Maranacook Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Upper Montclair, NJ 07043, is dedicated to empowering children ages 8-16 through the arts. Our unique focus on below-the-line talent cultivates life skills such as teamwork, creativity, and resilience. Through hands-on experiences in areas like set design, costume creation, and behind-the-scenes production, we foster personal growth and confidence in our young participants.

During the summer of our childhood, we were fortunate to escape to a Dutch colonial lakeside retreat nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Maranacook, situated in the heart of Maine’s renowned Vacationland. Fondly dubbed “camp,” this tranquil abode became our sanctuary—a place where the bounds of imagination knew no limits.

For eight blissful weeks each year, we were transported to a realm untouched by modern technology. Our days were filled with the simple pleasures of fishing for bass and yellow perch, leisurely boating excursions, invigorating swims, and exhilarating water skiing adventures on Lake Maranacook. As dusk settled and darkness descended, we found solace in the pages of old books and vintage Reader’s Digests, serenading the night with songs from the radio and records spinning on the player.

In this rustic haven, the television’s rabbit ears antenna offered intermittent entertainment, leading us to gather around the flickering flames of the fireplace, engaging in spirited rounds of board games under the glow of a wagon wheel-inspired light fixture reminiscent of scenes from a John Ford epic.

Camp Maranacook was not merely a retreat but a time of familial bonding and skill-sharing. Our parents, taking respite from their daily routines, imparted their wisdom and expertise upon us. From our mother, we learned the art of sewing, bed-making, and the strategic finesse of a killer game of Scrabble. Meanwhile, our father instilled in us the secrets of fishing, water skiing, well pump maintenance, and the fundamentals of handyman craftsmanship.

As night descended and darkness enveloped the landscape, we were lulled to sleep under the gentle glow of the moon, the absence of streetlights accentuating the tranquility of our surroundings. And with the dawn of each new day, Camp Maranacook beckoned us with the promise of adventure—a stroll along the railroad tracks, a trek through the lush woods, an exhilarating boat ride to the train trestle, or the cozy warmth of indoor chores during rainy days.

Each moment spent within the embrace of Camp Maranacook was cherished, a testament to the profound bond we shared with our beloved summer haven—a cherished home away from home, where memories were forged and adventures awaited at every turn.