Camp Mataponi
Founded in 1910 as a traditional girl’s overnight camp, Camp Mataponi is proud to have recently celebrated 100 years in camping. Located on beautiful Sebago Lake, Mataponi is home to over 300 girls each summer. We offer a full range of programming highlighting water sports, land sports, adventure/ropes course, performing and fine arts and more. Each camper’s schedule is designed to introduce core activities as well as offer an opportunity to select electives based on individual interests. Most importantly, Mataponi offers campers a chance to grow in a nurturing, non-pressure atmosphere accenting fun, friendship and the life skills in group living.
Camp Reviews — Memories from Real Camp Families
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| Violet said... |
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| i love it here i cant wait to come back next summer and the seniors are so tall and cant belive that will be leding servises and if your reading this and your a camper or counsalour i miss you |
| Maddie said... |
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| I wouldn't be who I am today without Mataponi. Aside from learning how to be better at soccer or photography, I learned how to be a good, caring and compassionate friend to others. The fondest memories of my childhood are those summers where my best friends and I would just sit on the hill, look out at the lake and realize how truly lucky we are to call this place our home. |
| Debbie said... |
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| I was a camp counselor there in 1969...had a handful of young girls in my cabin that I absolutely learned to love. I will never forgot that summer. One of the other counselors was Argie. |
| Harley said... |
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| It was my fifth summer this past year at camp. I return to camp every summer because of the amazing girls and kind counselors. The memories you make at camp are sure to last you forever. Camp is the place I can be my true self while having the best time with my best friends. The second camp ends, I count down the seconds until I can return next summer. The people at camp are the kindest and friendliest ever and looking back, I cannot believe that I survived without my 43 sisters in my division. Camp is the most amazing place in the world and I love it so much. |
| Ilana said... |
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| On the first day of my last summer as a camper at Mataponi, I was late. My flight had been delayed several hours from Florida, and I felt sick with anticipation. The most important part of the summer would be walking down the hill with all of my bunkmates to the first dinner line up, outfitted in our Senior sweats that we had designed months prior. By the time I got to camp, line up had already begun. I could see all my bunkmates sitting around the flagpole, all dressed in their sweats. An already nervous, awkward fifteen-year-old, I burst into tears, knowing I had missed that one moment I imagined for 7 years. I dejectedly made my way toward the flagpole, when-- in an instant, I was swept into a hurricane of polyester and fleece. Of course, it was all 33 of my bunkmates, who upon seeing me, jumped up and tackled me to the ground in front of the entire camp. That's exactly what it feels like to be at Mataponi. Whether it's literally or figuratively, when you arrive at camp, you're instantly enveloped in happiness, overwhelmed by friendship, and inundated with a sense of pure, unadulterated wonder. It's all part of the magic of camp. As a kid, I used to spend ten months out of my years consistently conforming, trying to find where I fit among my peers. Mataponi taught me that if I am where I belong, I don't have to try to fit. I just will. |
| Chloe said... |
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| camp mataponi has made me who i am today and i love camp so much! the friends I've made here are unbelievable and i am so lucky to call them my best friends! i look forward to camp every summer and there is no place id rather be! peace love mataponi!!!! |
| Chelsea said... |
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| Days like these where I'm stuck inside, cold, and miserable, I can't help but think about the beautiful summer days I've spent in Maine. I hate the fall. I don't drink pumpkin spice lattes, turtlenecks look awkward on me, and I hate the smell of orange yankee candles. I'd rather be drinking water from the natural spring, wearing shorts and a t-shirt, and smelling freshly cut grass. On an ominous day like today, I daydream about hot summer days and the mid afternoon breeze that comes off the lake. After spending 12 summers in Maine, I've got the "mid afternoon breeze" down to a science. It's around 4th period, roughly 4 o'clock, where the breeze captures the sweat down your check and underneath your hair. My friends and I love it. And the best way to enjoy the breeze is by sitting on one of camps many adirondack chairs. (Although made of wood, they are the most comfortable chairs). Then I like to laugh with a friend and remark, "oh what a great sailing day it is" even though it's at the lakes choppiest time. On a rainy day like today, I'd rather be at camp in Maine. |
| Linda said... |
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| I was at camp in late fifties and loved every minute. I cried every year when I left. I would love to reconnect with my friends from those days if anyone reads this evie' finkelstein'jane cooper and many others. Please email me. Thanks |
