2026 Kids’ Vacation Camp
February 16-19, 2026
What is Vacation Camp?
Vacation Camp began in 2021 and is a program by the community for the community. We wanted to create a safe and enjoyable place for students to go during school break. We also recognize that in order to be active and engaged citizens, which is a key element in revitalizing the Katahdin region, youth need to feel connected to their community so many of our lessons involve going into town, meeting community members, and getting to know resources and businesses available to them. And of course, the Katahdin region is home to some of the most spectacular natural resources, so connecting youth to nature, helping them build empathy for the natural world, and taking pride in where they live is a very important part of the programs. Vacation Camp was originally started by Katahdin Learning Project (part of Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters), but is now run by a core team of the Katahdin Region Outdoor Collective (KROC). However, Vacation Camp involves so many more people and organizations- whether they’re donating resources and food to keep the program free or volunteering to helping to run a lesson or prepare lunch- we couldn’t do it without the community lending a hand.
Vacation Camp | February 16-19
Vacation Camp is back this February 16-19th for students in grades 2nd-5th! Spend your break from school getting outside, exploring and learning about what makes the Katahdin region so special! Past activities have included everything from cross-country skiing to animal tracking to nature art and more. Vacation Camp is a safe, inclusive program for students of all abilities and experience levels, with a supportive environment where kids can try new things, build confidence, and make friends.
Each day features a different theme, so families can sign up for one, two, three, or all four days. Vacation Camp is based out of the Millinocket Memorial Library but will be located at Stearns High School on Tuesday for a special day. Vacation Camp is free, but registration is required and space is limited. Register Here!
Monday, February 16 – Nature Art
Time to channel your inner artist! Children will participate in a variety of craft and art activities both indoors and outdoors. Kids will also be given the opportunity to give back to their community through art.
Tuesday, February 17 – Winter Sports
Outdoor recreation is abundant in the Katahdin Region, and today we’ll find out what makes this area such a fun backyard to play in. Let’s gear up to get out!
Wednesday, February 18 – Winter Weather
Have you ever wondered how or why we have snow? We’ll learn all about snow with fun games and hands on lessons, as well as how to stay safe during our cold Maine winters!
Thursday, February 19 – Wild, Wild, Wildlife
What animals do we share our space with in the wintertime? How do they survive the cold nights? We’ll learn all this and more for our Winter Wildlife day!
Registration
Registration is free but space is limited so registration is required! Those of us that are a part of the Katahdin Region Outdoor Collaborative team believe that youth access to the outdoors and their community is a priority. You will notice on the registration that there is a place to mark if you want to be waitlisted for any particular day if it happens to be full.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email Elise (elise@friendsofkww.org) or Baileigh (baileigh@outdoorsi.org)
Photos from 2024 April Vacation Camp
