Camp Philosophy:
Pilgrim Lodge is a multi-generational summer camp and retreat space centered on the spirit of extravagant welcome. Ours is a ministry of inclusion: no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, all who come in love have a seat at the table. We each bring our unique and sacred lived experiences as we are called into relationship with one another on the shores of Lake Cobbosseecontee. We believe that intentional periods of living together, seeing the divine in one another and sharing in appreciation of the beauty of the earth, gives our spirits a chance to open to life in a real and vital manner. We believe in providing space to slow down the rapid pace of modern life in order to tend to community.
As a camp, we offer classic elements of a Maine summer, including cabin living, meals in the dining hall, and time at the waterfront. Amidst the fun activities at camp, we seek to explore issues of justice, focus on care of self, others, and creation, and build relationships that equip us to return to the world beyond. While rooted in the Christian tradition of the United Church of Christ, we believe no single tradition holds all the answers to the questions and challenges our world faces. To that end, campers explore scripture and other texts through the lens of story, metaphor, and critical thinking. Campers also design and participate in worship and Sacred Gathering experiences that find inspiration in a diversity of perspectives and in the natural world. Camp is for anyone on a journey of spiritual exploration, faith formation, or any other form of religious engagement.
Program Description:
Campers come to Pilgrim Lodge for one-week sessions in the summer. Each session is geared toward a particular age group. The youngest campers have finished second grade and our oldest campers are high school graduates. Camp operations such as lifeguarding, food service, and maintenance are performed by a trained paid staff. The program directors (known as “deans”) and counselors are volunteers. These leaders change weekly, offering fresh and exciting programming. They are screened and trained by the Outdoor Ministries Team and members of the Pilgrim Lodge staff. Pilgrim Lodge offers fun and meaningful programming in addition to all the familiar camp activities such as arts and crafts, swimming, boating, nature education, music, and games. The Pilgrim Lodge experience is rich and rewarding for campers, volunteers and staff.
Sample Schedule from a day at camp for youth:
7:00 Wakeup bell, optional swim
8:00 Breakfast
8:45 Cabin cleanup
9:00 Chapel or Sacred Gathering – for multifaith camp programs
9:20 Morning watch – quiet reflection
9:30 Family Faith Group – curriculum based, group building activities, worship or Sacred Gathering planning
10:40 Option time – swimming, boating, crafts, music, nature education, games in the lodge
12:00 Lunch – followed by singing & camp store open
1:00 Bunk Time – rest period in bed for reading or writing; Mail delivery
2:00 Interest groups – small group activities led by counselors or staff
3:00 Ice Cream time
3:20 Family Faith Group
4:30 Option time – swimming boating, crafts, music, nature education, games in the lodge
6:00 Dinner
7:00 Vespers or Sacred Gathering
7:20 Evening Program
8:45 Snack
9:00 Bedtime – younger campers
Older Campers
9:00 Boardwalk Time – time for socialization on the boardwalk
9:30 In cabins
10:00 Lights out