Since 1948, Hidden Valley Camp (HVC) has been central to families' lives. Located on 350 acres near the Maine coast, our international summer camp features the finest in arts and outdoor programs for children ages 8 to 16. HVC campers learn new skills and create lasting friendships with children from around the U.S. and all over the world.
Dedicated professional counselors and instructors arrive in May and early June for a 2-3 week staff training program that focusses on child development, relationship building, conflict resolution, risk prevention, etc. Ongoing staff support develops skills in group problem solving, productive communication and individual leadership.
One parent says: "Peter and Meg Kassen have developed a nurturing and creative environment that fosters independence and interdependence at the same time. Hidden Valley's philosophy encourages creativity and participation in new activities while modeling and instilling strong values and 'people skills' for campers."
At Silver Lake, the safety and physical well being of our campers and staff is our number one priority. Our state of the art Health Center is a clean, bright, and spacious air conditioned building equipped with an exam area, private exam room, isolation rooms for special cases, accessible showers, private dining area, and four extended stay areas with TVs. The Health Center also provides the campers with bedding so they don't have to worry about bringing over their own if they are there for an extended stay. We are also only a short distance from two health clinics in our local area and a major hospital in Harris, NY. Local ambulance/EMT service is available with 911. Our resident health staff consists of a doctor, pediatric nurse practitioner, and up to eight registered nurses who oversee the medical care of our campers throughout the entire summer, including those with unique situations such as allergies, chronic health issues, and those requiring regular medication. Our Health Center is staffed 24 hours a day and our doctor and nurses live on campus to ensure appropriate care. Sick Call takes place after every meal, and campers are encouraged to come in for a visit when they (or their counselors) think they need medical assistance. Nurses dispense medications at mealtimes in the Dining Hall using CampMeds, a quick and safe pre-packaged system. If a camper is staying in the Health Center overnight or is receiving care for a unique situation, the health staff always consults with his or her parents. We also understand that young campers away from home with a health problem often need an extra dose of "tender loving care". Our nurses understand that working in a summer camp requires them to be sensitive to the needs of children. It is essential that our nurses have not only the credentials to be a skilled RN, but have the right temperament to work with children as well.