| Joan said... |
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| my sisters and i were campers at camp mataponi in the late 1950s and i always feel so proud when i tell friends and people i just meet that i went to camp mataponi in naples, maine. it always starts a conversation! the funniest thing is that my step-grandchildren AND my granddaughters attended and attend the camp. i loved camp. i loved the girls in my bunk and although i'm 70 now (gulp!), i still remember the girls,their names, where they lived, their habits (why couldn't i be neat like evelyn), and the sports they liked. i loved tennis and loved the instructors (counselors from australia) who taught it. my granddaughters chloe and harley are as in love with camp mataponi as i was. what a wonderful feeling. those are the thoughts and memories from GRANDMA JOANIE OF BOCA RATON, FLORIDA
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| Sophie said... |
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| I have many favorite memories of camp, but honestly nothing can beat just hanging out with your best friends and spending time together. These girls are not just my bunk mates, but they're my best friends. I know them like sisters. These people are the ones I live for and the ones who I can be myself around. I would do ANYTHING to get to spend every second out of every hour of each day with these girls at the place I call home. Mataponi is a magical place and the friendships and memories you make there will last a lifetime. I love camp!!! |
| Rachel said... |
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| Sitting around camp fires and singing songs with my best friends! |
| Jill said... |
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| I am not only a camp parent but an Alumni. Camp Mataponi is a magical place where girls blossom into young women who discover the meaning of deep and lasting friendships and stretch their personal growth and self knowledge.
My daughter is a legacy camper. Each year when we visit I am taken back to a time etched in my memories - a time of joy. laughter and exploration on multiple levels. And each year I cry as I leave - I cry not because I miss my daughter, as I know she is in the place she longs for all year long, but because I am leaving this idyllic setting that envelopes me in its warm embrace. Mataponi is eternal youth, forever friendships and essential opportunities for self-discovery. |
| Victoria said... |
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| I will always remember the look of joy on my daughter's face as she got up on long rope on Visiting Day. To be able to show her Dad the new skills she had learned at camp was priceless. That they loved the same activity and both learned at summer camp was a bonus. She lives 45 for the 7 weeks on Sebago ... year in and year out... and the time with her girls!
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| Maddy said... |
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| I loved the golden feather. Even though me and my friends would not win, we still had lots of fun watching! |
| Samantha said... |
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| We'll never forget the overwhelming feeling of walking onto Camp Mataponi's incredible and beautiful property for the very first time on the gorgeous, crisp and clean Sebago Lake. Each summer, we tell our girls to make sure they take some time every day to sit in front of the lake, and take a picture in their mind of the beautiful scenery that they are so lucky to enjoy every summer. Maine is truly a special place!
We would not want our girls anywhere else but Maine where they will learn to water-ski, tackle an amazing ropes course, swim, horseback ride, play sports, and make the best friends of their lives. |
| Lexi said... |
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| I know that all of my friends in my bunk love camp, but seriously, NO ONE is obsessed as I am. My friends would agree that I am totally crazy about camp. I mean, I LOVE it so much. I dream about camp at least a couple of times a week. I'm not always a great sleeper so my mom will actually say to me if I am having a hard time falling asleep, "just dream about camp." She knows that makes me smile.
About a month ago I told my mom that we had to start packing for camp. She thought I was crazy - said "no way - it's only March!" But packing for camp makes me feel all happy inside. It's like camp is real again and even thinking about camp gets me all excited and giggly.
The first moments of arriving at Mataponi are the best. I remember my first summer and not knowing anyone - literally not one girl. I watched all of these older girls running and hugging each other and leaping into each other's arms. I wondered if I would ever do that. And then last summer, that was me! I just couldn't wait to see my friends. Those first moments at camp were amazing. I mean every day at camp is awesome, but getting off the bus from the airport and running to my friends is the best. Those first moments are really special - everyone is crying and hugging. It's so emotional, but in a good way. It's the beginning of summer again.
I feel sorry for the seniors because it's their last summer. I know they get to do so much cool stuff that final year, but then it's ove.
I'm happy that I have many more summers at Mataponi. I just can't wait for camp!!!
