë, founded in 2006, is our summer program for girls and gender-expansive kids. Growing Routes, founded in 2018, is the nonprofit organization that runs Camp Chloë and also offers workshops, retreats, after-school programs, and other learning experiences throughout the year. In short, Camp Chloë is the name of our summer programs, while Growing Routes is the larger organization that supports and expands our work year-round.

We welcome 8-20 campers per session, with 4–6 staff members and occasional guest instructors. We keep our staff-to-camper ratio very small, ensuring every camper feels seen, known, and supported. Our small size creates a close-knit, personalized camp experience.

Yes! Our small groups, nurturing staff, and cozy home-like setting make this an ideal place for first-time campers to feel safe and supported.

More information here about our approach to homesickness and supporting first time campers.

We embrace diversity across ability, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender identity, and gender expression, and we are committed to creating a community where children can freely express who they are without fear of discrimination.

We welcome girls and gender-expansive youth in our summer camp programs.

We know that trust matters. We welcome open conversations with families and are always happy to answer questions, talk through concerns, or explore whether Growing Routes is the right fit for your child.

Yes! We have financial assistance available to help make camp more accessible (learn more & apply here!). Families can also receive $100 off for each new camper they refer.

At Growing Routes, we maintain a very high staff-to-camper ratio to ensure every child receives individualized attention and support. Each session has 4–6 staff members for every 8–20 campers, depending on the group size. This allows counselors to build strong relationships, notice each camper’s needs, and provide personalized guidance, making it easier for children to feel safe, supported, and confident — especially for first-time overnight campers or those navigating homesickness.

Campers enjoy fresh and delicious meals—often made with ingredients they help grow and harvest from our own gardens. Meals are nourishing, simple, and made mostly from scratch to minimize processed foods. We eat together in a cozy dining room, and often picnic or cook outdoors when the weather allows. Read more on our food page, or our blog here.

In most cases, yes. We work closely with families to accommodate dietary needs. Please reach out before registering to ensure we can meet your child’s needs.

We just built two new cabins this year and they are absolutely gorgeous! They are post-and-beam style, with no electricity but lots of natural light and fresh air. They’re designed to feel more like homes than bunkhouses. Campers sleep in bunk beds and bring their own bedding.

Check out our blog post, Cabins At Camp, as well as our Farm & Setting page to see some photos inside the cabins!

No, we are unable to offer laundry service during camp, so please pack accordingly.

We share updates and photos on social media throughout each session. Campers can also send and receive letters by mail.

At Growing Routes, we take a child-centered, individualized approach. Before camp, families share insights about their child’s individual needs and what might help them feel most supported. Our very high staff-to-camper ratio (4–6 staff per 8–20 campers) ensures that every child receives personalized attention and support.

Counselors use a mix of strategies, including:

• Offering choices about activities and group participation

• Creative outlets like art, journaling, or cooking

• Mindfulness practices, movement, and yoga

• Small adjustments to routines or activity groups based on the camper’s needs

• Regular check-ins with campers to talk about what’s going well and what feels challenging

Our goal is to create a safe, supportive, and flexible environment where campers learn resilience, independence, and self-awareness while enjoying the magic of summer camp.

Our counselors are trained to respond with empathy, curiosity, and care. They notice both obvious and subtle signs of homesickness and work to build a trusting relationship from day one. They offer emotional support, guidance, and choices — whether that’s joining a group activity, taking a quiet break, or engaging in a creative project — so each camper feels heard, respected, and empowered to navigate their feelings at their own pace. Learn more about our approach to homesickness here.

Yes, campers may call home if it feels supportive and their parents approve. Simply knowing that they have that option and can connect with family often helps ease anxiety and allows children to feel safe while still engaging fully in camp life. Counselors guide this process thoughtfully and encourage campers to focus on building independence and confidence while having this safety net available. Learn more about our homesickness approach here.

Due to our short session length, we do not offer visiting days.

Absolutely. You can schedule a video or phone call with our Director (info@growingroutes.org), or we’re happy to connect you with current camp families.

Yes, but space is limited! Some sessions still have space for girls ages 8–15. We recommend registering soon to reserve your child’s spot in our small-group, hands-on summer camp in Midcoast Maine.

Click here to access our Camper Application and register today! Once registered, you can visit your Parent Portal anytime to update camper information, view any camp communication, form due dates, or payment reminders.