Company Profile
Camp Fernwood
Company Overview
Camp Fernwood – Poland, Maine
Empowering Girls Since 1921
Camp Fernwood, located in the serene town of Poland, Maine, has been a beloved destination for young girls since its founding in 1921. Over its century-long history, Camp Fernwood has cultivated a tradition of excellence, providing a safe, supportive environment where campers can grow, learn, and develop lifelong friendships. With its stunning natural setting on the shores of the picturesque Lake Thompson, Fernwood offers a premier overnight camp experience that fosters personal growth, confidence, and a strong sense of community.
A Rich History of Tradition and Empowerment
As one of Maine's oldest and most respected girls' camps, Camp Fernwood has been empowering generations of girls through its unique programming and dedication to building self-esteem, leadership, and resilience. What began in 1921 as a small camp dedicated to helping young girls reconnect with nature has grown into a thriving, dynamic community that continues to uphold its founding values of respect, kindness, and personal growth.
Through the years, Camp Fernwood has maintained a strong reputation for offering a transformative experience that goes beyond just fun activities. It is a place where girls can develop skills, take on leadership roles, and forge meaningful connections. The camp’s century-long legacy is a testament to the positive impact it has had on the lives of thousands of girls and their families.
A Beautiful Setting on Lake Thompson
The camp’s idyllic location on the shores of Lake Thompson, one of Maine's most serene and scenic lakes, provides the perfect backdrop for a summer of adventure and personal growth. With acres of wooded land surrounding the lake, the camp offers a peaceful and natural environment where campers can enjoy a wide variety of water and land activities, all while connecting with nature. Whether it’s a leisurely canoe ride on the calm waters of Lake Thompson, a swim at the waterfront, or a hike through the surrounding forests, the setting of Camp Fernwood enhances the overall experience, offering both tranquility and adventure in equal measure.
Comprehensive Programming for Every Interest
Camp Fernwood is known for its diverse and engaging programming, which encourages girls to explore new activities, challenge themselves, and develop a wide range of skills. The camp offers a broad selection of activities to suit different interests, with something for everyone:
Waterfront Activities: Campers have direct access to Lake Thompson, where they can enjoy swimming, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The lakefront is a focal point for many campers, offering both fun and a sense of accomplishment as they hone their water-based skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Outdoor Adventure: The camp’s wooded surroundings provide a perfect setting for hiking, nature exploration, and outdoor camping. Programs such as rock climbing, ropes courses, and wilderness survival foster teamwork, leadership, and self-reliance, while encouraging campers to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new challenges.
Sports & Athletics: A wide variety of sports are offered, including basketball, tennis, volleyball, soccer, and archery. Camp Fernwood places a strong emphasis on developing teamwork, sportsmanship, and self-confidence through physical activity, catering to both competitive athletes and those simply looking to have fun.
Creative Arts: Campers can explore their creative side through arts and crafts, music, theater, dance, and more. The camp’s art programs encourage self-expression and imagination, helping girls build their confidence and develop new talents.
Specialized Electives: From horseback riding to circus arts, Fernwood provides a variety of elective classes that allow campers to tailor their experience based on their personal interests. These activities promote skill-building in a fun and supportive setting.
Fostering Leadership and Personal Growth
A hallmark of Camp Fernwood is its focus on developing leadership skills and fostering personal growth. The camp follows a progressive leadership structure that empowers older campers to take on greater responsibilities, serve as role models, and support younger campers. These leadership opportunities—such as Junior Counselor roles and specialized leadership training programs—help campers develop confidence, responsibility, and valuable life skills that extend far beyond their time at camp.
The camp's emphasis on independence, resilience, and community-building creates an environment where girls can step up, take risks, and build self-esteem. These formative experiences help shape campers into strong, compassionate young women who are ready to face the challenges of the future with confidence and a sense of purpose.
A Supportive and Caring Community
At the heart of Camp Fernwood is its vibrant and inclusive community. The camp's dedicated staff members are committed to providing a nurturing, safe, and supportive environment where every camper feels valued. Many staff members are former campers themselves, bringing a deep understanding of the camp's culture and traditions. The camp maintains a low staff-to-camper ratio to ensure that each child receives individualized attention, guidance, and care.
Camp Fernwood is more than just a place for activities—it's a place where friendships are formed, self-confidence is built, and girls are celebrated for who they are. The close-knit community fosters lasting relationships, with many campers returning year after year to reconnect with friends and mentors who have become like family.