Lexi Sachs |
| Andrea said... |
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| Two experiences I have witnessed my daughters at camp are,one, I love the independence they gain from being away at camp. When my husband and I visited on camp visiting day and it was lunch time, my initial instinct was to get two plates and help my daughters pick out a plate of food. But instead I was told, "Mom, we got this. We do this every day at camp." I was blown away by their confidence and self esteem. Another experience I would like to share is their desire to participate in social action and giving back to the community. When they returned from camp this past summer, my daughters wanted to emulate a service project they did at camp for children with disabilities for another organization locally in our community. I believe that camp gives my daughters the self esteem, confidence and empathy to successfully navigate in today's world as they grow up. |
| Linda said... |
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| When looking at camps we were struck by the beauty of the Maine camps. We could envision Samantha participating in the activities. When we arrived for our first visiting day we ere anxious and excited. To see how much she had grown in 4 weeks was incredible -- she mastered the ropes course, learned to waterski, made new friends. It was everything we had hoped for snd more bt |
| Casey said... |
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| My most meaningful memory at Camp Mataponi would have to be on the last night of camp. Even though its sad, my bunk and all the other girls in our age group gather into one bunk, hold each other and cry together. We are all there for each other all summer long, through the good, bad and the ugly and we are really united in that. We live together for 7 weeks and our friendships are different then those that we have at home. Living together forces all of us to know and accept one another for who we really are. We can try to hide at first, but sooner or later, there's nowhere to go. We come from all parts of the country and are different, but we have one thing in common, how much camp means to us. We know we will be together again soon, but our hearts cry out for each other and we show it in our tears. |
| Jon said... |
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| When visiting my oldest daughter during her very first summer on visiting day at Mataponi, she was so happy that we have coined the expression it is a 49 night sleepover. When we had to say our goodbyes, she was so sad to see us go, but she did not want to leave, but would rather us have stayed. Knowing she was so happy there made us feel a lot more comfortable knowing she had a second family --the entire Camp Mataponi community. |
| Eve said... |
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| My daughter remembers when she first got up on water skis and she got to see the beauty of Maine on Sebago Lake while having the time of her life with all of her camp friends cheering her on! |
| Alexa said... |
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| My best memories in the world are from camp! I remember making ice cream at the sugar shack, putting on knee socks and blazers for socials, trick water skiing on the lake and getting canteen during rest period while waiting for letters. I am still friends with the kids/women from my bunk and I married the brother of two of those campers!! |
| Samantha said... |
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| Camp Mataponi has provided for my daughter an opportunity to develop lifelong skills beyond the physically active sports and such. She has learned kindness, resiliency and how to successfully live and navigate in a community without help from her parents.
It had been a priceless experience for her.
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| Cathy said... |
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| I am a parent, but also an alumni of Camp Mataponi. The traditions and the values that were instilled in me and also my daughter are often overlooked when talking about summer camp in Maine. Yes the camp is absolutely beautiful and yes the dress up nights are a blast, the instruction is great and the friendships are unmatched. But my daughter became a better person because of camp. She is a better friend, she has more empathy, she knows what it means to "be there" for someone, she know how to give of herself. She learned self-advocacy and to roll with the punches. She is more independent and makes friends in an instant. Ii know this is not just one camp memory, but these qualities that I see in her will make me think of camp forever. |
| Keaton said... |
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| Celebrating 100 years of Camp Mataponi as an alumni with my daughter as a camper. So special to see so many former campers hand holding 20, 30, 40 years later. A special memory of a special place. |
| Karen said... |
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| A favorite memory is mother/daughter weekend at camp Mataponi. After a fun dinner, we had a fire pit campfire on the beach. We roasted marshmallows, sat under a full moon and simply enjoyed our time together. |
| Lee said... |
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| Our favorite memory is arriving at camp for our first visiting day last summer. We were so excited to see Maddy. It was incredible to see the confidence and independence she had acquired in such a short time.
She was so proud to share with us all of the art projects she had completed and most impressive of all - showed us how she had mastered the ropes course - 50 ft above the ground.
The other amazing thing about camp is the friendships. Maddy has gotten together with her entire bunk 2x since last summer. They are all amazing girls.
Thanks for the opportunity to share. |
| Ashley said... |
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| My favorite camp memory was when I won the most athletic camper award for my division. I was excited and proud. |
| Lori said... |
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| Part 2. I hit submit accidentally aren't ago.
To see her up on skis, smiling confident and happy literally brought me to tears. Back on the boat she hugged me and my husband and said, "I am so proud of myself." What more could anyone ask for from a summer camp experience.
