Ridgway

For those in Maine with a connection to the rich traditions of outdoor education and group camping, "Ridgway" refers to a specific, historic campsite located within the esteemed Camp Hinds in Raymond, Maine. While not a commercial campground open to the general public for individual site rentals in the traditional sense, Ridgway offers a dedicated and well-equipped space for organized groups, predominantly Boy Scout troops, to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Sebago Lakes Region. It represents a vital component of the comprehensive camping experience provided by Camp Hinds, a cherished institution for youth development and outdoor adventure in Maine.

Camp Hinds, established in 1927 by the Pine Tree Council, Boy Scouts of America, spans over 300 acres of pristine Maine woodland on Panther Pond. Ridgway is one of its original campsites, dating back to the expansion of the camp in the 1950s. Initially designed for "tents only," it later saw the addition of Adirondack shelters for troop leaders, and even early access to electricity. This historical context underscores Ridgway's long-standing role in providing a foundational camping experience within the Scouting program. For Maine residents involved with Scouting or youth groups seeking a structured and well-supported outdoor environment, understanding Ridgway's place within Camp Hinds is key to appreciating its suitability as a destination for creating valuable memories and fostering essential outdoor skills.

The "Ridgway" campsite is located within the larger Camp Hinds property, with the general address being Hinds Rd, Raymond, ME 04071, USA. The main entrance to Camp Hinds is more precisely found at 146 Plains Road, Raymond, ME 04071. This prime location places the campsite in the heart of Maine's picturesque Sebago Lakes Region, offering an ideal blend of natural seclusion and convenient access.

Raymond is situated less than an hour's drive from Portland, Maine's largest city, making Camp Hinds and its Ridgway campsite easily reachable for many residents across the state. Access from major interstates like I-95 is straightforward, typically involving a scenic drive through the charming towns that characterize the Lakes Region. While Ridgway itself is nestled within the extensive acreage of Camp Hinds, providing a true wilderness feel, the overall camp infrastructure ensures easy arrival and departure for groups and their supplies. The setting on Panther Pond adds to the allure, providing a beautiful waterfront environment that enhances all outdoor activities for those utilizing the Ridgway site.

As a designated campsite within a larger scout camp, the services at Ridgway are integrated with the overall offerings of Camp Hinds, primarily geared towards structured group camping and educational programs:

• Dedicated Campsite Space: Ridgway provides a defined area for group camping, typically equipped with tent platforms for two-person tents, which are usually provided by the camp. Each site generally includes cots, picnic tables with tarps, water buckets, a flagpole, and a bulletin board.
• Adirondack Shelters/Lean-tos: Historically, Ridgway was one of the first sites to feature Adirondack shelters (lean-tos) for troop leaders, offering a more robust shelter option for adult supervision.
• Access to Central Facilities: Campers at Ridgway have access to the broader facilities of Camp Hinds, which include:
  • Modern Dining Hall: A large, newly renovated dining hall capable of seating over 300-500 people, providing meal services for specific programs (though many Scout programs emphasize patrol cooking).
  • Health Lodge: A fully staffed health lodge is on-site to provide medical support and ensure the well-being of all campers.
  • Restroom and Shower Facilities: Access to clean restroom and hot shower facilities located centrally within the larger camp area.
  • Trading Post: A camp store offering essential supplies, souvenirs, snacks, and drinks.
  • Program Areas: Access to specialized program areas such as rifle, shotgun, pistol, BB & archery ranges, a craft shop, and various waterfront areas.
• Utility Access: While primarily a rustic camping experience, historic accounts mention early access to electricity at Ridgway's lean-to, and modern common areas of Camp Hinds would have power and water access.
• Maintenance and Support: The overall camp staff provides maintenance for common areas and support for group activities, ensuring a well-managed and safe environment.

