Baden-Powell

- Hinds Rd, Raymond, ME 04071

While the name "Baden-Powell" often evokes the legacy of the founder of the global Scout Movement, in Raymond, Maine, this address is deeply connected to one of the region's most established and respected youth development centers: Camp William Hinds. Often referred to simply as Camp Hinds, this facility is a cornerstone of outdoor education and traditional summer camp experiences in the Sebago Lakes Region, managed by the Pine Tree Council of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA).

Established in 1927, Camp Hinds has nearly a century of history dedicated to teaching self-reliance, leadership, and valuable outdoor skills to Maine’s youth. The spirit of Lord Baden-Powell, who famously stated, "A week of camp life is worth six months of theoretical teaching in the meeting room," truly resonates throughout the camp’s comprehensive program offerings. Though primarily a traditional resident summer camp for BSA members, its facilities and dedicated campsites are utilized throughout the fall, winter, and spring by various local Scout units, and sometimes by non-Scout groups for retreats and specialized programs.

Camp Hinds covers over 300 acres of vast wildlife and forest, bordered by the scenic shores of Panther Pond. The commitment to providing a safe, clean, and educational environment for campers remains the top priority. The property has seen significant investment over the years, ensuring that while the tradition of Scouting endures, the facilities remain modern and capable of supporting a wide range of programs. For Maine families, Camp Hinds represents a dependable, enriching, and quintessential Maine summer experience.

Camp Hinds, situated on the Hinds Rd in Raymond, ME 04071, is perfectly positioned to be an accessible wilderness escape for residents across Southern and Central Maine. While the provided address is Hinds Road, the main location is often cited as 146 Plains Road, which leads directly to the camp’s entrance and facilities.

The camp’s location within the Sebago Lakes Region is a major asset, providing stunning natural surroundings and a host of local amenities within a short drive. It is conveniently less than an hour's drive from the greater Portland area, making it easy for local Scout leaders, volunteers, and family members to access the facility for drop-offs, pickups, and weekend events.

The 300+ acre property is bordered by Panther Pond, providing a spectacular waterfront and numerous opportunities for aquatic activities. The Hinds Road and Plains Road addresses denote a quiet, wooded setting, where the focus is on the Maine natural environment. The sheer size of the property ensures that while the camp hosts many programs, there is ample space for all to enjoy the tranquility and vast wildlife of the Maine woods, just a short trip from home.

Camp Hinds provides a full spectrum of services designed to facilitate an intensive, skill-building, and comfortable camping experience, especially during its peak summer resident camp season.

• Full-Service Dining Hall: A large, newly renovated dining hall is available to accommodate hundreds of campers and staff, providing full-service meals that meet the needs of all residents during their stay.
• Comprehensive Health Lodge: The camp features a fully staffed health lodge to ensure the well-being and immediate medical needs of all campers and staff are met throughout the season.
• Extensive Camp Sites: Numerous campsites are available, including platformed two-person canvas wall tents with cots and mattresses for comfortable overnight stays during the summer.
• Year-Round Cabin Rentals: Several buildings and facilities are winterized for year-round camping, allowing local Scout units to utilize the camp even during the fall, winter, and spring months.
• Activity & Program Centers: Dedicated program areas include a Trading Post for supplies, a Craftshop, a STEM Center, and specialized ranges for archery and shooting sports.
• Specialized Program Options: The camp offers specialized courses for older youth, such as the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program, Provisional Camping options (Troop H), and merit badge programs in areas like SCUBA and Casco Bay Sailing.
• Training and Leadership Programs: Programs like the Polaris Program are offered to introduce first-year campers to Scouting and camp life in a supportive, guided environment.

The camp’s features extend beyond basic amenities, highlighting its function as a premier destination for youth development, adventure, and skill acquisition.

• Scenic Panther Pond Waterfront: A spectacular waterfront area on Panther Pond is the hub for aquatics activities, including swimming lessons, boating, sailing, canoeing, fishing, and merit badge instruction.
• High and Low Ropes Courses (COPE): The camp boasts a comprehensive low ropes course and a brand-new high ropes course, complete with exciting elements like catwalks, spider webs, and grapevines, providing excellent team-building and leadership challenges.
• Wide Range of Merit Badges: Camp Hinds allows Scouts to work on over 40 different Merit Badges, covering subjects from sailing and STEM to traditional Scoutcraft, nature, and outdoor skills.
• Platform Tents and Cots: For the classic summer camp experience, two-person platform tents with cots offer a step up in comfort from primitive ground camping, ensuring a good night's rest after a day of activities.
• Year-Round Usability: Unlike many summer camps, Camp Hinds maintains facilities for non-summer use, allowing local Scout units to engage in hiking, camping, and other activities throughout the year.
• Historical and Educational Value: Founded in 1927, the camp is steeped in the tradition of Scouting, providing a historical context to the activities and a deeper connection to the principles of the organization.

For general inquiries regarding programming, facilities, or rentals, please use the following contact information. Note that the official mailing address is typically used for sending forms and correspondence.

Address: Hinds Rd, Raymond, ME 04071, USA (General Location)

Address for Correspondence: 146 Plains Rd, Raymond, ME 04071

For phone contact and specific program details, it is recommended to reach out to the Pine Tree Council of the Boy Scouts of America, which manages Camp Hinds. The main contact information for the Pine Tree Council can be found on their official websites.

Camp William Hinds is an invaluable resource and destination for Maine residents, particularly local families involved in Scouting or those seeking structured, safe, and enriching outdoor experiences for their children. For nearly a century, it has served as the premier summer camp for the Pine Tree Council, meaning generations of Mainers have learned essential life and leadership skills within its grounds.

Its strategic location in the Sebago Lakes Region provides Maine families with a convenient, local option for a top-tier resident camp, saving on the time and expense of sending children out of state. Beyond the summer program, the year-round availability of campsites and facilities means local Scout troops have consistent access to the Maine wilderness for weekend adventures, trainings, and team-building exercises. Camp Hinds is not just a campground; it is an established educational institution that contributes directly to the character development of Maine's youth, offering experiences like high ropes courses and dedicated skill instruction that are both fun and formative—all within the natural beauty of their own state. It is an investment in the future leaders and citizens of Maine.

Baden-Powell

Hinds Rd, Raymond, ME 04071, USA