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Ketcha Outdoors

Ketcha Outdoors

Summer Camps | Pre-K | Preschool | After School | Event Rental | Wedding Venue | Scarborough, Maine

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Bike Barn Bonanza Part 2 Join us this Saturday (May 16th) at the barn behind @ketchaoutdoors for Part 2 of the BIKE BARN BONANZA. About 300 bikes that we fixed up over winter will be coming out of storage to find new homes. All bikes will be 10% off. Some as-is project bikes will be available too.

📅 Saturday, May 16, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

📍 The Ketcha Barn (behind Ketcha Outdoors)
336 Black Point Rd.
Scarborough, ME

Ketcha Outdoors is a year-round charitable non-profit organization serving the southern Maine community with programs in youth development, family enrichment, and summer day camping. We strive to get children, youth, and families outdoors on our 107 acres of meadows, forests, streams, and wetlands to appreciate what nature has to offer.

  • Summer Day Camps
  • School Year Programs
  • Farm and Forest School
  • Portland Gear Hub

Hiring Program Staff POV: your summer job is super fun 🌞🌲

Do you want to get paid to be outside instead of stuck inside all summer?

Spend your days hiking forest trails, swimming, playing sports, making art, hanging with farm animals, and making kids’ summers unforgettable. Must be 18 years of age or older.

✨ Paid training
✨ Real-world skills + certifications
✨ Meaningful work
Apply Here

A 4 year old camper, told me from day one “No one wants to be my friend” then to see her leave camp with lots of confidence in herself socially, and plenty of friends to say goodbye to. It was great to see!
–Ketcha Counselor

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Summer Camp 2026
We’re so excited to welcome you back to camp—registration opens January 22, 2026, at 7:30 AM, and we can’t wait to share another season of outdoor adventures with you! 🌲✨

 
Register Here

I’ve seen such great progress in my son. He learned practical skills that have helped him cope with real life situations and watching him conquer his fears has been such a blessing.
–Parent

ketchaoutdoors

We provide equitable access to outdoor experiences and gear, promoting well-being, sustainability, and resilient communities.

SCHOOL OF THE YEAR: Last week, our Farm and Forest SCHOOL OF THE YEAR: Last week, our Farm and Forest Preschool Team had the incredible honor of accepting the School of the Year award from the Maine Environmental Education Association on behalf of our Farm & Forest Preschool 🌿

In just two years, we’ve introduced the Reggio Emilia approach, reached 100% student retention, doubled our program size, and expanded outdoor learning to over 1,100 hours a year.

In 2025 alone, 49 children spent their days hiking (600+ miles!), caring for animals, swimming, gardening, and exploring everything from fungi to the water cycle, learning through curiosity, play, and connection to nature.

This work is only possible because of our amazing educators who turn children’s questions into deep, meaningful learning experiences.

We’re especially proud to be the first preschool to receive this award. It’s proof that starting early matters. When we nurture a love for the outdoors in young children, we’re shaping future stewards of our world.

Grateful for our team, our families, and this entire nature-based education community. This is a celebration for all of us 💚
With extra availability the week of June 15th, now With extra availability the week of June 15th, now’s a great time to jump in. 

Whether your camper loves exploring the woods, trying new activities, or just being part of something fun and welcoming, there’s a place for them here.

We offer programs for all ages and interests, plus before & after care options for working families. Financial aid is also available—because camp should be for everyone.

Come see why so many Maine families choose Ketcha year after year. 

Email: registration@ketchaoutdoors.org
🚲 Another Chance to Ride! 🚲 Missed the last one? 🚲 Another Chance to Ride! 🚲

Missed the last one? We’ve got you covered. Join us May 16th (11-2) to find your next set of wheels from the 300+ bikes the @portlandgearhub Gear Hub refurbished over winter.

✨ All bikes + accessories are 10% off
✨ Options for all ages + abilities
✨ Ride away ready for the season

Bonus: Used canoes $50.00
Woot woot — the dream team is BACK 🙌☀️ Vinny, Mad Woot woot — the dream team is BACK 🙌☀️

Vinny, Maddi, and Addison are returning as Summer Camp Counselors, and we couldn’t be more excited to have their energy, creativity, and care leading the way this season.

These three bring the magic every single day — from big adventures in the woods to the small moments that make camp feel like home 💛

Stay tuned as we share a little more about other counselors… your campers are in very good hands.

