Adventure Begins Here
Center Day Camp fosters a strong sense of belonging and connection. All are welcome and everyone at camp is valued and celebrated. Counselors stress kindness, respect, and character in everything that they do. Our grounding and history as a Jewish camp means that our program offers a unique focus on universal values like integrity, honesty, responsibility, caring for one another, and for the earth. We are a child-centered program that seeks to support campers in grades 1st through 9th as they build confidence, make new friends, explore new interests, discover their abilities, and learn new skills.
Welcome to Center Day Camp
2026 Camp Dates:
Session 1: June 22nd - July 17th
Session 2: July 20th - August 14th
Programming
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Archery
Our archery program offers campers a thrilling opportunity to develop focus, precision, and patience in a safe and supportive environment. On our dedicated archery range, campers learn everything from proper stance and technique to target practice and scoring, all under the guidance of trained instructors. As they progress, campers build confidence, discipline, and a sense of accomplishment—whether it's their first bullseye or their best round yet.
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Athletics
Our athletics program is packed with energy, variety, and fun! Campers enjoy our beautiful athletic fields, tennis and basketball courts, and a wide range of activities including soccer, flag football, golf, gaga, 9-square, kickball, basketball, hockey, tennis, pickleball, and classic camp team games like Hybrid and Capture the Flag. With something for everyone, this program builds skills, sportsmanship, teamwork, and a lifelong love of play.
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Boating
Our boating program offers campers an exciting way to explore the water through sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Campers learn essential boating skills while enjoying frequent trips to Lollipop Island and beyond, discovering adventure and nature along the way. With a focus on safety, skill-building, and fun, this program is perfect for campers who love the water and want to grow their confidence.
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Color Games
Color Games is the ultimate camp experience—a thrilling, week-long event that brings together the most exciting and fun aspects of summer! Campers dive into high-energy challenges that test their endurance, character, teamwork, sportsmanship, and creativity. From spirited competitions to unforgettable moments of camaraderie, Color Games is more than just fun—it's a celebration of camp spirit and personal growth.
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Creative Arts
Our Creative Arts program is a colorful hub of imagination and expression! Campers explore a wide range of artistic activities including painting, drawing, pottery, jewelry-making, collage, tie-dye, crafts, photography, and much more. With guidance from enthusiastic instructors, campers develop new skills, express their creativity, and take pride in their unique creations—all while having fun and making lasting memories.
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Dance
Our dance program invites campers to move, express, and shine through a variety of styles and experiences. From learning choreography and exploring different dance genres to selecting music and preparing for camp performances, dancers build confidence, creativity, and coordination. With a strong emphasis on teamwork and self-expression, this program brings rhythm and energy to every day at camp!
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Fishing
Our fishing program teaches campers the essentials of angling—from setting up a rod and casting a line to tying knots, identifying bait, and safely handling fish. Campers learn and practice responsible fishing techniques under the guidance of knowledgeable staff, all while enjoying peaceful moments by the water. With a strong focus on safety, respect for nature, and skill-building, this program offers a relaxing and rewarding outdoor experience. Catch and release is the name of the game at CDC.
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Israeli Culture
Each summer, Israeli shlichim (ambassadors) join our camp community as staff members, bringing the spirit and richness of Israeli culture to life. Through engaging activities, campers learn about Israeli holidays, foods, geography, language, and traditions—all while forming meaningful connections with these passionate cultural educators. The program fosters curiosity, understanding, and community, making it a vibrant and impactful part of the camp experience.
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Martial Arts
Our MMA program blends physical fitness, self-defense classes, and a wide variety of techniques and drills to empower campers of all skill levels. Led by experienced instructors, the program emphasizes safety, respect, and discipline—core values that make it a camper favorite. Whether learning striking, grappling, or conditioning, participants build strength, confidence, and focus in a fun and supportive environment.
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Mountain Biking
Adventure awaits in our mountain biking program, where campers explore miles of scenic trail riding across our 27-acre property and venture out for off-site explorations. Led by our skilled and experienced biking instructors, campers learn essential bike management and safety skills while building confidence, endurance, and a love for the ride. Whether cruising through the woods or tackling new terrain, every ride is a journey of growth and excitement!
