Question 1

When does registration open? What is the registrations process?

Accepted Answer

FOR SUMMER 2027:Returning Families: January 31st at 8AMNew Families: February 7th at 8AM
Reminders when registering:
Returning families include those who participated in summer programs during 2026. If you are an after school family, you already received info about priority registration. We have a four week maximum for each childFor each child, you can add multiple camp weeks to your cart and check out as one transaction.When registering siblings for multiple or different weeks, we recommend separately doing each child's registration to streamline the process.Please read through our cancellation policy - recently updated!Please fill out a Health Form and Waiver, if you haven't already within the past 2yrs, or have updatesIf you are registering for 3 or more weeks and would like to be put on a payment plan, please email info@maineoutdoorkids.com PRIOR to registering.

Question 2

Which group is best for my child? Are siblings kept together?

Accepted Answer

Please select a group based on the grade your child will be entering in Fall 2026. If your child is homeschooled, use which grade level is most appropriate for their age, not academic level.

For siblings who don’t fall into the same age category, please consider signing up for ‘Same Location’ weeks. In these weeks we will have two camps happening simultaneously at the same locations, giving you one drop-off/pick-up spot.

2026 Same Location Weeks:

Week 3: Sprouts & Goslings
Week 4: Tadpoles & Ospreys
Week 6: Sprouts & Goslings 
Week 8: Sprouts & Goslings

Question 3

Where is dropoff and pickup?

Accepted Answer

Our four locations for the week are chosen based on weather, trail conditions and their unique opportunities to play and learn. One week prior to camp, families will be provided a detailed itinerary with directions to each day’s location and dropoff/pickup instructions.

Most of our locations are within Portland, with some in surrounding areas - all within 20 minutes of Portland.

Question 4

A camp I want says full - how do I join the waitlist?

Accepted Answer

There is no way to join the waitlist directly from our website. Please email info@maineoutdoorkids.com with your child's name, grade and the camp you are looking to join. If a spot opens up, we will reach out to the first person on the waitlist and they will be given 24 hours to sign up.

Question 5

How do I know if my child is ready for a multi-day mountain bike program?

Accepted Answer

Your child can be new to mountain biking on singletrack trails for an all-levels mountain bike program. However, for safety reasons it's really important they are proficient on their bike. This includes:
 
﻿﻿Can independently follow and understand directions, instructions, skill demonstrations taught by others to improve body awareness and minimize risks of the sport.
Is a confident rider on pavement, dirt roads and small inclines. 
﻿﻿Has the stamina to be active outside all day and in a variety of environmental conditions including cold or hot temperatures and precipitation.
﻿﻿Be familiar with their bike and able to independently mount and dismount, ride and balance on the bike on uneven terrain.
Has experience riding for at least 40 consecutive minutes, 
Has experience participating in an outdoor sport or activity for 2-4 hours in a single day.

If your child is new to mountain biking, we highly suggest signing up for a Fundamental Skills Clinic for a confidence boost before attending a bike camp.

Question 6

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Payment:
Full payment is required at the time of registration to secure your spot.

Refunds & Cancellations:
If you need to cancel your participation in a summer program, the following refund policy applies:

On or before March 31: Full refund
On or before May 15: 50% refund
After May 15: No refunds will be issued

Please note: All credit card refunds are subject to a 3% processing fee.

Weather-Related Early Dismissals:
In the event of inclement weather requiring early pickup as determined by our Directors, no partial refunds will be provided.

Unforeseen Circumstances:
If unexpected events affect your ability to participate in our programs, please contact us at info@maineoutdoorkids.com. We will do our best to work with you on a solution.

Question 7

Why is there no camp on Fridays?

Accepted Answer

Our summer camp schedule is Monday through Thursday each week, with a new location each day. Camp runs from 9am-3pm for Sprouts and Tadpoles and 9am-4pm for Goslings and Ospreys.

Maine Outdoor Kids camps are high energy and we find that a 4-day camp week works best to prevent burnout for campers and our team.

We are committed to a 4-day work week for our staff and the highest quality leadership and instruction for families and their kids. In an industry that has high burnout and low retention, this schedule allows us to bring our very best selves to camp and provide the community with 10 weeks of programming during the summer.

Question 8

What happens if there is stormy weather?

Accepted Answer

Our instructors are diligent in monitoring the weather leading up to each week of camp and choose locations with coverage if there is a storm in the forecast. The best way to make sure your camper is prepared for storms is ensuring that they are equipped with the proper gear.

We make real-time decisions and communicate directly with parents - aiming to provide at least 24 hours' notice for any changes in location or early pickups and will only cancel in an extreme circumstance.

Question 9

Do you offer scholarships or financial assistance?

Accepted Answer

We offer scholarships to students attending public school in Portland and surrounding municipalities whose family is experiencing financial challenges preventing them from participating in Maine Outdoor Kids, including temporary extenuating circumstances.

Scholarships accepted on a rolling basis and are awarded based on demonstrated need and available scholarship funds at the time.

Please email info@maineoutdoorkids.com to inquire about scholarships.

Question 10

What if my child has allergies, neurodivergence or otherwise may need extra support while at camp?

Accepted Answer

Please note this when you fill out the Health Form. If your child has allergies, asthma, or extra support needs during their time with us, we will follow up to create a custom action plan for them. If you have any questions about accommodations, please reach out to effie@maineoutdoorkids.com.

JUST ADDED: FALL BIKE PROGRAMS!

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)