Maine Jewish Museum

 Camp Lakefront by Alex Cohen

Maine Jewish Summer Camps

Remember your summer camp experience? Early morning dips in the chilly water, panicked cabin clean-ups before inspection, shower lines, long, exhausting hikes, popsicle stick cabins and macaroni pictures, s’mores and songs around the campfire, Red Rover and Capture the Flag, whispered secrets after lights out? You may have chanted the Hebrew blessing before meals, spent Friday nights at sunset walking to the outdoor synagogue or learned about Israeli culture. And remember that feeling of independence? Chances are you probably can still make a bed with hospital corners, tie a clove-hitch knot, and gather kindling to start a campfire. Your camp experience probably played a huge part in you becoming the person you are today. You grew independently, at an age-appropriate pace, and learned to live without Mom or Dad hovering nearby. In honor of all those memories, you can enjoy the Maine Jewish Summer Camp Exhibit on the third floor of the museum, originally curated by Nancy Silverman Levinsky, who recalls her summer camp days with fondness, nostalgia, and gratitude.