Time seems to stand still as the canoe glides through the cool, clear waters of Lake Androscoggin. Only the rythmic slap of paddles breaks the silence of the summer afternoon. The lake, five miles wide and six miles long, is encircled by a forest of fir, pine, maple and a dozen other species of trees that form the Maine wildernes. There, carved out of 125 acres along the shoreline of the lake, is Camp Androscoggin. founded in 1907, our camp is located in Wayne, 20 miles west of Augusta, the state capitol.

This is the spectacular setting at the heart of the unique and enduring Androscoggin Experience. But it takes much more than breathtaking maine Vistas to earn the loyalty of second, third and fourth generation campers - and the repeated ranking by respected national experts as arguably the traditional Maine camp for boys.

What's the secret of this commanding reputation? Place, of course, plus people, planning and program.

The Androscoggin People

Every summer, some 270 boys ages eight to 15 come to Camp Androscoggin, each one expecting to have the summer of his life. The skilled and caring staff is focused on that goal. They live the Androscoggin tradition every day, encouraging each boy to: 

• Learn new skills and gain self-confidence by mastering the challenges of camp life.


• Feel part of a close-knit, spirited community and grow from the experience.


• Make lasting friendships and have the summer of his life - every summer.

Camp Androscoggin has been owned and operated by the Hirsch family since 1964 when Stanley and Barbara began the tradition. Their son Peter, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Georgetown Law School, became a director in 1984 following 15 years as a camper and a counselor.

Peter and his wife Roberta, an early-grades teacher with a masters degree in education from Teachers College of Columbia University, are now Directors of the camp. The tradition continues.

Androscoggin is known for its staff - more than 75 people with proven expertise, maturity, and a natural ability to be mentors and role models. They are carefully selected and thoroughly trained, starting with a full week of orientation before the campers arrive and continuing throughout the summer.

Every counselor has completed at least one year of college and is a specialist in one activity or sport. The camp has no general counselors, no junior counselors or counselors in training.

The staff includes a dozen senior members, educators who have been at Androscoggin for 5, 10, and even 20 years or more! They are group leaders and department heads who provide a core of continuity for the Androscoggin tradition. A physician and registered nurses are also residents of the camp.