Camp Traditions: Being silly is welcome here
One of the things that makes Camp Med-o-lark feel so special is our traditions.
Since 1967, these shared moments have been part of daily life at camp. They help shape each session and ground campers in a sense of belonging from the very beginning. Many of our traditions are playful, joyful, and intentionally a little silly. They reflect who we are as a community and what we believe camp should feel like. Welcoming, lighthearted, and full of connection.
Over time, these moments become familiar rhythms of camp life. A song sung together, a cheer for a friend, a moment of shared laughter. These are the experiences that help campers build friendships, grow more confident, and feel free to be themselves. Long after summer ends, they are often the memories campers carry with them most clearly.
One of the first traditions new campers learn is the Camp Song. Sung together throughout the summer, it quickly becomes a part of everyday life at Med-o-lark. It is catchy, a little goofy, and meant to be sung loudly and with feeling. There is no pressure to sing it perfectly, only to join in. In those moments, campers learn that showing up as themselves is what matters most and that joy is something we create together.
“Up in Maine there is a place
Down a dirt road with no trace,
On the map that tells you where you want to be.
Oh, the campers laugh and smile so bright,
And the lonely loon cries out at night,
And the camp director’s crazy as can be (aw geez)
Up in the Med-o-lark,
They gather in the fields
Up in the Med-o-lark,
Makes me feel so right at home!”
Another beloved tradition is our birthday piggyback rides. If your camper celebrates a birthday at Med-o-lark, they will be honored with a piggyback ride in front of the whole camp, a tradition we have upheld since 1967. It is playful, a bit over the top, and filled with cheers and laughter. These moments remind campers that celebrating one another can be simple, kind, and joyful, and that being part of a community means showing up for each other’s special days.
Together, these traditions reflect life at Med-o-lark. A place where friendship and kindness are part of everyday life, where campers are encouraged to be independent and confident, and where joy and consideration for one another shape the community we share. By celebrating the moments of today, we help campers build memories and values that stay with them long after the summer ends.