A new partnership between Piper Shoes, Ketcha Outdoors, and the Center for Grieving Children will allow 30 kids to attend summer camp for free. Ketcha Outdoors is a year-round nonprofit organization in Scarborough that offers outdoor programs on a 107-acre campus for ages 3-15. Children ages 4-13 who are enrolled in programs at the Center… Read more…
Ketcha Outdoors Blog
School of the Year – Maine Environmental Education Association
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… Read more…
Where Camp Memories Begin: A Day in the Life at Camp Ketcha
At Camp Ketcha, each day is thoughtfully structured to help campers feel comfortable, engaged, and part of a community. While each week brings new themes and special activities such as Carnival Week or the Color Parade, the overall flow of the day stays consistent. That consistency helps campers settle in, feel confident, and enjoy their experience. … Read more…
Choosing a Summer Camp Near You: How Ketcha Helps Kids Feel Safe and Supported
At Camp Ketcha, we think a lot about what it feels like to be a kid arriving at camp for the first time—or even just starting a new day with new expectations. Comfort isn’t something that happens by accident here. It’s something we build into the rhythm of each day through structure, relationships, and shared values. One of the ways… Read more…
Exploring a Spring Stream: How Outdoor Learning Builds Academic & Cognitive Skills in Preschool
This spring, the stream became a living classroom for our students—full of movement, questions, and discovery. In this post, Kailina shares a glimpse into that exploration through videos captured in real time, highlighting how curiosity leads the way. As children investigate the flow of water, observe wildlife, and test their ideas, our teachers thoughtfully weave… Read more…
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…
