About Camp STRIVE

As part of an integrated vacation day camp and summer program, CAMP STRIVE provides tweens, teens and young adults (ages 11-24) with developmental disabilities with a summer of making friends, playing games and learning valuable skills in a safe, inclusive environment. Each week, campers participate in classes and activities including: sports & games, nutrition & cooking, arts & crafts, and field trips to local attractions. Past field trips have included: Bowling, Sea Dogs Games, State Parks & Beaches, Old Port, Duck Tours, Children's Museum of Maine etc. Special theme weeks, which will focus on specific skills and interests, will be scheduled throughout the course of the summer. Campers will be supported at all times by caring, professional staff who have completed the PSL STRIVE training program for direct support professionals.

Next Camp STRIVE is during February Break on February 21st to the 24th.

Schedule for February Camp

Tuesday: Snow Tubing

Wednesday: Movie at Clark's Pond

Thursday: Bowling

Friday: Trip to the Portland Public Library

April Camp runs April 16th to April 20th. A schedule can be found on this page soon.

The Cost

The cost per week will be $200.00 or $45.00 per day and will include a Camp STRIVE T-shirt, craft supplies, snacks, and all field trips. Campers should bring a bag lunch each day. 

Early dropoff and/or late pickup will be available for an additional fee of $35 per week and must be arranged in advance. Please note we do not accept half day registrations. We will accept cash, check or credit card. Payment should be received before or on the first day of camp. 

Questions?: Please contact Brianna for more information at (207) 774-6278 or bmccabe@pslstrive.org

You can download the application form below, and mail, fax or email to STRIVE attn: Camp STRIVE, 28 Foden Rd., South Portland, ME 04106. Fax: (207)774-7695. The complete schedule of camp events will be available soon.

Examples of Past Camp Calendars & Activities!

June 2011

City Search! June 20th- June 24th Monday-Friday

From Portland to Freeport, the hunt is on! Explore fun cities in Maine through games, picnics, and a photo scavenger hunt in each city!

Island Adventure June 27th- July 1st

Welcome summer with a week full of fun island adventures! Start the week with a pirate treasure hunt at Fort Williams, then explore Mackworth Island, the UNE Marine Science Center, and Two Lights state park... don't forget to pack your tropical shirt for Hawaiian Day!

July 2011

Games Week! July 5th- July 8th (No camp on July 4th)

This week at camp is all about fun and games! Show off your mini golf skills, have a blast at Summit Adventures, make your own goofy game for STRIVE Olympics, and challenge your friends to a game at the arcades at Old Orchard Beach.

Outdoor Explorers July 11th- July 15th 

Calling all explorers... This week is for you! Your adventures this week will take you to Bradbury Mountain, the Falmouth Audobon, a ropes course, Geo-caching and more!

Art and Soul July 18th- July 22nd

For artists of all sorts! Paint pottery at Color Me Mine, strut your stuff on the stage at an outdoor theater, learn some new dance moves, try a watercolor painting on the beach, and tour an art museum to get your creative juices flowing.

Fun on the Farm July 25th- July 29th

It's going to be a wild week at Camp STRIVE! Visit the cows at Pineland Farm, check out the animals at Maine Wildlife Park, learn about alpacas, rabbits, and what it takes to keep an animal farm running!

August 2011

Creative Cooking August 1st- August 5th

Something tasty is cooking at STRIVE! Make your own bread, tour a chocolate factory, and pick up some ingredients at the local farmer's market. We'll also put together a cookbook throughout the week, so bring a recipe from home to share!

Maine Made August 8th- August 12th

This week we'll enjoy all things Maine! Explore the mysterious Desert of Maine, take a tour of Tom's, find your favorite lighthouse in a Head Light Race, and hop on a lobster boat to catch your own bug!

Mad Science August 15th- August 19th

Grab your labcoats, scientists... things might get messy! From the Planetarium to our own backyard, we'll explore all kinds of cool science!

Sports Fans August 22nd- August 26th

Time to plaaaaaaay ball! Live it up in this last week of summer with kickball, basketball, and soccer games in the best parks Portland has to offer. And don't forget your baseball cap... we'll catch a Sea Dogs game at Hadlock Field in the middle of the week!