Camp Vega
We consistently hear from our campers, alumnae and parents that Vega girls have the best summers of their lives. After nearly 80 years, our campers continue to learn the values of friendship, teamwork, gratitude, kindness and connection. Camp Vega’s activity program is the perfect balance of safety, fun, structure, and choice. These are just two examples of the many reasons why over 98% of Vega girls come back year after year to the shores of beautiful Echo Lake.Explore our website, www.campvega.com, to learn more!
Summer Address
317 Echo Lake Road
Fayette, ME 04349
Camp Reviews — Memories from Real Camp Families
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| Ruth said... |
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| Summer of 2013 was my last summer. Although thinking about the fact that I did not return last summer and will not return this summer is painful, I would not trade my seven summers at Vega for anything. It is hard to put into words a place that has made me who I am today, where I have created incredible friendships, and a place I still call my home. While I sit here thinking about my fondest memories of this magical land I simply cannot bring any distinctive moment to mind. For me, it wasn't necessarily Olympic breakout or water skiing on the surreal lake, but the nights where we stayed up together in our bunks just talking and having fun or the random walks we went on to "explore" Vega. It is the little moments that really make Vega a special place because these little memories can't simply be created anywhere else. For this I am truly grateful for Vega and everything it has taught me and given me because I have used every single lesson moving forward and have really learned to live in the moment because time does fly by. |
| Dara said... |
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| This coming summer will be my eighth, and unfortunately my last. While I am devastated to be leaving, I am bringing all the values Vega has taught me and the bonds I have created with these amazing people. I can honestly say that Vega is the most amazing place in the world, and I wouldn't trade any minute of my time there. My mom sent me and my sister there thinking it would be a fun experience for us, and that maybe we would only go for three or four summers. She didn't know what she was getting us into. Vega is this surreal place that I have grown up in. The life lessons that it has taught me are ones that I will carry through the rest of my life. Honestly, words cannot describe my love and appreciation for Vega. It's my home. One particular memory does not stand out to me- it's all the memories that make the summers there unforgettable. My first marathon could be my favorite memory. Marathon is the most amazing day, for the three oldest age groups to bond and express their love for Vega. |
| Lisa said... |
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| Our daughter has been attending Camp Vega for the past five years. We love that our NYC girl has had the wonderful opportunity to spend her summers in the beautiful and serene surrounding of Maine. Vega is her second home where she has met true friends whom have become her sisters. It doesn't get any better than Vega and Maine!!
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| Susan said... |
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| CAMP.IS.EVERYTHING. This is my daughter's mantra. And as it may come as no surprise to my parents and friends (after all, apples don't fall far from trees), I can't say that I ever thought I'd have a daughter who would be as passionate about her summer camp experience as I was, and continue to be. Attending Vega in the 70s and 80s WAS everything: It was the only place I ever felt 100% confident. I was inspired and empowered by staff, I was led and followed by friends (who, nearly 35 years later, are my closest confidents), and I was exposed to the awesomeness of the state of Maine. My best memory? There is no best memory. (Though, a few things stand out...truly learning to appreciate and embrace the great outdoors while climbing Mt. Katahdin every year as a senior camper; being voted Olympic captain; getting my first kiss at a social... ) Camp life taught me the obvious, like how to "get along with others", how to make hospital corners; but it also taught me about myself. It was the first place that gave me life lessons. It was the first place that taught me to Lean In, starting me on the path to personal development and exploration. Today, camp traditions are as important as they were since the beginning of time. My daughter and I bond over our shared (AND different) camp experiences. So much of the physical plant has changed, yet so much remains the same: the smells, the instant feeling of being "at home" when you pass through the gate, the warm smiles from staff, the cold lake! CAMP.IS.EVERYTHING. |
| Samantha said... |
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| Seeing a smile on her face in every camp photo!!! |
| Gabi said... |
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| When I first went to camp to camp I was a little scared, but then i meet the BEST people on earth. I count down the days until I go back to the best place on earth. Being away at camp has helped me grow up and become more independent. I learn to solve problems on my own and work out differences with my friends. I think this makes us so much closer. Also, the counselors encourage me to try new things like water skiing. Now I can't wait to get back to camp and go water skiing. It is so great to be with my "other" family...I love my camp and Kyle, Emily and Linda make it feel like my second home! |