• Historic Significance: Ridgway is one of the original and more established campsites at Camp Hinds, with a history dating back to the 1950s, offering a sense of tradition and longevity within the camp.
• Dedicated Group Space: It provides a designated area well-suited for organized groups, fostering a cohesive and independent camping experience through the patrol method.
• Proximity to Archery Range (Historically): Historical accounts mention Ridgway's proximity to an early archery range, indicating its placement within active program areas of the camp. While ranges have moved, it signifies its integration into core camp activities.
• Access to Panther Pond: As part of Camp Hinds, campers at Ridgway benefit from over a mile of waterfront on Panther Pond, including boating areas, a main waterfront with docks, and West Beach. This allows for swimming, boating, and various aquatic programs.
• Extensive Program Facilities: Camp Hinds boasts a wide array of facilities that campers at Ridgway can access as part of their program, including high and low ropes courses, a climbing and rappelling tower, various shooting ranges, and a nature area.
• Natural Woodland Setting: The campsite is nestled within 300 acres of beautiful Maine woodland, offering a true immersion in nature with opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, and traditional outdoor living.
• Structured Learning Environment: For youth groups, Ridgway is part of a larger camp that provides a structured environment for learning Scoutcraft, leadership skills, and character development.

As Ridgway is an internal campsite within Camp Hinds, a Boy Scout camp, it does not typically offer "promotions" in the commercial sense of discounted public rates. Instead, the "offers" are tied to the structured programming provided by Camp Hinds and the Pine Tree Council, Boy Scouts of America.

Key "offers" and considerations for groups in Maine interested in utilizing Ridgway (or other Camp Hinds facilities) include:

• Summer Camp Programs: Ridgway is primarily utilized as a part of the traditional resident summer camp program for Scouts, which involves set fees per participant for a week-long experience (e.g., Early Bird and Regular fees for Summer Camp 2025). These fees often include lodging, meals (for certain programs or in the dining hall), and program activities.
• Off-Season Rentals: Outside of the summer camp season, Camp Hinds offers rental opportunities for various Scout units and other groups. This could include renting specific campsites like Ridgway, or other cabins and lodges on the property. Pricing for these off-season rentals would be provided upon inquiry.
• Leader Fees & Discounts: For Scout troops, Camp Hinds often provides complimentary adult leader fees based on the number of Scouts attending, with additional leaders at a reduced rate.

For the most accurate and current information on program fees, availability, or rental options for groups interested in Ridgway or Camp Hinds, it is essential for Maine residents to directly contact the Pine Tree Council, Boy Scouts of America, or visit the official Camp Hinds website.

For inquiries about Ridgway or the programs and facilities at Camp Hinds:

General Address for Camp Hinds: 146 Plains Road, Raymond, ME 04071, USA

(Note: Hinds Rd, Raymond, ME 04071, USA is a general area reference for the camp)

Phone: While a direct phone number for "Ridgway" specifically is not available, general inquiries for Camp Hinds or the Pine Tree Council (Boy Scouts of America) are the appropriate contact points.

For program details and reservations, visiting the official Camp Hinds website or the Pine Tree Council, Boy Scouts of America website is recommended.

For Maine residents, particularly those within the Scouting community or leaders of other youth organizations, Ridgway campsite at Camp Hinds offers an unparalleled opportunity for traditional outdoor education and group development. While it's not a public campground for individual family reservations, its historical significance and integration into a robust, accredited camp environment make it highly suitable for its intended audience.

The core value of Ridgway lies in its ability to facilitate a comprehensive outdoor program, fostering self-reliance, teamwork, and an appreciation for Maine's natural environment. The access to Camp Hinds' extensive facilities—including various ranges, waterfront activities on Panther Pond, and challenging ropes courses—ensures that groups utilizing Ridgway have a rich and diverse experience. The dedication of the Pine Tree Council to maintaining this property as a premier Scout camp, with high standards for safety and program delivery, provides peace of mind for parents and leaders. For Maine groups seeking a structured, immersive, and character-building outdoor adventure, Ridgway at Camp Hinds stands as a testament to enduring camping traditions and remains an invaluable resource for developing the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and leaders.

Ridgway

Hinds Rd, Raymond, ME 04071, USA