#CampKetcha #SummerCampMagic #MeetTheTeam #WootWoot #campisforeveryone
Where afternoons turn into adventures 🌲 At Ketcha Where afternoons turn into adventures 🌲

At Ketcha Outdoors in Scarborough, our After School Explorers program gives kids the space to move, play, and discover—outside.

🌿 Daily nature time
🤝 Meaningful friendships
🍂 Hands-on exploration

📅 Now enrolling for 2026–2027
Spots are limited—register today. Link in Bio.
NEW BLOG POST: Where Camp Memories Begin 🌲☀️ Ever NEW BLOG POST: Where Camp Memories Begin 🌲☀️

Ever wonder what a day at Camp Ketcha feels like? 

It starts with excited arrivals and friendly faces, builds into mornings full of exploration, creativity, and connection, and rolls into afternoons spent on the trails, by the water, and in the heart of nature.

Along the way, campers are building confidence, trying new things, and making friendships that last far beyond summer.

Link in Bio!

By the time it’s pick-up, they’re tired in the best way—already asking what tomorrow will bring.

#CampKetcha #DayAtCamp #SummerCampMagic #OutdoorChildhood #NaturePlay #CampMemories
BIG BIKE SALE! Over 300 bikes are primed and ready BIG BIKE SALE! Over 300 bikes are primed and ready for you! All bikes and accessories 10% off! This Saturday May 2, 9-3 pm. Ketcha Barn behind the main building on Spurwink Road! Kids, Road and Cruiser Bikes!
NEW BLOG POST At Camp Ketcha, comfort doesn’t jus NEW BLOG POST

At Camp Ketcha, comfort doesn’t just happen—it’s something we build into every day.

Our 3 C’s help guide that experience:
🌱 Care for Yourself
🤝 Care for Each Other
🌲 Care for Ketcha

Simple, clear, and meaningful—these values help campers take care of themselves, support one another, and respect the space we all share.

Over time, they become second nature—and that’s when real confidence and connection start to grow. 💚

See Bio for Link!
Join us at the Ketcha Barn for a full day outdoors Join us at the Ketcha Barn for a full day outdoors—fresh air, community, and that unmistakable spring energy you won’t want to miss. 🌱

📅 Saturday, May 2, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
🌧 Rain Date: Saturday, May 9

📍 The Ketcha Barn (behind Ketcha Outdoors)
336 Black Point Rd., Scarborough, ME
NEW BLOG POSTED: What happens when you give kids a NEW BLOG POSTED: What happens when you give kids a stream and space to explore? 💧

You get questions.
You get problem-solving.
You get real learning in action.

This spring, our students turned the stream into their classroom, testing ideas, observing wildlife, and following their curiosity wherever it led.

Along the way, our teachers weave in critical thinking, language, and academic skills in ways that feel natural (and fun).

This is what learning looks like when curiosity leads. 🌱

See our bio for the link.

#OutdoorLearning #NatureBasedEducation #ForestSchool #LearningThroughPlay #MaineKids #CampKetcha #ExploreMore
NEW BLOG POST: Packing Like a Pro: A Guide to Summ NEW BLOG POST: Packing Like a Pro: A Guide to Summer Camp Gear for Maine Parents 

Getting out the door for camp can feel like Mission Impossible 😅 But after a few Maine summers, we've learned the key to a great day: keep kids cool, hydrated, and sun-safe.

Go-to formula:
💧 Pack TWO water bottles (one for lunch, one for the day)
☀️ Send sunscreen they can apply themselves + a hat they’ll actually wear
👕 Dress in light layers + always pack a dry change
👟 Closed-toe shoes for adventuring
🏊‍♀️ Keep swim gear simple with quick-dry towels + a wet bag
🍎 Overpack snacks (protein + easy-to-open wins every time)

And the real pro tip? Let your kid help pack, they’ll actually know where everything is 🙃

Some days won’t go perfectly—and that’s okay. You’re not alone in the camp morning chaos 💛

Link in Bio!
Nature’s beauty whispers to those who simply look. Nature’s beauty whispers to those who simply look. #powerofpositivity #naturalworld #powerofplay #farmandforest
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336 Black Point Rd
Scarborough, ME 04074
(207) 883-8977

EIN. 01-0211784

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155 Washington Ave.
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 761-7632

EIN. 01-0211784

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