Maine's Camp Arcadia Keeps it in Darien Family

Darien resident Louise Fritts Johnson knows a thing or two about summer camp; specifically, sleep away camp. She is the director and owner of Camp Arcadia in Casco, Maine. This camp for girls has had the unique distinction of having been in her family for 98 years.

The camp, on aptly named Pleasant Lake, offers girls ages 7 to 17 23 different activities. These range from swimming, canoeing, camp craft (which encompasses camping skills such as pitching a tent and cooking) to arts and crafts, dance, tennis, sailing and more in between.

The history of the camp goes back to Johnson's great-grandfather, Dr. George L. Meylan. Dr. Meylan, a doctor at Columbia University in New York, was associated with people who ran the YMCA camps, where it was emphasized that children should spend time outdoors for optimal development. As luck would have it, a piece of land that was owned by a family in Bridgeport became available for sale in Maine. Children would spend the summer here, and Johnson's grandmother, Juliette Meylan Henderson, would stay on the property during the summer to help supervise the kids. "My great-grandfather then took the opportunity to buy the land," said Johnson via a telephone interview. The property would become Camp Arcadia. Her grandmother was an early proponent of outdoor camping for children, especially girls, according to Johnson.

"She developed the basis of the camp's program," said Johnson. "My grandmother believed that confidence in large part came from learning how to live in the outdoors." Johnson's mother and aunt, Anne Henderson Fritts and Louise Henderson, respectively, have been involved with the camp for 40 years and go up each summer to help supervise. Johnson has been involved for 14 years.

Camp Arcadia has had its share of Darien attendees. However, Johnson points out that the camp is geographically diverse where its campers are concerned, having represented 12 different states and six countries last year. The program lasts from June 22 to August 8, and Camp Arcadia hosts roughly 350 campers. It also offers four and two week programs. Johnson said that it has a 98 percent return rate, and the mom of three's two daughters will be attending this year.

Campers revel in the experience. "Kids get a strong sense of themselves there," said Johnson. "They learn new skills, and most important, they form friendships, bonds, and feel accepted and cared for."

For more information on Camp Arcadia, visit www.camparcadia.com or call 207-627-4605.