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HIDDEN VALLEY CAMP
Freedom, Maine 04941
Peter & Meg Kassen - Directors

An International Children's
Community for 60 Years

Email:
summer@hiddenvalleycamp.com

Phone: 800-922-6737
From Overseas: 207-342-5177
Fax: 207-342-5685


Testimonials
> Philosophy

Hidden Valley Camp Philosophy


Lamb

"My child gained an immense amount of confidence and independence. This could not have happened unless the environment had been 'prepared' and structured for the children in such a way that they stretched but that they also succeed. This delicate balance is not so easy to find nowadays." - Hidden Valley Camp Parent

The success children experience in getting along with other children is the single best indicator of how they will fare as adults, according to recent research. We believe that summer camp - one that stresses the building of community and meaningful friendships - provides wonderful opportunities to help children develop their relationship-building skills.

"Hidden Valley holds a special place among camps. The directors and their staff have created a nurturing and creative environment that fosters independence and interdependence at the same time. The camp philosophy fosters creativity and participation in new activities while modelling and instilling strong values and —people skills' for their campers. My son has enjoyed every minute and benefited greatly from his time there." - Camp Parent

Hidden Valley puts children at the center of camp life!

Hidden Valley's roots are in the movement of progressive children's summer camp communities. Over the years, we have built on this history with a commitment to distinction and professionalism, and a deep sensitivity to individual needs and group life. We work closely with camp counselors to create a community in everything campers do: cabin life, summer outdoor activities, and all the "zany" programs that make resident camp so special. Click here to see how Green HVC is.

Hidden Valley is not traditional!

HVC has no rifles, uniforms, or color war. We attract spirited, creative campers who — for lack of a better term — are "nice kids," good natured, open-minded and willing to make new friends. Our non-competitive, non-sectarian community nurtures individual growth and independence for campers in a structured yet unpressured atmosphere. HVC is also Green! Click here to learn more.


Our days together are devoted to the following values:

  • acceptance, regardless of gender, race or background;
  • freedom to choose one's daily activities and to be who you really are;
  • responsibility to one's community and peers;
  • creativity in all dimensions of the child's daily experience
 Read about what some experts say about the enlivening supportive environment here. Hidden Valley is one of two coed camps featured in "Kids Who Think Outside the Box".

"This is what we loved so much about Hidden Valley, when you walk the premises it looks as though the kids have free reign and are clearly enjoying their independence. Of course, this is only possible because you are providing the safe boundaries behind the scene. We knew she was completely safe and well cared for."
-HVC Parent


Campers with councilors

"It is a mystery why adults expect perfection from children. Few grown-ups can get through a whole day without making a mistake." -Marcelene Cox


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HVC TV


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Philosophy Video


aca logoThe American Camp Association is the largest professional camping organization in the world. Through its inspection visits to camps, the ACA helps to make camping a safe, significant, and enriching experience for young people.

The ACA Accredited Camp Insignia is a recognized symbol of camps that are dedicated to quality. It says to those seeking a summer experience for their children, "This camp has been officially visited and has met our exceeded standards for health and safety, site and facilities, administration, and all of its camper programs."



 

 
A message from Peter and Meg...
Camp makes a difference in children's lives! It is our hope that the Hidden Valley community experience instills in young people a feeling of independence, enhanced self-awareness, and an even greater capacity to live happily and work constructively with others. In addition to enlivening instructional workshops and supportive staff, these goals are accomplished by providing a lively yet peaceful community atmosphere. And all this happens in the great Maine outdoors with ones friends! How cool is that!?!


We're Green!
HVC recycles, our pool is solar heated and we'll get a wind demonstration project going this summer. Read here for more information about HVC and the environment...
Learn More

girls"Administrating a school has shown me that this kind of atmosphere is set and maintained by the people in charge and I know how much the both of you must put your hearts and souls into this work. Your emphasis on personal ability and on being decent and caring - and on having fun! -helps make your camp a true model and a home-away-from-home." - HVC Parent




Hidden Valley Camp is an International Coed Summer Art Camp located in Maine