Greenland Point

greenland point camp

For Maine residents seeking an enriching and immersive outdoor experience, Greenland Point in Princeton, ME, stands as a unique and treasured resource. More than just a traditional campground, Greenland Point operates as a University of Maine 4-H Camp & Learning Center, focusing on youth development, outdoor education, and fostering a deep connection to Maine’s natural world. Situated on a beautiful 64-acre wooded peninsula on Long Lake, this destination offers an unparalleled blend of learning, adventure, and community in the heart of Down East Maine.

For over 50 years, Greenland Point has been dedicated to strengthening children's connections to the natural world through hands-on conservation education and practical "woods-wise" skills. While it primarily serves as an overnight summer camp for ages 7-17, its extensive facilities and natural setting make it a significant asset for the wider Maine community. Imagine a place where young Mainers can learn to canoe on a beautiful waterfront, develop basic survival skills, go hiking through diverse forests, and engage in outdoor cooking – all while building friendships and a lasting respect for natural resources.

The essence of Greenland Point lies in its commitment to outdoor skill development and environmental stewardship. Testimonials speak of "refreshing" stays, cozy accommodations in bell tents, and the beauty of nearby brooks and lakes for fishing. Visitors also praise the cleanliness of facilities, including "very clean" restrooms and affordable hot showers. Whether it's through organized youth programs or by exploring the surrounding natural features, Greenland Point offers an invaluable experience for Maine families, nurturing the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists in a truly magical setting.

Location and Accessibility

Greenland Point is idyllically located at Princeton, ME 04668, USA. More specifically, it is nestled in the center of a 64-acre wooded peninsula known as Greenland Point, right on the pristine Long Lake. This strategic location places it within the historically rich and naturally abundant Down East region of Maine, an area renowned for its world-class fishing, remote wilderness, and exceptional paddling opportunities.

For Maine residents, reaching Greenland Point involves a scenic drive into Washington County. While it offers a sense of seclusion and wilderness immersion, it remains accessible. Princeton, the nearest town, provides essential services and acts as a gateway to this beautiful corner of the state. Long Lake itself is part of a chain of large lakes near Grand Lake Stream, a destination celebrated by anglers and outdoor enthusiasts across Maine.

The extensive waterfront at Greenland Point includes aquatic areas, boating docks, and natural shoreline, all contributing to its accessibility for water-based activities. The forested location boasts a network of hiking trails and unique natural features waiting to be explored, including remote campsites and abundant wildlife. This combination of a tranquil lakeside setting and relatively straightforward access via Maine's road network makes Greenland Point an appealing destination for local families and youth groups looking for an enriching outdoor experience without venturing to extreme remote locations.

Services Offered

As a University of Maine 4-H Camp & Learning Center, Greenland Point offers a comprehensive suite of services primarily focused on outdoor education, youth development, and environmental stewardship. While it functions as a summer camp, its facilities and offerings are integral to understanding its impact and potential for the broader community. The services include:

• Overnight Summer Camp Programs: Greenland Point primarily operates as an overnight camp for youth aged 7-17 during the summer season (typically June to September). These programs focus on outdoor skills development and conservation education.
• Traditional Rustic Log Cabins & Lodge: The camp features traditional rustic log cabins that form a small village, along with a sporting-camp-style lodge and dining hall, providing comfortable, immersive accommodations.
• Waterfront Activities: An extensive waterfront on Long Lake provides opportunities for swimming, canoeing, paddlesports, and boating. The camp is supported by the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation USA to ensure a safe and secure waterfront environment.
• Outdoor Skills Development: Campers learn a wide range of practical outdoor skills, including basic survival, outdoor safety, outdoor cooking, and fire-starting.
• Conservation & Environmental Education: Programs are designed to inspire a deeper respect for natural resources, offering "hands-on" conservation education and water ecology lessons.
• Nature Exploration & Hiking Trails: The forested location provides numerous hiking trails and unique natural features for guided nature exploration and independent walking.
• Fishing Opportunities: Long Lake and the surrounding waters offer "great fishing opportunities," with fishing being a core activity within the camp's curriculum.
• Archery: The camp includes facilities for archery, teaching this outdoor skill to campers.
• Campfire Programs: A highlight for many, Thursday night campfires offer a fun-filled evening of skits, songs, stories, and laughs, fostering a strong sense of community.
• Affordable Programs: The camp is committed to offering "affordable programs that engage and ignite a passion for the outdoors," including scholarship possibilities for participants.
• Remote Campsites: Beyond the main cabin/lodge area, the property includes "remote campsites" for a more primitive camping experience, suitable for backcountry skills development.
• Well-Stocked Cabin Amenities (for specific rentals): For those renting specific cabins on the property (not necessarily part of the main 4-H camp infrastructure, but within the broader Greenland Point area), amenities like cozy beds and bedding, gas grills, fire pits with tripod grates, cooking ware, plates, cups, utensils, and coolers may be provided. Some cabins may feature composting toilets and outdoor showers.