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Newspaper
Campers become real reporters in our exciting newspaper program, where they write, edit, and publish their own camp-wide paper! From interviews and opinion pieces to comics and creative writing, this hands-on experience builds storytelling skills, teamwork, and confidence. Whether covering the latest camp events or crafting fun features, every camper has a voice—and a chance to be heard!
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Outdoor Adventure
Campers dive into nature with scavenger hunts, birding, and guided nature walks that spark curiosity and discovery. Hands on activities like gardening and nature-inspired art foster creativity and connection to the earth. Campers also build confidence through camping skills, campfire cooking, and other outdoor challenges. Senior campers enjoy trips to Acadia, Camden, White Water Rafting, and The White Mountains.
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Performing Arts
Our vibrant theater program offers campers a dynamic mix of creative outlets to explore and express themselves. Each summer features a full-scale musical production, alongside improv classes, music lessons, and opportunities to join a cappella groups. Campers can also dive into the whimsical world of puppetry and discover many more imaginative activities that spark creativity, build confidence, and foster teamwork—all in a fun, supportive environment!
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Specialities
Every week at camp is packed with excitement thanks to our specialty programs! Campers enjoy themed adventures like Division Days, Whacky Wednesdays, and Themed Fridays, plus unforgettable experiences including field trips, late stays, and overnights. From talent shows to tournaments and countless other surprises, these special events create lasting memories and bring the whole camp community together in fun and creative ways!
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Swimming
Our waterfront is the heart of summer fun! Campers enjoy daily swim lessons tailored for our youngest groups—Scouts and Pioneers—as well as plenty of time for free swim, beach play, and volleyball in the sand. And for those seeking extra thrills, our inflatable trampoline and the legendary blob offer unforgettable splashes and laughter. It’s the perfect mix of skill-building, play, and adventure!
Camp Info
2026 Rates
Session 1: $1,600
Session 2: $1,600
Transportation: $360 per session
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A membership will be required to register for Center Day Camp prior to the general public phase. The family membership, built into the camper application, will give you access to a number of different year round programs, as well as priority to CDC registration and our waitlist. The cost is $216 per family, or $120 for a single parent family.
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Families are asked to secure their spot with a deposit of $150 per session, per camper, at registration.
The payment plan will be spread over 4 months with payments due February 15, March 15, April 15, and May 15. Deposits and payments will be non-refundable. As in prior years, all camp charges must be paid in full prior to the start of the camp session.
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Camperships allow CDC to welcome a broad array of community members for whom participation might not otherwise be possible. We are committed to inclusive programming for all individuals and families who want to be a part of CDC.
The CDC Scholarship Committee offers financial assistance to families based on demonstrated need, as determined by analysis of the financial aid application. Please email cdc@mainejewish.org for more information.
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Bus 1 - Deering High School & Falmouth American Legion 7:45-8:30 AM & 4:30-5:15 PM
Bus 2 - Scarborough High School & Portland JCA 7:45-8:30 AM & 4:30-5:15 PM
Bus 3 - Yarmouth High School & Greely High School 7:45-8:30AM & 4:30-5:15PM
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The Center Day Camp Quest Program is designed for rising 9th graders. It is a fun and structured program in which each participant strengthens their leadership and communication skills and deepens their level of camp responsibility over the course of the summer. They spend their day between traditional camp activities and working with younger age divisions. As part of the ongoing process, Quest's do some goal setting, observation, and reflection. They get to sit with peers and share their experiences with a variety of different staff members, including our camp counselors and Leadership staff. We work to create training opportunities geared specifically to individual interests, experiences, and developmental level. Our goal is to have all Quest's become counselors in future summers.
Click to view the camp handbook
Sample Schedule
7:45 - 9:15AM - Drop Off & Buses Arrive
9:15 - 9:30AM - Morning Meeting
9:35 - 10:35AM - Sailing, Archery, Improv Class
10:40 - 10:55AM - Snack
11:00 - 12:00PM - Swimming, Cross Stitching, Campfire Cooking
12:05- 12:35PM - Lunch
12:40 - 1:40PM - Mountain Biking, Hebrew, Kayaking
1:45 - 2:45PM - Soccer, Dance, Painting
2:50 - 3:50PM - Play Practice, Gaga, Newspaper
3:50 - 4:00PM - Afternoon Meeting
4:00 - 5:15PM - Buses Depart & Pickup
The activities and schedules are dependent on the division and the day of the week.
