Summer Camps Positive Impact On Maine

Camps Place In The Maine Landscape

Andy Lilienthal, Maine Summer Camps

Camps are Everywhere

Camps in every county 198 state licensed camps Biggest concentration are in Cumberland,

Kennebec and Oxford counties Profit and Non Profit entities (50% each) –

Serve children from all economic strata and geography

Significant numbers of campers are from Maine

Campers & Visitors

At least 25,000 campers from all over the world

Year round employees- 800 Seasonal employees- 8700 Number of out of state visitors 45,000

Visitors, parents, transport to and from camp

Camps’ Economic Impact in Maine

Total economic Impact – $310 M Direct sales ($160 M) Indirect sales ($90 M) (hotels,

restaurants, retail) Induced consumer spending ($60 M) –

Trickle down through employees

Camps are Economic Engines

Major employers Major tax payers (State and Local taxes

and fees) $16.5 M Major economic fuel for local businesses

in rural communities Share facilities with local organizations

Roles That Camps Play

Stewards of the land Promoting social and

community values Environmental Education Creating 21st century citizens

Stewards Of The Land

Camps maintain nearly 17,000 acres Includes over 270,000 feet of lake front (over 51

miles) Land in conservation easements Tree growth and managed wood lots Most camps do not operate year round- the land

rests

Promoting Social and Community Values

Strong sustainability and environmental practices

Respect the surroundings, citizenship, cross cultural understanding

Connect with kindred organizations – Efficiency Maine, Food pantries, Service learning – retirement homes, shelters, libraries

Environmental Education

Promote/teach No/low impact camping Love and respect of nature Exposure to Maine’s wilderness at camps

and on hikes and trips Citizens of the land Citizens in general

Appreciation of Maine

Many campers come for many years as campers and staff

Choose college in Maine Choose to live here (year

round/summer) Bring business to Maine Visit Maine as a vacation destination Retire in Maine

Challenges and Opportunities

Changing demographic- Fewer kids and social pressures

Year round and extended school schedules Back to nature movement As world becomes interconnected chance to

show the unique natural resources and social fabric of Maine

Work toward educating the next generation with strong sense of values, citizenship and skills