Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Empowering Underserved Youth Through Summer Camps & Programs
Agassiz Village has been a beacon of opportunity for underserved youth since 1935, providing transformative summer camp experiences and year-round programs designed to foster personal growth and resilience. Our 330-acre campus in Poland, Maine serves as a safe haven where children from low-income families across the Northeast discover new skills, build lifelong friendships, and develop critical life competencies. Through structured activities, mentorship, and comprehensive support including transportation and nutrition, we address systemic barriers that prevent at-risk youth from accessing enriching summer experiences.Our evidence-based programs focus on cultivating self-management, social awareness, and academic preparedness, with a proven track record of helping participants succeed in school, college, and beyond. As a trusted nonprofit, we maintain rigorous operational standards while prioritizing transparency and accountability in all our initiatives.
Services
Summer Camp Programs
Year-Round High School Programs
Transportation Services
Meal Programs
Life Skills Workshops
Details
- Year established: 1935
Highlights and features
- We've served over 45,000 children since 1935 with proven youth development programs
- We provide free transportation for campers from Massachusetts and Maine
- Our USDA-compliant meal program addresses food insecurity for 90%+ of participants
- We offer scholarships to ensure accessibility for families earning under $25,000 annually
- Our programs specifically address challenges faced by homeless, foster care, and trauma-affected youth
Services
Summer Camp Programs
Our 330-acre summer camp in Poland, Maine offers structured programs for underserved youth aged 8-15. The experience includes cabin living, team-building activities, and skill development workshops. Participants engage in high ropes courses, arts and crafts, and waterfront activities while building social and emotional competencies.
Year-Round High School Programs
The iTHRIVE program provides year-round support focusing on college readiness, career preparation, and financial literacy. Weekly workshops help teens develop leadership skills and practical knowledge for post-secondary success through mentorship and hands-on learning.
Transportation Services
We offer free transportation for campers from Massachusetts and Maine to ensure accessibility. This service removes geographic barriers for families facing economic hardship, guaranteeing equal opportunity for all qualified applicants.
Meal Programs
USDA-compliant meal programs provide three balanced meals daily during summer sessions. The program addresses food insecurity affecting 90%+ of participants, following strict nutritional guidelines while accommodating special dietary requirements.
Life Skills Workshops
Daily workshops focus on developing self-management, social awareness, and relationship-building skills. Activities include team challenges, reflection circles, and mentor-led discussions that foster emotional intelligence and resilience in campers.
Questions
How can I donate to Agassiz Village?
Donations can be made through cash gifts, stock transfers, IRA distributions, or donor-advised funds. Contact our Executive Director for specific instructions.
Who qualifies for Agassiz Village programs?
We serve children from underserved communities across the Northeast, prioritizing those facing poverty, homelessness, or food insecurity.
Does Agassiz Village provide transportation?
Yes, we cover transportation costs for campers from Massachusetts and Maine to ensure accessibility.
What programs are available for older campers?
Our iTHRIVE program offers college readiness, career preparation, and leadership development workshops for high school participants.
How does Agassiz Village address food insecurity?
We provide three USDA-compliant meals daily through the Maine Department of Education's Summer Food Service Program.
Can I visit the Agassiz Village campus?
Yes, our 90th-anniversary events include campus tours, and we offer rental opportunities for weddings and retreats.