| Carla said... |
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| My daughter will attend Camp Vega this summer as her last year as a camper.I am both excited for her and melancholy because I have so enjoyed visiting Vega and sharing memories with her of my years at Vega as well.Traditions are just that, traditions, and they remain intact and provide a wonderful foundation for the girls to develop life long freindships,self esteem and empowerment, and wonderful happy memories that will never leave them. After 35 years the sights and smell of the grounds of Camp Vega instantly create a feeling of calm and joy for me. It truly feels like a home, like a backyard you once played in. All of the activities were great then, and great now, my favorite being waterskiing and sailing. For my daughter, riding, ropes and waterskiing. But the bunk life and sisterhood is most important take away from our camp experiences. |
| Lauren said... |
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| Coming from California..we do not have camps like Maine. Camp Vega on Echo Lake is so beautiful. My daughter counts the days until opeing day. She has made incredible friendships and has had an experience of a lifetime. |
| Courtenay said... |
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| We've spent nearly eight wonderful summers traveling to beautiful Maine for parent's visiting weekend. From the moment our car passes The Welcome to Maine sign there is nothing that makes us happier! Eating lobsters and fried clams in Kennebunkport we anxiously wait until the next morning to see our daughters for the very first time in four weeks. Spending a gorgeous visiting day with our girls by the crystal clear lake, under a blue sunny sky and breathing that fresh New England air. That is what summer camp in Maine is all about! |
| Devon said... |
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| I first saw Camp Vega in 2008 when I was visiting a friend. I was instantly amazed by the beauty of the camp. Nothing can compare to the crystal clear lake, beautiful green pines, and the sounds of loons echoing in your ears each morning. The following year my bags were packed, my mind was set, ready to have the best summer of my life. And I really did. There are not many camps that let you cook, waterski, ride horses, play tennis, and canoe in one day. Not only are the activities and sights of Camp Vega amazing, but the campers and counselors help make your summer the best too. I have never developed such great friendships in such a short time period. In only 7 weeks, you will have tons of memories that will last you a life time. Camp Vega is one of a kind! |
| Carla said... |
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| This is my second post about Camp Vega. As both an alumn camper and camper parent I have seen how the Courtiss Family has carried forward the traditions from years prior to their 35 plus years at the healm. Fun,new traditions have been seemlessly added to the old including Linda's most treasured Vega story about Varna. FRom the minute Linda stepped foot on Vega Camp ground she has spread her love, respect, and affection to all the generations of girls at Vega. Her son and his wife do the same. Girls here are taught to be fearless, to try all sorts of new challenges, and to recognize their impact on the Vega community and the community at large. All of the couselors support the vision, every summer. Maine is a big state and there are so many wonderful lakes and mountains for camp life. Vega is certainly one of them on a nearly private lake, water that warms up quickly in the summer months, a beautiful hilly setting with sprawling wooded areas for camping, biking, observing wildlife, birds nesting,and hiking adventures. |
| John said... |
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| Visiting day was such a highlight of the camp experience. Our daughter really wanted to share her daily activities with us. She had made a schedule to the minute and took us by the hand to all her favorite spots. I remembered how she particularly wanted to introduce her to her bunk councillor Rae. She was a wonderful young woman and reflected the care that Emily and Kyle take in hiring. Our daughter had gotten her water craft badge that very morning as well so she could take us out alone on Echo lake. The water crafts teacher told us this story after introducing himself in a very mature manner. At every step of the way this last summer Emily and Kyle made Vega an outstanding place for our daughter for 7 weeks. Moreover, without any hesitation they answered each and every question we had to reassure us since this was the first year our daughter went away. Camp Vega is the way to go! |
| Jay said... |
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| The following is a copy of an email I sent to Linda, Kyle & Emily following visiting day 2011 (the temperature was close to 100 that day):
Dear Kyle, Emily & Linda,
Yesterday we spent a marvelous day with our daughter, Devon. The camp grounds were beautiful. It is the laid back approach and diversity that distinguishes Vega from other camps. Nobody was ordering us to go anywhere and we were free to enjoy any activity that Devon wanted to do. We took our beach chairs and spent the afternoon at the waterfront. Sailing on a hobie cat with Devon gave us a chance to bond with her in a picturesque setting. That memory will last a lifetime for Devon & us. We truly thank you for the work you do to provide our daughter and all the girls with this great summer experience.
