Learn More About Our Summer Theater Camp for Kids

If you are considering sending your child to our summer theater camp, be sure to check out some of our frequently asked questions. These questions will give you a better idea of what life is like at our Ghostlight Theater Camp. While we have plenty of acting, music, and performing, we prioritize the safety of the children in our care. From dietary concerns to any medical conditions your child may have, parental communication, and other concerns, we take everything into account. 

If you have any additional questions that we did not cover on this page, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We are happy to make sure all of your questions get answered. When your camper is at Ghostlight, we want them to have the best experience possible and you, their parent, to have all the information they need. Contact us today and learn more about the amazing experience your child can have. 

General

Where are you located?
You can find Ghostlight Theater Camp in Oakland, ME. We are a three-hour drive north from Boston, MA and a 1.5-hour drive from Portland, ME.
What are your dates and rates?
We run 3- and 6-week sessions, as well as a 10-day program for Emerging Artists. For Summer 2025, Session 1 runs June 28 - July 20, and Session 2 runs July 21 - August 10.
What age camper do you accept?
Campers at Ghostlight Theater Camp range in age from 9 to 17. Our youngest campers (9-11) have the option of taking part in our Emerging Artists Program, which is a shorter, 10-day program that introduces these young campers to their first away-from-home sleepover camping experience. Our 3- and 6-week sessions are open to all ages, 9-17.
Where do campers typically come from? How do they get to camp?
Most of our campers come from various parts of New England, as well as New York and New Jersey, but we have had campers and staff come from all over the world. Most families drive their campers to our location in Oakland, ME, but we can also make arrangements for transportation from Portland International Jetport. Many have also bussed to camp together with other campers. Details about transportation will be included in the handbook that you will receive prior to camp.
How many people are in each cabin?
We make room in our cabins for up to 10 campers and three staff members. We maintain a counselor to camper ratio of 1:4 in most cabins and an overall staff to camper ration of 1:2.
How are campers divided into cabins?

Campers are grouped according to their age range for cabin placement. Campers can elect to live in a cabin that affirms their gender identity.

We offer the following cabin options: 

  • Cabins for girls, regardless of sex assigned at birth, non-binary campers who feel safe in this space, and Trans* boys who feel safer in this space or who are signed up for this space by their caregiver. 
  • Cabins for boys, regardless of sex assigned at birth, non-binary campers who feel safe in this space, and Trans* girls who feel safer in this space or who are signed up for this space by their caregiver. 
  • Gender-inclusive cabins for any and all who feel comfortable in this space, including allies of Trans* campers.
What is the food like?
Meals are a special time where we all come together from our various corners of camp and slow down to commune with each other. Coming from classes, rehearsals, and pool time means it is important that the quality, healthfulness, and variety of food we serve supports the growth of our campers in their time at camp.

All meals include a rotating main course along with a breakfast or salad bar, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. We accommodate all allergens and are 100% nut-free. The dining pavilion is open throughout the day for cold juice and fresh fruit snacks for that mid-rehearsal boost.

Dessert at camp is a real treat and often highlights ingredients of local farmers (we try to source our meals as locally as possible to reduce our carbon footprint.)

Health & Safety

My child takes medication. How is medicine administered at camp?
We work with CampMeds to fill regular prescriptions. The prescription can include all the necessary doses depending on your child’s session length. If your camper will be traveling with an inhaler, EpiPen, or other medication or device that CampMeds is unable to send, please note this on their medical form. Our nurses will assist with these needed items and can administer all medications on site.
What happens if my camper gets sick?
Ghostlight Theater Camp will always make sure your camper gets the appropriate medical attention they need. Families will be kept in the loop and contacted whenever your camper needs to spend a night in our health center or make a visit to the ER or a doctor. We know this can be a very helpless feeling for families, and we will keep you informed every step of the way, guaranteed.
Where is the nearest hospital?
There are two major hospitals, both located less than 15 minutes from camp in Waterville. We are also located close to an urgent care facility that is open daily.
What measures are in place to protect against ticks?
We follow a detailed prevention plan that is designed to address ticks, mosquitoes, and poison ivy. We work directly with a third party, certified in tick control, that comes to camp for short- and long-term tick prevention solutions.
What measures are in place to protect against lice?
We understand that lice is a problem that just happens from time to time. We want to make sure that our campers feel no shame or embarrassment from having lice or any other medical issue while with us. With that said, we go to great lengths to ensure that our campers are free of lice. When our campers arrive, they will be given a medical and lice check before checking into their cabins for the first time. These checks are conducted by our registered nurses.

Communication at Camp

Can I speak with my camper during their session?
Camp is an investment in your camper’s growth and a wonderful opportunity for them to disconnect from their usual routine and settle into a different kind of rhythm. We encourage communication via letters to and from home while your camper is at camp. Consistent with recommendations from leaders in the camping industry, we discourage phone calls to campers. Allowing your camper to be fully invested in and enjoy their experience at Ghostlight without the distraction of phone calls from home is also a great way to foster independence! Camp directors are available to speak with you as often as you need. Should you need to speak with your camper, please reach out to Lesley or Chris to discuss.
How can I speak to a director?
Camp directors are available to speak any time all year round. In addition, you can reach us in the office via email during the summer. We’d also be happy to chat via FaceTime and Skype. As part of our constant communication with families, we will send a daily email recapping everything from the day before along with what’s in store for the day ahead. You can also check out our portal for blog posts and photos of camp every day!
Are campers allowed to have phones?
No; we are a device-free camp. That means we don’t allow campers to have any devices with cellular or Wi-Fi capabilities on them during camp. If such devices are brought or sent to camp, they will be kept in a safe and secure place until departure day. Campers are allowed to bring a digital or disposable camera for photos, as well as devices that music can be loaded onto for listening on your camper’s time away.