Camp Neofa

For Maine residents seeking a unique and meaningful outdoor experience, Camp Neofa in Montville offers a distinctive blend of history, natural beauty, and community spirit. Established in the early fifties by the Northeastern Odd Fellows Association, this beloved "stay away camp" for 9-14 year olds has evolved into a multi-faceted facility. While its primary mission remains providing transformative summer experiences for youth, Camp Neofa extends its welcoming embrace to outside groups during its off-season, making its beautiful grounds and facilities available for various events. This rich heritage and ongoing dedication to youth development make it a special place that many Mainers hold dear, often recalling their own formative summers spent within its rustic charm.

Located on the tranquil shores of Trues Pond, Camp Neofa provides a quintessential Maine setting. The Odd Fellows have recently invested in updating the pond's dam, a testament to their commitment to preserving this natural gem. This enhancement has created an even more wonderful fishing spot and a thriving marsh area, teeming with snapping turtles, diverse fish, and an abundance of birdlife. Such natural improvements underscore the camp's dedication to its environment, offering a pristine backdrop for any visit, whether it's a youth session or a group rental.

For many, Camp Neofa is more than just a location; it's a repository of cherished memories and a symbol of enduring friendships. As one former camper eloquently put it, the years spent there as both a camper and counselor were "probably some of the best summers of my life," forging bonds that last to this day. The remarkable consistency of the camp’s character over the decades, despite minor rule changes, is a testament to its timeless appeal and the unwavering vision of the Northeast Odd Fellows Association that continues to administer and direct it. This deep-rooted history and consistent positive impact make Camp Neofa a truly special local resource.

Camp Neofa is nestled at 213 Trotting Park Rd, Montville, ME 04941, USA. More specifically, its mailing address is PO Box 101, Liberty, Maine 04949-0101, and the physical location is sometimes also noted as 213 North Trotting Park Road, Montville, ME. This placement in Montville, Maine, situates it within Waldo County, a region known for its rolling hills, rural charm, and numerous lakes and ponds. For Maine residents, accessing Camp Neofa is a journey into the heart of the state’s serene interior, making it a perfect escape from more bustling areas.

Directions provided by the camp highlight its accessibility from key Maine cities. From Augusta, it's approximately 32 miles, involving a route predominantly on US 202 East / ME 3 East, then turning onto ME 220 South, continuing on ME 173, and finally onto Trues Pond Road before turning right onto North Trotting Park Road. From Belfast, it involves taking Route 3 West, with specific turns onto North Trotting Park Road. While the road leading to the camp is part of the rural landscape, it is a well-known path within the community. Guests should be aware that GPS devices might vary in their precise navigation for rural addresses, and following the camp's specific directions is often recommended. This central Maine location makes Camp Neofa a convenient and idyllic retreat for groups and youth from across the state, offering a sense of seclusion without being truly remote.

Camp Neofa, while primarily a youth summer camp, extends its facilities for rental to outside groups during its off-season (typically September through May). Its offerings are designed to support a traditional camp experience for youth and provide essential amenities for group gatherings:

• Youth Summer Camp Program: A traditional co-ed overnight camp experience for youngsters aged 8-14, primarily offered during the month of July.
• Off-Season Group Rentals: Facilities are available for rent to outside groups and families for events such as weddings, retreats, family reunions, or cozy getaways from September through May.
• Diverse Lodging: Consists of 12 cabins, including two that are handicapped accessible. Each cabin can house up to ten people (typically with 4 sets of bunk beds and 2 single beds). Note: Cabins do not have heat or electricity.
• Dining Hall: A central gathering space that includes a fireplace for cooler evenings.
• Commercial Kitchen: Equipped with a gas stove, dishwasher, walk-in cooler, and prep areas, suitable for group meal preparation.
• Waterfront Access: Features 2,300 feet of waterfront footage on True's Pond, offering opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and fishing.
• Recreation Building: Likely an indoor space for various activities.
• Nurse's Cabin: On-site facility for health services during youth camp sessions.
• Arts & Crafts Building: Dedicated space for creative activities.
• Outdoor Fields and Groves: Over 100 acres of open fields, mature pine groves, and undeveloped land, ideal for outdoor activities and nature exploration.
• Updated Dam: Enhancements to the dam at Trues Pond have created a better fishing spot and marsh area.
• Employment Opportunities: Offers summer employment for youth and young adults as counselors, fostering a positive work environment.
• Handicap Accessible: The camp is noted to be handicap accessible.

