We have plenty of Special Events and activities to thrill every camper. From traditional activities that began in 1911 or ones that got their start much later, there is always something to bring laughs and cheers to everyone. Some are team events, some are for each individual to try and some are just for the fun of it.
Age Group Night Out
Inter II’s, I’s and Seniors have an age group night out, where they go out for dinner and a movie or a Sea Dogs Baseball game. It is a special night to spend time together.
AJ-Inter I’s Kickball
Younger and older campers interact on the kickball field to strengthen bonds of friendship. There is lots of fun and laughter during this popular activity.
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Art Show
Campers have the opportunity to show their art to the entire camp. The show displays projects such as drawings, jewelry, paintings, photography, pottery and candles, and presents films campers have produced during the summer.
Brother-Sister Day
Brothers and cousins from nearby camps have lunch and visit with their sisters and cousins for the afternoon. It’s a great way to keep in touch with family.
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Dance Show
Girls who want to show what they have learned in dance class can perform in front of the camp in the all-age Dance Show. Individual and group dances include ballet, jazz, modern and hip hop.
Friday Evening Services
A time of quiet reflection. Campers sit with their friends, nestled into the hill overlooking the lake. Non-denominational services are led by the oldest campers, who reflect on the time that they have spent at Tripp Lake. Each week a staff member discusses a topic related to camp and a different age group has the opportunity to sing some of our favorite songs such as the “Rainbow Connection” and “Possibilities.”
Gymnastics Show
If Gymnastics is your thing, you can choose to perform in the camp Gymnastics Show. Present your skills in floor exercises, balance beam, vault or the Tumble Trac.
Jocko’s Jamboree
The Juniors, AJs and Subs are treated to an afternoon full of fun and surprises. A theme party with lots of games and relay races to entertain younger campers and to keep the laughs going long after the day is finished.
Jr-Sr Bingo
A special evening activity where the Juniors invite the Seniors to a game of Bingo, played in their pajamas. A fun activity where the youngest and the oldest campers work together as a team and create lasting friendships.
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Junior Special Trip Day
For the Juniors only. It’s a very Special Trip Day. While the older campers are on Long Trips, the Juniors have a surprise trip in camp. They never know where they might go or when the trip might happen. They could be off to Candyland, Treasure Island, Wonderland or to Hawaii for the afternoon!
KP
KP, Kitchen Permission, is an evening snack of cinnamon toast for the Juniors, AJs, Subs and 1AB. It is assigned by bunk and enjoyed by all.
Little Team Swim Meet
While the older campers are on Long Trips, the younger campers have lots of fun of their own, including the Little Team swim meet. Events include some fun and serious races to thrill all who participate. Pie throwing finishes the wonderful day at the beach!
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OC-NOC
OC-NOC, “Old Counselor-New Old Counselor,” is the staff talent show. The show is part of our 4th of July celebration.
OG-NOG
OG-NOG, “Old Girls-New Old Girls,” is our camper talent show. As a new camper you become part of the Tripp Lake Family as soon as you arrive.
Olympia
The Olympia is TLC’s pontoon boat, named for Olympia Baffino, the camp’s former long-time office manager. Each bunk goes on an evening cruise on the lake and will have a delicious snack.
PJ Breakfast
PJ Breakfasts are a surprise until the night before! It is a sleep-late-morning where you eat breakfast in your pajamas instead of your camp uniform. We have a fun selection of foods complete with Dunkin Donuts, bagels and hot chocolate.
Return of the Shield
This event occurs on the second night of camp, completing the circle from last summer to this summer. The shield of the winning Big Team from the previous summer is returned to camp (having been with the winning team’s captain all winter). The Seniors give brief explanations of all important events that occur during the summer. It’s a fun and informative evening! The five traditional songs are sung at the conclusion of the evening.
Senior Serving
“Shhhh! Senior Serving is a secret.” The Inter I’s surprise the Seniors with breakfast in bed as a thank you for all they do as leaders of Tripp Lake Camp.
Shield Night
This event takes place on the last evening of camp. Each department presents age group awards for their activity. The night culminates with the presentation of that year’s shield to the winning Big Team. The five traditional songs are sung around the flagpole at the conclusion of the night.
Sing Song
Sing-Song is a very special, beautiful and traditional event. Each Big Team presents five songs with all campers participating. The presentation and musicality are judged by a panel. The winner is announced at the end of the evening.
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Special Day
This is one of the many secret surprises that happen at camp. Special Day is Tripp Lake’s whirlwind carnival. Taking place after rest hour, camp is transformed into a carnival. Staff and campers are divided into different teams based on a theme such as Disney, Cartoons, Circus, Fairy Tales or Children’s Movies. Counselor team leaders dress up in costumes to represent their team and also run carnival activities. There are nachos, cotton candy, popcorn and snow-cones! The winning Special Day team gets an ice cream smorgasbord (luckily, not on the same day).
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Swim Across the Lake
When campers meet certain swim qualifications they can choose to participate in Swim Across the Lake. Supervised by our waterfront staff, campers get up early when all is quiet and the lake looks like a sheet of glass. They take the challenge to swim across Tripp Lake, embracing the beauty of Maine.
Team Feast
Team Feast is the most secret event of the summer. The Big Teams have a celebration to honor the captains of each team. Team Feast is organized by the oldest campers and everyone participates in the event.
The Five Traditional Songs
After special events, everyone gathers around the flagpole and sings the five traditional songs holding hands with their arms crossed right over left.
Whacked-Up Relay
This is a crazy relay race at the end of the summer that celebrates the Little Teams and all they have accomplished during the summer.
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Wish Night
A TLC tradition presented by the Inter II’s! A wonderful evening where campers share their special hopes, dreams and wishes for Tripp Lake Camp. Our oldest campers light a candle and float it in the lake by moonlight. It is a truly beautiful evening of sharing, with memories to last a lifetime.
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