Camp Connor, Poland, ME

Introduction / Overview

For many families across the Pine Tree State, ensuring children have a fun, engaging, and safe place to spend their summer days is a top priority. Camp Connor, run by the Poland Parks & Recreation Department, is the answer for local residents seeking a high-quality, structured day camp experience right in their own community. Unlike traditional public campgrounds catering to RVs and tents, Camp Connor is a dedicated summer recreation facility focused exclusively on youth development, outdoor skills, and fun for children typically in grades 1-8.

Located on a beautiful, scenic 12-acre parcel of land, Camp Connor offers a traditional Maine summer camp environment on the shores of Lower Range Pond. Its mission is clear: to provide a safe, supervised environment where children are motivated to participate in age-appropriate activities. The program emphasizes good citizenship, community spirit, and the development of healthy relationships, all facilitated by a well-trained and compassionate staff. The camp’s core values—Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Choose Kindness, and Be A Team Player—are instilled daily, ensuring a positive and nurturing atmosphere.

The program is designed to be accessible to local families, with resident and non-resident rates available, and even scholarship opportunities to ensure all local Poland children can participate. The focus on rotating activities, theme weeks, and utilizing the extensive outdoor space makes it an action-packed, memory-making destination, earning praise from local parents who appreciate the normalcy and structure it brings to the summer months. It is, first and foremost, a "great summer rec camp for kids," as one local review noted, and a vital service for the Poland community.

Location and Accessibility

Camp Connor is nestled in a picturesque and conveniently accessible location in the Lakes and Mountains region of Maine, situated at 70 Connor Ln, Poland, ME 04274, USA.

The camp’s position is a major benefit for local families. It is located just off Route 26, one of the primary corridors connecting the region. While Connor Lane itself is a dirt road, it provides essential access to the camp property, as well as to neighboring summer properties. This proximity to a major road ensures that daily drop-offs and pickups are straightforward for parents commuting from Poland, Lewiston, Auburn, and surrounding communities in Androscoggin County.

The physical setting is one of the camp’s greatest assets, featuring approximately 12 acres of land that include a large recreational field, wooded areas, picnic spots, and—most importantly—a beautiful beachfront on Lower Range Pond. The scenic views and access to nature are an integral part of the daily curriculum. The camp also benefits from having access to neighbor facilities, such as a nearby basketball court, further enhancing its recreational offerings. Its location makes it a true local gem, a short and easy drive for the families it serves.

Services Offered

As a summer day camp, Camp Connor provides a comprehensive suite of services centered around youth programming and childcare:

Structured Day Camp Program: The primary service is a full-day, week-long summer camp program with rotating activities tied to weekly themes, designed for children in grades 1-8.
Flexible Attendance: Campers can attend for one week, multiple weeks, or the entire summer season, allowing local parents flexibility in their summer scheduling.
Extended Care Options: Supervised Before Care (starting at 7:00 AM) and After Care (ending at 5:30 PM) are offered to accommodate the schedules of working parents.
Meals and Snacks: A dedicated time is allotted for breakfast and lunch. Campers bring their own meals, and specific times are set aside for group snacking.
Waterfront Safety: Daily swimming opportunities are provided at the Lower Range Pond waterfront, supervised by trained staff and certified lifeguards.
Age-Specific Grouping: Campers are divided into small groups with dedicated counselors, ensuring personalized attention and age-appropriate activity execution.
Affordable Rates: The camp offers discounted weekly rates for Poland residents compared to non-resident fees, and features a scholarship program to ensure affordability for all local children.

Features / Highlights

The highlights of Camp Connor center on its dedication to providing a traditional, well-rounded Maine summer experience for kids:

Lower Range Pond Waterfront: The camp features its own beachfront and utilizes the pond for daily swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and boating activities, all under careful supervision.
Diverse Outdoor Curriculum: Activities rotate through four core activity periods each day: Swim, Sports, Arts, and Outdoor Life, ensuring a varied experience for all interests.
Outdoor Life Skills: The 12-acre property, which includes wooded areas and trails, allows counselors to teach children valuable outdoor life skills, including nature exploration and hiking.
Dedicated Activities Staff: The camp employs specialized staff, including a Camp Director, Assistant Director, Waterfront Director, and Arts and Sports Directors, guaranteeing high-quality instruction and engagement across all program areas.
Team Building and Sports: Access to a large recreational field and a nearby basketball court allows for organized sports, active games, and essential team-building activities.
Creative Arts: Arts and crafts, music, and theatrical performances are integral parts of the program, fostering creativity alongside physical activity.
Community Integration: The camp’s relationship with the Poland Parks & Recreation Department allows for organized, consistent programming and a direct connection to local community values and resources.

Contact Information

Camp Connor is operated by the Poland Parks & Recreation Department and can be reached via the following contact information. All registration and general inquiries should be directed to the camp personnel.

Address: 70 Connor Ln, Poland, ME 04274, USA

Camp Phone: (207) 998-2024

Email: campconnorpolandrec@gmail.com

For communication regarding camp programming, contact the Camp Director, Amy LaPrell, via email at amyllaprell@gmail.com. For administrative issues related to Parks & Recreation, contact the Director, Scott Segal, via ssegal@polandtownoffice.org. Parents are encouraged to utilize the provided phone number for daily communication and urgent matters during operating hours.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Camp Connor is uniquely and profoundly suitable for Maine locals, particularly those in the Poland area, because it is an essential piece of the community’s infrastructure. It is not a distant, private destination; it is the official Poland Summer Recreation program, designed by the town to serve its own residents.

The camp offers a solution to a crucial local need: affordable, safe, and enriching summer childcare and activity. The resident discounts and scholarship program demonstrate a genuine commitment to local families, ensuring economic barriers do not prevent children from enjoying a traditional, healthy Maine summer. Furthermore, the camp’s focus on community spirit and local values means children are developing friendships and connections with their same-aged peers right in their home community.

By providing an active, screen-free, and nature-immersed day, Camp Connor guarantees that Poland’s next generation experiences the best of Maine's outdoor life—swimming in Lower Range Pond, exploring wooded trails, and engaging in classic camp activities. It is a vital local institution that supports working families, builds strong community ties, and delivers an invaluable, high-quality summer experience, making it a highly valued and trusted choice for residents.