• Historic Roots and Enduring Legacy: Established in the early 1950s by the Northeastern Odd Fellows Association, it carries a rich history and continues to be run by the same dedicated organization, fostering a timeless, untouched feel.
• Transformative Youth Experience: Renowned for providing positive, life-changing summer experiences for 9-14 year olds, fostering lasting friendships and personal growth.
• Trues Pond Access: Located directly on Trues Pond, offering excellent opportunities for fishing (with smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, yellow perch, and chain pickerel), as well as general enjoyment of the pond for swimming and kayaking.
• Updated Pond Dam & Ecosystem: Recent renovations to the dam have improved the pond as a fishing spot and created a rich marsh area, supporting diverse wildlife like snapping turtles, fish, and birds, perfect for nature observation.
• Beautiful Natural Setting: Encompasses over 100 acres of open fields, mature pine groves, and undeveloped land, providing a serene and scenic backdrop.
• Off-Season Group Rental Availability: Offers a unique venue for outside groups (weddings, retreats, family reunions) from September through May, utilizing its extensive facilities.
• Rustic and Authentic Camp Vibe: Maintains a traditional camp atmosphere, valued by those who appreciate a less commercialized, more genuine outdoor experience.
• Dedicated Staff and Management: Praised for their commitment to campers' enjoyment and the upkeep of the grounds, with stories of directors like Keith Ploof going above and beyond for attendees.
• Sense of Community: Fosters strong bonds among campers and counselors, leading to lifelong friendships.
• "The Castle" Building: A historical landmark on campus, being the last remaining building from the old Montville Fairgrounds.

While Camp Neofa's primary focus is its youth summer camp program, and direct "promotions" in the commercial sense are not typically advertised for general public camping, there are several key aspects that reflect value and potential assistance for Maine residents. The camp is run by the Northeastern Odd Fellows Association, a philanthropic organization, and their mission often involves supporting youth regardless of financial circumstances. As evidenced by a customer review, the director, Keith Ploof, has sponsored children to attend the camp due to financial difficulties. This suggests a commitment to accessibility for those in need, making the experience available to more Maine families.

For groups interested in off-season rentals, it is highly recommended to directly contact Camp Neofa to discuss rates and availability. While specific pricing isn't publicly listed, the nature of such a facility often means that rates for group rentals might be competitive for non-profit organizations, family gatherings, or educational retreats. Any "special offers" would likely be negotiated directly based on group size, duration, and specific needs.

To inquire about any assistance for youth camp attendance, or rates for off-season group rentals, Maine locals should:

• Contact the Director of Camping (Keith): For information regarding the summer camp program and any potential support for campers.
• Contact the Rental Agent (Dave): For details on availability and pricing for facility rentals during the off-season.
• Contact the Fundraising Coordinator (Gretchen): For information on how to support the camp's mission or inquire about fundraising projects, which indirectly helps sustain the camp's affordability.

This direct communication is the best way for Maine residents to understand the unique opportunities and value offered by Camp Neofa.

Address: 213 Trotting Park Rd, Montville, ME 04941, USA

Mailing Address: PO Box 101, Liberty, Maine 04949-0101

Phone: (207) 589-4133

Mobile Phone: +1 207-589-4133

Email for Camping Program inquiries: email Keith (Director of Camping) via their website

Email for Rental inquiries: email Dave (Rental Agent) via their website

Website: www.campneofa.org

Camp Neofa is an exceptionally suitable destination for Maine locals, offering a blend of cherished history, natural tranquility, and community-focused opportunities right in their own state. Its deep roots, established by the Northeastern Odd Fellows Association in the early 1950s, give it a unique character and a sense of continuity that resonates with the value placed on heritage in Maine. For many, it's not just a camp but a place that has shaped generations, providing transformative summer experiences and fostering lifelong friendships, making it a beloved institution within the community.

The camp’s location on the serene Trues Pond, enhanced by recent dam updates, provides a beautiful and thriving natural environment. This makes it an ideal spot for Mainers who appreciate authentic outdoor recreation, whether it's fishing for bass or pickerel, observing local wildlife in the marsh, or enjoying peaceful moments on the water. The availability of the camp's facilities for outside group rentals during the off-season is a significant advantage for locals, offering a unique and affordable venue for family reunions, retreats, or other gatherings in a rustic, well-equipped setting.

Ultimately, Camp Neofa’s suitability for locals lies in its genuine commitment to its mission: providing positive experiences rooted in nature and community. The dedication of the Odd Fellows and the camp staff, exemplified by stories of directors sponsoring children to attend, underscores a compassionate ethos. For any Maine resident looking for a youth summer camp that promises growth and lasting memories, or a unique, historic venue for a group event that embodies the spirit of Maine's natural beauty and communal values, Camp Neofa stands as a truly special and highly recommended local resource.

Camp Neofa

213 Trotting Park Rd, Montville, ME 04941, USA