Lori Corenthal
Westport, CT |
| Jennifer said... |
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| I wanted to share my camp memory of my daughter when I saw her water ski on visiting day. I did not expect her to stay up on the water skis, as she'd never been water skiing at home. She was so proud of herself, and we were so proud of her as well. It was wonderful to see her trying new activities and building her confidence in herself. |
| Cheryl said... |
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| I spent 7 summers at a camp in Maine. They were the best summers ever. 30 years later, I am getting together with about 10 of my friends from our last year in NYC for the weekend. We cannot wait |
| Deb said... |
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| I grew up going to overnight camp in Maine and even though I moved to Florida as an adult, it was important to me that my kids get the 'Maine Experience' too! The lakes, mountains, nature and amazing friends made during summer camp in Maine, are life-changing and life-lasting! I treasure all my wonderful camp memories...and my kids do too! |
| Jane said... |
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| I brought my then 85 year old mom for mother daughter weekend. She had attended the camp when she was a child and we never knew it until after we signed up our girls! |
| Rebecca said... |
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| The best summers of my life were spent at Camp Mataponi in Maine and there has been nothing more special than being able to send my daughter there for her first summer last year. Now, we've spent all winter cheering and singing camp songs. I wouldn't have it any other way...... |
| Stacey said... |
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| "my favorite part of Camp Mataponi is when the whole camp comes together for campfire every Sat evening. We sing songs and all come together as one big family. It is a very special moment shared each week with the entire camp." |
| Lindsay said... |
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| The memory I have about Camp Mataponi is simply how much joy is on the faces of my two daughters when they excitedly show us around camp during Visiting Day, and we watch them go waterskiing and all the other activities. The camp owners, Marci and Dan, are the best. |
| Morgan said... |
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| 2008, my counselor was terrified of chipmunks and one got in the bunk and she started freaking out and grabbed a towel and jumped onto someone's top bunk. She was also screaming extremely loud! |
| Fred said... |
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| Visiting day is a very special time. My daughter's first visiting day is when I realized what an incredible effect camp was having on her. She was absolutely glowing. Camp has turned my daughter into a self-confident, self-reliant teenager. I will always be grateful for what Dan and Marcy Isdaner have done for her. It's an awesome camp. |
| Rebecca said... |
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| my daughter had an incredible first summer at camp mataponi. she hasn't stopped cheering and singing since she stepped off the plane. what a beautiful and special place! she is already counting down the days until she goes back. |
| Victoria said... |
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| My child lives for her 7 weeks on Sebago. Camp Mataponi is her home; the other 45 weeks just have her waiting in our house to return to Maine, Sebago and her best girls. There's no place like camp... There's no place like camp... |
| Rachel said... |
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| My daughter, Rachel, LOVES Mataponi. This will be her third summer. When I asked her about her favorite camp memory, she said she had so many and needed to think about her favorite one. After several days, she decided that her best camp memory took place last summer. She and her friend were chosen to compete in an activity during their Western themed dinner. She was one of 14 campers chosen. They did the activity in front of the whole camp. It made her feel so special since she had never been chosen for something like this before. |
| Linda said... |
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| Seeing pictures of my daughter waterskiing for the first time, the first week she was at camp. Visiting Day weekend - eating at fabulous restaurants in Portland and actually sitting in the boat watching her ski. Priceless. |
| Josh said... |
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| My daughter will be attending Camp Mataponi for the first time this summer. She watches the video yearbook all the time with a huge smile on her face. It looks like a fantastic experience. And Maine is such a beautiful place to spend the summer. I am very excited for her. |
| Laurie said... |
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| Always wondering why school had to be 10 months long and camp was a mere 8 weeks. Counting the moments until I could get back to camp again. Most wonderful moment was knowing that my 2 girls would be sharing the same wonderful experiences I did attending the camp I attended for so many years as a camper and a counselor. There is no greater joy to be able to share a lifetime of experiences, friends and family with your children. Camp life is an experience that lives on forever!! |
| Rebecca said... |
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| I was a mataponi camper/counselor for 6 years in the 80's. They were the best summers of my life. Still, years later, my mataponi friends are girls i know i can always count on for anything. and i know i can pick up with them right where i left off-- even if it has been years.
so, i am BEYOND excited to be sending my daughter there for her 1st summer this june. every night we talk about camp; i teach her the songs; we look at my pictures.
there is nothing better....... |
| Erin said... |
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| I was a camper for 5 summers and a counselor for 4, and my only regret is that I didn't start earlier. Not only is Maine a beautiful place to spend the summer, but Mataponi is the place I feel more myself than anywhere else. It's the kind of place where your differences are cherished, and you are encouraged to be whoever you are. It is a completely accepting environment, and I know I will carry the friends I made with me throughout the rest of my life. At camp I learned self confidence, how to step outside my comfort zone, and how to set a goal and achieve it. I have similarly watched so many campers grow and accomplish their goals and overcome their fears. It has without a doubt been the most shaping experience of my life so far and has played a massive role in the person I am today. I only wish every camper could be so lucky to find an incredible place like this. |
| Joyce said... |
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| I am an alumnae of Highland Nature camp, now Camp Mataponi.