Last week I was in court talking to a colleague about visiting day and mentioned Camp Vega. A young law intern sitting to my left said "excuse me did you say your daughter goes to Camp Vega?" She went on to tell me that she spent many summers at Camp Vega and that she has great memories of Vega.
Thanks again and enjoy the rest of the summer.
Jay & Monique
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| Susan said... |
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| It was a bold step for me to send my 7 year old off to a 7 week sleep away camp, but my bright, energetic, inquisitive daughter insisted. So off I went in search of the place which would be safe, warm, supportive, encouraging, fun, and stimulating. Other items in my very particular list of qualifications included that my daughter be with similarly inspired kids, whose parents wanted a wonderful summer for them, but who also wanted bunk mates with real personalities and a desire to do well in life.
I have found all of this in Camp Vega.
My daughter, Suzy, now age 10, loves Vega. She is a rider and this year took her horse to camp. She loves lots of other sports too so Vega is perfect for her. She was followed to camp last year by her sister who now is 8 and in her second year. This child, more artistic, less athletic, more "girly" and more into friendships, is equally at home an in love with camp vega.
Maine is a gloreous spot where children can hold onto their idealism just a little longer. No electronic monsters luring them away, and they don't mind a bit.
Heading the camp is Linda Curtiss and she is the key. She personally oversees the entire operation with an eagle eye. She knows each child personally and can tell you in a minute how your daughter is doing.
While som camp blogs report that these upper level camps tend to be clicky and exclusive, I have never found that at Camp Vega. Yes, the girls are smart and like their friends who tend to continue to go back to camp Vega, but they openly welcomed my daughters who feel right at home. |
| Andreina said... |
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| Is the best expirence the we can gift to our daughter. |
| Jeffrey said... |
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| I was a counselor at Vega and I am currently a parent of a camper in the oldest age group there (Tamary). I am a little biased toward camps in Maine because I was also a camper as a child at Camp Takajo (also in Maine). As a parent, I wanted my children to have the same type of experience that I had as a camper. I knew as a child that I would do everything I could to send my children to camps in Maine when I became a parent.
My daughter absolutely loves Vega. Her favorite color is "green and white", which are the camp theme colors. She has made so many great friends over the past 7 years as a camper there and has developed so much as a person based in large part to her experience at Vega. My wife and I have also been fortunate to have met other wonderful parents there, who have continued to maintain contact with us over the years. Her camp life has influenced her so much that her room at home is filled with Vega memorabilia. She even has a countdown clock that counts the days and minutes until camp begins in June.
Every year that my wife and I visit her at camp, she glowing with happiness. We observe her participate in her camp many activities and are always astounded at her growth and dexterity. There is so much to choose from at Vega and there is always room enough for a girl to avidly participate in the activities of her choice. My daughter has developed many different skills, both athletically and socially, and she is a sweet, caring, socially conscious person.
The facilities at Vega are state-of-the-art and in great condition. The bunks are clean, roomy and allow for a true pioneer-like camp experience. The food is greart and offers a wide variety of healthy choices. The counselors are from all over the world and are extremely supportive to the girls' personal growth. It is quite a treat to watch my daughter interact with young women from all over the world and gain insight into their lives and their respective cultures.
Simply put, I cannot say enough positive things about Vega. The camp slogan is true to form and speaks for itself: "The one thing a girl will find at Vega is herself". |
| Lisa said... |
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| We have so many wonderful memories about our visits to Camp Vega over the past years. Though If I had to pick one, I would choose my time with my daughter, Sari at the Mother/Daughter 2010 Weekend.
The mothers all arrived at camp together ready to share our daughter's Camp Vega experience. We quickly dropped our bags and signed up for various camp activities. We all took advantage of all that Vega had to offer. More importantly, our daughters enjoyed having us there and sharing what summers in Maine are all about. It was so special to experience Vega with my daughter, her friends and their Moms.
