* The University of Southern Maine School of Music and Theater Department in Gorham offer a variety of summer performance programs from theater to band camp for various age groups. Their programs are staffed with reputable teachers and artists which include USM faculty and alumni performers. Registrations for these popular camps are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Some sections fill quickly so early registration is advised. For more information, call 207-870-5142 or email larsenault@usm.maine.edu. 

* Lewiston High School Boy’s Basketball staff is offering a five-week summer basketball camp to grades k-4, co-ed from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m, and 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for boys from grades 5 through 8. The camp will be held Monday through Thursday on the weeks of June 17 and 24, and July 8, 13, and 22.

Drills and fundamentals will be stressed in ball handling, shooting and footwork. Games will also be played with local teams. Early bird registration will cost $60 and must be submitted by June 1 to Lewiston High School, c/o Tim Farrar, 156 East Ave., Lewiston, Maine 04240. For more information, email  tfarrar@lewistonpublicschools.org or call 890-2898.

* Outdoor retailer L.L. Bean will offer a debut summer day camp for children in Freeport via its Outdoor Discovery School program. The camp will be conducted at L.L. Bean’s oceanside property on Lower Flying Point in Freeport. It will feature outdoor games and activities such as archery, kayaking, canoeing, fly casting, stand-up paddleboarding and wildlife identification, Mac McKeever, L.L. Bean spokesman, said in a statement. The camp will be available to children ages 6 to 12, by the day, a few days, by the week or the entire summer, he said. It will be led by L.L. Bean’s experienced camp counselors, as well as L.L. Bean’s instructors, many of whom are registered Maine guides.

“Our campers will engage in a variety of outdoor activities, but our camp will also encourage campers to develop communication, problem-solving and social skills through group games, activities and leadership opportunities,” Gretchen Ostherr, manager of the L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools, said. “This will be a unique experience, giving campers of all ages the opportunity to experience the L.L. Bean brand in action.”

Prior to being shuttled daily to the oceanfront Lower Flying Point property, campers will be greeted by L.L. Bean’s counselors and instructors at L.L. Bean’s Flagship Store. Once the campers arrive, the counselors and instructors will outline the day’s activities, divide the campers into smaller groups and begin the activities, McKeever said.

Throughout the day, young campers will also be assigned certain responsibilities, such as Safety Watchdog, Chief Navigator, First Mate and more.

Activity highlights:

* Archery — campers get instruction and plenty of target shooting.

* Stand-Up Paddleboarding — campers will enjoy this fun and popular activity.

* Leave No Trace  Outdoor Ethics — teaches campers how to responsibly enjoy the outdoors by leaving only footprints.

* Fly Casting — a timeless, artistic way to fish.

* Kayaking — explore nature from a unique vantage point.

The camp runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 24 to Aug. 23, with early drop-off and late pickup available. For more information, call 888-552-3261 or visit www.llbean.com/llb/shop/512773.

* The University of Maine 4-H Camp and Learning Center at Bryant Pond offers co-ed summer  camp programs that provide outdoor fun, practical woods-wise skills, and “hands-on” conservation education. Helping young people learn to take care of our natural world and themselves when they are in it are our most important goals. Scholarships are available. Off Route 26 in western Maine, near the town of Bethel. For more information, call 207-665-2068.

* YWCA Art Camp is a popular 9-week day camp that begins June 17 and runs through August 16 for kids ages 8-13.   Each week explores a different form of art including digital photography, cartooning, painting, drawing sculpting, and the performing arts. This summer’s theme is Dr. Seuss and each camper will have a part in the movie, “Dr. Seuss and the Mystery of the Cat’s Lost Hat”! Campers will go on a field trip each week with Camp Weewannago and also swim daily. For more information, visit www.ywcamaine.org/camps.

* YWCA of Central Maine Day Camps include Camp Weewannago in Lewiston which offers a 10-week day camp that begins June 17 and runs through August 23  and is designed for kids ages 7-12. With each week featuring a different camp theme, your child will never get bored. Camp Weewannago offers weekly field trips and daily swimming, arts and crafts, group activities, and games. They also offer special activities such as scuba diving, hiking, and bowling.  Campers may attend every week or just a few days in any given week. Each camp day is 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with extended care available in the morning and late afternoon. Camp Kangaroo is just like Camp Weewannago but for younger campers, ages 4-6 at a scaled-down pace.  This camp offers the same weekly themes, hours, activities, and price.

* The Maine School of Science & Mathematics Camps in Limestone is excited as ever to encourage campers to pursue their passion in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Campers choose from a selection of hands-on, interactive classes like rocket building, robotics, computer programming, veterinary medicine, and engineering. Financial aid is available. For more information, call 207-325-3303.

* The Bangor YMCA Wilderness Center at Camp Jordan on Branch Lake in Ellsworth offers many camp choices, all summer long. Every program will bring incredible growth, skills, friendship, and fun. Set on a 200-acre campus in the beautiful Maine wilderness, their programs give boys and girls of all ages a sense of adventure, belonging, and purpose. For more information, call 207-619-4772.

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