Earlier this month, our team enjoyed a memorable Open House weekend at Camp Bishopswood in Hope. Camp director Mike Douglass invites potential campers and their families to stay and play, so they can get familiar with the grounds, their peers, and what camp is like. So smart!

Bishopswood, which is located on the western shore of Megunticook Lake, is everything you would expect from a Maine camp. A long, dirt road shaded by pines brings you to the entrance. Near the lake, there is a swimming area, dock, and a colorful array of canoes and kayaks. Mike greeted us in the parking lot with a hearty welcome. He directed us to drop off our things in our cabin and then join the rest of the families staying for the weekend in the Great Hall. 

CP#1, who attended Camp Bishopwood’s 3-day Mini Camp for 6-8 year olds last summer, was thrilled to see some old friends. We walked together to the Great Hall—a beautiful building that overlooks the lake. Inside, Mike set up chairs in a circle next to an impressive fieldstone fireplace. We began with some fun ice breakers to get to know parents, kids, and counselors who were visiting Bishopswood for the first time.

After our ice breaker, our group headed outside to the campfire for s’mores and camp songs. The cool evening air and the smell of woodsmoke made MP long for her little cabin bed. We had a big day ahead of us, after all! 

The next morning, we woke to the sounds of a bell, indicating it was time for breakfast. And what a beautiful meal! A long wooden table in the dining hall was arranged with bowls of fresh fruit, yogurt, and granola. Each table was also served generous trays of scrambled eggs and sausage. Not surprisingly, meal time became one of MP’s favorite camp activities. We sat with different families for breakfast, lunch and dinner, swapped stories and listened to our children chatter away. And MP was so impressed by the homemade and healthy offerings we enjoyed all weekend long.

Our days at camp were full. We played kickball, fished the lake, sang silly campfire songs, kayaked, crafted and built fairy houses. CP#1 even swam, despite the cold! Truth be told, MP felt like a kid again herself. The camp weekend was such a special time to share with CP#1 and #2.

We closed out the weekend in the same way we started – in a big circle with our new friends. Each of us shared something we loved about camp. What a challenge to pick one thing! MP was so thankful for this weekend. It offered all of us a chance to slow down, enjoy the outdoors and each other. She can’t imagine a better way to kick off summer!

Do you have a memorable camp experience? We’d love to hear.

PS: Camping in our own backyard and a trip to Campobello Island.