My love for my summers in Maine caused me to use Google to try to find out what happened to my old camp. I was delighted to learn that that beautiful place is still a camp.
I remember the beauty of Lake Sebago, the smell of Maine pine trees, the cold crisp mornings, and the ideal location of the camp.
Too many wonderful memories of camp to retell in this space. The songs, the bugle calls, the bunks, the friends,the swimming in the lake, the rowing and the boathouse.
Unforgettable memories.
My best to all.
Joyce
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| Karola said... |
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| I am an alumni camper, and alumni counselor; my sister is an alumni camper; my mother is an alumni counselor; 2 of my daughters are alumni campers; one daughter is still a camper....what can I say? Mataponi is forever! Tradition abounds at this camp, which just celebrated 101 years of awesomeness. Mataponi is the most beautiful camp. It is located on gorgeous Sebago Lake and has an unbelievably picturesque waterfront. There is a wide range of activities available to the girls: swimming, boating, waterskiing, tennis, ropes, rock climbing, lacrosse, soccer, field hockey, drama, arts and crafts, zumba, etc. Extraordinary weekly campfires and numerous fun theme nights create a bond between all the campers and staff. The camp owners, Dan and Marcy, are excellent leaders who emphasize loyalty, compassion, creativity and cooperation. Most importantly, the camp is filled with friendly, down-to-earth girls from all over the country who are obsessed with silly fun and all things camp. |
| Raechel said... |
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| Whether a camper or a counselor, I could always expect the state of Maine to provide me with superfluous positive energy. The air is crisp, the sky is clear and the people are so admirably simple. You learn a lot about yourself when you are living in this natural environment. |
| Jane said... |
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| Where to begin? My mom who is now 86 years old went to camp in Maine in a place that actually became Camp Mataponi and although she spoke of it often she sent me to camp in the Catskills. I liked it but when choosing a camp for my three girls we chose Maine and Camp Mataponi and I can honestly say it is one of the best choices I have ever made for my girls. There is something about it that can not be replicated elsewhere. The air, the lakes, the kids all just seem a bit purer. Skeptics often make negative comments to me about treking up there for visiting day- Not to be corny but I am so glad we went the extra mile for our girls- and for ourselves. My visiting day memories are fantastic, we have stayed all over Maine and every summer brings a new experience, mew memories and always the most delicious lobster rolls! |
| Jennifer said... |
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| When I first received this I thought I can't keep this short. I could go on forever about why my girls, my husband and myself love Maine camps.
My oldest was a camper at Mataponi for 8 years and now is a second year counselor. My younger daughter has been there for 8 summers. Their stories of camp in Maine begin with the beautiful lake to wake up to every morning, the comfortable temperatures during the day and ending with the clear nights where they can see every star in the sky. That is only a small part of why they love Maine. The trips the take out of camp are so memorable. They whitewater raft, they go to Montreal, they hike Mt Washington. These are things that they would never do without being in Maine. The stories of these trips are told over and over when they come home only wishing to be back at camp.
The friends they have made at Mataponi are from all over the country of all ages and they visit them during the winter.
As for my husband and myself it is a great reason to make a vacation every summer for the week around visiting day. There are so many places to see that we have not even covered yet and are looking for many more years of our girls going to Mataponi. |
| Nicki said... |
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| There are so many reasons why we choose to send our daughter to Camp Mataponi in Maine. First and foremost, we love the owners. We feel so comfortable knowing that they are there for us and our daughter every single day. Sending our daughter to camp at Mataponi has enabled her to try many new sports and activities on a beautiful lake in a beautiful setting. She is able to explore Maine on the many outings and overnights that the camp exposes her too. And, our daughter has met her best friends at camp Mataponi, We have grown to love Maine so much that we plan a vacation around Mataponi's visiting weekend each year and explore a different city within the state. Being able to send our daughter to camp in Maine has proven to be the best gift that we could give to her. |
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