Safety and Well-being
Camp Fernwood prioritizes the safety and well-being of every camper. The camp follows stringent safety protocols in all aspects of its programming, from certified lifeguards at the waterfront to well-trained counselors who are equipped to handle any situation. With a commitment to emotional, physical, and mental well-being, the camp creates a secure and supportive space where girls can thrive, take risks, and build resilience.
Accommodations and Facilities
The camp offers comfortable, rustic cabin accommodations that are designed to promote community and foster a sense of camaraderie. Cabins are nestled in the woods, providing a peaceful retreat while still allowing campers to be close to all of the camp's activities. The camp’s main dining hall serves healthy, balanced meals, ensuring that campers are energized and well-nourished for their daily activities. Fernwood also boasts modern facilities, including arts and crafts studios, a sports field, and a beautiful waterfront area, all of which contribute to an enriching and well-rounded camp experience.
Company History
In 1921, Dr. and Mrs. Julius Bluhm founded Camp Fernwood in an effort to create a growth experience for girls in the out of doors, and away from the bustle and stress of everyday life in the outside world. As a schoolteacher in New York, Dr. Bluhm realized the need, even in the 1920’s, for girls to have a growth and learning experience outside of school.
He was particularly interested in the Ethical Culture movement that focused on the development of good moral character, social responsibility, the acceptance and inclusion of people from differing cultural and religious backgrounds, and core important core values of integrity, honesty, responsibility, and commitment. These early founding principles have remained at the forefront of Camp Fernwood’s philosophy since its founding.
In 1946, following the tenure of Dr. and Mrs. Bluhm as Fernwood’s founders, their only daughter Maxine (Macky) King, who had grown up at camp from the age of 6, continued in their footsteps as director.
The Fernwood of today is a direct reflection of Macky’s leadership as director.
She was quick to say that she just perpetuated her father’s dream, yet as history has proven, her father’s dream was also her lifelong passion. Her impact as Fernwood’s director for 60 years is immeasurable, and the impact she had on those of us who were lucky enough to know her is invaluable.
In her life, Macky lived the Fernwood ideals that she taught to so many girls:
• She lived simply
• She enjoyed her natural surroundings
• She was tolerant and unselfish
• She spent a lifetime developing thousands of loving and lifelong friends
In 1989, Macky invited Fritz Seving to join Fernwood’s leadership team with her daughter-in-law Claire King. Coming with a lifetime of experience in the resident camping industry and a B.S. in childhood education, he assisted her in guiding camp through the 1990’s. After entrusting the future of camp to the Seving family in 2003, Macky King passed away four years later at the age of 91, and while her presence at camp is missed every day, we celebrate her life by continuing to carry on the traditions she held so dearly.
In 2018, with the continuity of over 100 years of Fernwood tradition in mind, the next chapter in Fernwood’s rich history began with the sale of Fernwood and transfer of ownership from Fritz and Christine Seving to Ellyn Black. All three continued leading camp together in their roles as Directors through the 2023 summer season. Now retired from their active roles as Directors, Fritz and Christine have accepted the new roles of Directors Emeriti – cheering from the sidelines and offering their support.
Ellyn Weinstein Black – Director
Beginning at Fernwood as a 3rd grader, Ellyn Black has spent almost every summer of her life at Fernwood. After 7 years as a camper, she became a staff member in 1997 and held various positions ranging from activity instructor to Program Director until becoming a Director of camp in 2001.
Ellyn was a collegiate athlete at the University of Rochester and later earned a master’s degree in general and special Education at Bank Street College of Education. Now the mother of 3 children, Ellyn brings a homegrown perspective to her job having grown up in the bunks as a Fernwood girl herself.
Benefits
Benefits include:
1) Working Environment: Dynamic, supportive, and vibrant. Nestled in a beautiful natural setting, the camp fosters a sense of community among staff and campers alike. You'll work alongside a diverse team of passionate individuals from around the world, all dedicated to creating memorable experiences for our campers.
2) Medical Assistance: Free 24-hour onsite healthcare.
3) Competitive Salary: A competitive salary and workers compensation.
4) Room and Board: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner buffet style included refreshments and snacks throughout the day. Accommodation is included.
5) Travel Stipend: Provided
6) Services Included: Laundry, Free Wi-Fi, Transportation to and from Portland Airport and Bus Station.
7) Internship and College Credit(s): Available.
8) Positive Work Environment: A supportive and collaborative camp community. Excellent time off with available transportation to help you and your new friends explore the beautiful state of Maine. Access to all activities the camp offers during your free time.
9) International Staff: Visa Sponsorship for the summer.
10) Opportunity for Growth: Professional development opportunities and the chance to make a lasting impact on campers’ lives.
Excellent opportunities at Camp Fernwood!