At Ketcha Outdoors, we believe that everyone deserves the chance to explore, play, and grow in the natural world. For more than 60 years, our programs have been rooted in a simple but powerful idea: access to the outdoors changes lives. The outdoors is more than a backdrop; it’s a teacher, a healer, and a… Read more…
Ketcha Outdoors Blog
Packing Like a Pro: A Guide to Summer Camp Gear for Maine Parents
As a mom of a 5 and 8-year-old, I know that getting out the door for camp can feel like Mission Impossible. After a few seasons of sending the kids to outdoor camps in Maine summer weather, I’ve learned that the secret to a great day at camp is staying cool, hydrated, and sun-safe. Here… Read more…
Chickadee Camp Packing List: What Parents Need to Know
The Chickadee summer camp program runs each summer out of Ketcha’s Ice House. We like to think of this program as an intro to summer camp for our youngest learners, ages 3-4. Chickadee campers participate in one traditional camp program area (e.g. Swimming, Low Ropes, Farm & Garden, etc.) each day and spend the rest… Read more…
Scaffolding Literacy Through Snow Play: February Deep Dive with Kailina Mills, EdD
Winter at Farm & Forest Preschool doesn’t slow learning down—it opens the door to entirely new ways of exploring, wondering, and growing. In our February Deep Dive, Kailina Mills, EdD, Farm & Forest School Director, walks families through how intentional, scaffolded play in the snow is supporting one of our most important early learning goals:… Read more…
Everyone belongs here.
Ketcha Outdoors and the Portland Gear Hub serve our community. Our mission and belief is that every individual deserves safe, equitable access to the outdoors. Currently, Maine’s immigrant community does not have that access, as many are unable to leave their homes. We respect and uphold the dignity, safety, and basic rights of every person. We are all… Read more…
2026 Camp Ketcha Virtual Orientation
🎥 Catch the Camp Ketcha Spirit: Mike Vincent’s Virtual Orientation Recording Is Live! Last week, Camp Ketcha families and future campers came together online for an energetic and heartfelt Virtual Orientation led by our very own Michael Vincent, and if you missed it, we’ve got great news. The full orientation recording is now available to… Read more…
What’s New for Summer Camp 2026
We are excited to announce some new projects that we have been working on to improve upon our great summer camp experience: “Forest Workshop” Program Area: Based on Scandinavian-style forest school programs, campers will have the opportunity to be creative and inspired in the Ketcha Woods! Under the guidance of our experienced staff, participants will use simple hand tools, lumber, and natural… Read more…
Deep Dive: Learning Through Play—Charades in Action
In this week’s Deep Dive video, Farm & Forest School Director Kailina Mills, EdD, takes us inside the classroom as students play a lively game of Charades—part of their preparation for an upcoming class play performance at the end of the month. What looks like simple fun is actually rich, intentional learning in action. As… Read more…
Brown Family Community Award Established
On November 22nd, we marked a milestone that still feels surreal: the one-year anniversary of purchasing the Portland Gear Hub building, our forever home. More than 50 people gathered with us to celebrate, filling the space with the same energy, generosity, and community spirit that made this moment possible in the first place. It was… Read more…
Farm & Forest Preschool – Deep Dive – Rolling Pumpkins
At Farm & Forest School, learning often begins with the simplest moments. This week, School Director Kailina Mills, EdD, shares how a spontaneous game of rolling pumpkins down a hill turned into a rich, child-led learning experience. What looked like joyful play was also an opportunity for early scientists to explore cause and effect, test… Read more…
Brady’s Ketcha Story – Confidence That Lasts a Lifetime
When Brady first came to Ketcha Outdoors as a camper, he discovered more than just a summer program. Camp gave him the space to explore, try new things, and build lasting friendships. Those summers outdoors helped him grow in confidence and showed him the value of teamwork and responsibility. Lessons that would stay with him… Read more…
Building Fine Motor Skills with Fall’s Natural Materials
In this week’s Deep Dive, Farm & Forest School Director Kailina Mills explores how children develop fine motor skills, the small muscle movements in the fingers, hands, and wrists that are essential for writing, self-help tasks, and everyday independence. At Ketcha Outdoors, these skills are built naturally through play and exploration using seasonal materials. Students… Read more…