Features / Highlights

• Immersive Outdoor Education: Greenland Point's primary highlight is its dedication to providing hands-on outdoor skills development, environmental education, and conservation awareness for youth. This makes it an invaluable resource for fostering the next generation of Maine's outdoor stewards.
• Stunning Lakeside Setting: Nestled on a 64-acre wooded peninsula on Long Lake, the camp boasts an extensive waterfront with opportunities for swimming, canoeing, paddlesports, and enjoying the natural shoreline. Long Lake is known for its beauty and excellent fishing.
• Historic & Rustic Charm: The camp features traditional rustic log cabins that create a village-like atmosphere, along with a sporting-camp-style lodge and dining hall, offering an authentic Maine outdoor experience.
• Diverse Activity Offerings: From basic survival and outdoor cooking to archery, hiking, nature exploration, and water ecology, the camp provides a wide array of engaging activities that keep participants active and learning.
• Abundant Wildlife: The forested location and surrounding wilderness are home to plenty of wildlife, offering opportunities for observation and a deeper connection to Maine's natural ecosystems.
• Community-Building Focus: Activities like the Thursday night campfire, filled with skits, songs, and stories, emphasize community building, creating memorable experiences and fostering friendships among campers.
• Accessible Wilderness: While offering a remote and wild feel, Greenland Point's location near Princeton provides a balance of seclusion and reasonable accessibility for Maine residents, allowing for true immersion without extreme travel difficulties.
• Support from Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife: The camp receives support from Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, ensuring that its educational programs are well-informed and aligned with conservation efforts, particularly regarding fishing.
• Commitment to Affordability: The University of Maine 4-H program is committed to offering affordable programs and scholarship possibilities, making quality outdoor education accessible to a wider range of Maine youth.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a University of Maine 4-H Camp & Learning Center, Greenland Point's "promotions" and "special offers" are primarily geared towards making its youth summer camp programs accessible and affordable for Maine families, rather than typical commercial campground discounts.

Key areas where value and support are offered include:

• Affordable Program Fees: The camp is committed to offering programs at an affordable rate to engage and ignite a passion for the outdoors in Maine youth.
• Scholarship Opportunities: Significant scholarship possibilities are available to help families cover the cost of attendance. Examples include:
  • $1,000 – Maine Woodscraft Scholarship (Ages 12-14)
  • $600 – Counselor in Training (Ages 16-17)
  • $600 – Early College program (Ages 16-18)
  These scholarships aim to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent deserving youth from participating in the enriching outdoor programs.
• Partnerships and Funding: Greenland Point benefits from the support of organizations like Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (through scholarships like the Moose Auction) and the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation USA (for waterfront safety equipment), which indirectly makes the programs more robust and accessible.

For Maine residents interested in enrolling their children in the summer camp programs or learning more about these financial aid opportunities, it is highly recommended to directly contact the University of Maine 4-H Camp & Learning Center at Greenland Point. Inquiries about program registration, scholarship applications, and eligibility should be made well in advance of the summer season to take advantage of these offerings.

Contact Information

For inquiries, program registration, scholarship information, or general questions about Greenland Point, Maine residents should use the following contact details:

Address: Princeton, ME 04668, USA (This is the physical location. Mail should be sent to the main office.)

Mailing Address for All Camp Forms and Business Matters:

UMaine 4-H Camps and Learning Centers at Bryant Pond and Greenland Point
PO Box 188
Bryant Pond, ME 04219

Phone: (207) 665-2068

Fax: (207) 665-2708

Email: extension.bryantpond@maine.edu (General email for inquiries and brochure requests)

For specific program inquiries, there are also program specialists (e.g., Bethany Pelletier, Eri Martin) whose emails might be available on the UMaine Extension website.

It is always advisable to visit the official University of Maine 4-H Camp & Learning Center at Greenland Point website for the most current information, program schedules, and registration details.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Maine residents, Greenland Point in Princeton is far more than just a campground; it’s a cornerstone of youth development and environmental education, making it exceptionally suitable as a local resource. Its deep roots in Maine's 4-H program and its commitment to nurturing a connection between young people and the outdoors resonate strongly with the state's values and lifestyle.

The primary reason Greenland Point is ideal for locals is its dedicated focus on outdoor education for youth. In a state where outdoor skills and an appreciation for wilderness are paramount, Greenland Point provides a structured yet exciting environment for children to learn basic survival, canoeing, hiking, and conservation. This hands-on approach ensures that the next generation of Mainers grows up with the knowledge and respect necessary to enjoy and protect their state's natural treasures. The numerous scholarship opportunities further underscore its commitment to making these valuable programs accessible to families across Maine, regardless of economic background.

Furthermore, the physical setting itself is a significant draw. Nestled on a picturesque peninsula on Long Lake, Greenland Point offers an authentic Maine wilderness experience. The extensive waterfront, forested trails, and abundant wildlife provide a beautiful and inspiring backdrop for learning and recreation. For parents, sending their children to a place where they can safely explore, learn "woods-wise" skills, and engage in traditional camp activities like bonfires and skits creates invaluable summer memories and fosters personal growth.

While its primary function is a summer camp, the mere existence and continued operation of Greenland Point serve as a beacon for Maine's outdoor heritage. It represents a living legacy of conservation and experiential learning. For local families, it’s a trusted institution where children can thrive in an enriching outdoor environment, building confidence, making friends, and developing a lifelong appreciation for the unique natural beauty of their home state.

Greenland Point

Princeton, ME 04668, USA