We love coming to visiting day and spending time in Maine, but I can't wait for another Mother/Daughter weekend at Camp Vega. |
| Diane said... |
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| Vega, named after the brightest star in the summer sky, has provided many bright moments for me as a camper and more recently as a parent of campers. A flood of childhood memories came back to me this past weekend while visiting our children. As much as the world has changed, the tradition of residential camping in Maine has not. Sure, some of the tangible items have changed in 32 years such as faster ski boats, advanced theater lighting, lit tennis courts, state-of- the-art dance studios, and an expansive equine center, to name a few. However, the core Vega traditions of 75 years are still strong. Living in a bunk, campers learn how to cooperate & communicate effectively while developing a sense of respect, patience & compassion. The counselors are not only skilled in their specific program of expertise, but are trained to encourage each camper to do their best, trust themselves and try new things. Having this experience as a child helped me to navigate through life's different chapters and experiences. I remember my tennis counselor encouraging me to play in high school and I did! I remember the first time I waterskied and how nervous I was, only to keep with it and become an instructor while in college. My daughters are experiencing those same type of "firsts." A first for me as a parent, as well, while I watched my 10 year old bungee from 50 feet with 6 ropes instructors anchoring her! After she exclaimed, "I'm so proud of myself! At first I didn't think I could do it!" This is something she can draw on forever and hopefully share with her own children. It brought a smile on my face hearing the loons, smelling the pines, swimming as a family in Echo Lake and listening to the girls sing Vega's rendition of "State of Maine" this past weekend. All those senses remain constant. Wherever I am I look up at those stars at night and think of Camp Vega and the beautiful state of Maine. |
| Jimmy said... |
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| As the husband and parent of Vega campers, my memories are many! My wife,Gail went to Vega 35 years ago. It is the reason our girls continued with Vega. Her experience, as related to me, was second to none. Everything she ever talked about was realized with our 2 girls. The setting, the facilities and the staff have always been first rate. The overall available instruction in every area was given by superior staff members. Learning to water ski, gymnastics and virtually all of the activities. My older daughter was Tamary in 03 and our youngest is Tamary now. (Oldest camper group is Tamary). Last Saturday at visiting day we had the incredible experience of watching my daughter water ski off a 5 ft. ramp and land the jump for the first time. It was a goal of hers to experience something she had never done before. Not only was she over the top with excitement but imagine how we felt. The experience that she had was not likely to come from anywhere but a camp like Vega. We are gratefull for many positive influences that Vega gave our girls. Being in the fresh country air, with the lake right there to enjoy only helped make the whole experience even better!
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| Carla said... |
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| I am an alumni of Camp Vega and also a parent of a current camper. I attended 3 camps in Maine during my childhood, Mudjekeewis, and Trebor, but only Vega still remains in action. All of these camps offered me the opportunity to "find myself" as the Vega motto says. Having the freedom to experience the summer away from my parents and away from the academic and social pressures of the school year always afforded me the chance to meet people I would not have otherwise met and in doing so to define for myself what was important to me in a friendship and in myself. Living along side of a group of girls taught me how to navigate within a community, and all of those lessons have helped me to enjoy the people I met in college and in the workplace and in my current community. Specifically, these camps in Maine allowed me to experience natural environments and to learn to feel safe and comfortable in the woods, on the water, at the top of a Mountain etc, lying under the stars, falling asleep to the call of the loon, and so much more. Every year more and more natural habitats are being destroyed, it is so important for children to develop a personal relationship with nature so they will understand the value. The natural landscape of Maine is so varied. I was very lucky to have experienced so many aspects including sliding down waterfalls, canoeing in both calm and white waters, swimming in the freezing yet exhilirating Maine ocean, sleeping half way up a mountain, standing at the summit and looking across the landscape, swimming in the clear lakes etc, hiking thru paths of wild flowers, catching fire flies. Many of these opportunities are still there for Vega Campers. Also, the traditional activities like waterskiing, sailing, swimming, arts and crafts, landsports, etc.were all there to explore and to challenge me. I took more chances when exposed to new things at camp because I was comfortable with myself and loved my friends. The directors of Vega pay very close attention to the natural world right there on the expansive camp property and have a vegetable garden,bird houses, nature trails, and many green initiatives, and continue to pay homage to the traditions that keep current campers and alumni connected for 75 years. While the world today seems so different from the world 75 years ago, the message is clear, we are not so different as a people, and the things that bring us together as a community can be our experience and appreciation of the natural world around us,(in Maine!) |
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