This notice sent to churches, parochial priests, diocesan staff, and those associated with youth events.

Summer Finale is an annual celebration offered by the Episcopal Diocese of Maine and is a fantastically fun way to be blessed by Camp Bishopswood and its beauty, to meet Episcopalians from around the diocese, and to be with God in an intergenerational community. We hope the information below (also available to download here) will help you learn more about Summer Finale, and we hope to see you there!

Who

All are welcome… we really mean it! Although Camp Bishopswood serves our youth during its regular season, Summer Finale is a time when everyone joins the fun! That means households or individuals, that means friends and family, and that means YOU, whoever you are!

What

Summer Finale is a three-day event that welcomes people to come stay in camper cabins at Camp Bishopswood and to play (a lot!) in our beautiful Maine woods. Meals are offered in the dining hall on a set schedule, and there are several outdoor activities and prayer opportunities offered throughout the weekend, but it’s a relaxed setting where folks can choose what, and how much, they’d like to join. 

There is an additional option to join us just for a day! Join us on Saturday, August 26th for a day program (see below for full schedule), including lunch on us!

When

This is an annual gathering offered during the last weekend of August. This year, the dates are Friday, August 25th- Sunday, August 27th. From check in at 5 PM and an optional pizza dinner on Friday night to a farewell breakfast on Sunday morning, you are invited to spend the weekend with us. 

The day-only option begins at 10 AM and ends at 4 PM, and includes lunch. Join us for the day to explore the waterfront activities, woods and trails and all that Camp Bishopswood has to offer. 

Where

Our very own, totally beloved, Camp Bishopswood in Hope, ME! Camp Bishopswood is located on Lake Megunticook in the town of Hope, about five miles from Camden.

Why

We are so blessed to have Camp Bishopswood as a place of play, relaxation, and growth in our diocese. Camp and diocesan staff work together each year to make Bishopswood available to the entirety of the Episcopal Diocese of Maine in a different way- so that we can all build intergenerational community that is larger than our home parishes. 

How

Households/Individuals register using the link below. Select how many days you’ll stay, how many meals you’ll eat, and what type of accommodation you’d like. Then you arrive in August and relax with us!

How to calculate your cost

Meal breakdown:

• $10/breakfast
• $17/dinner (pizza dinner on Friday night is $10, $5 for kids 5 and under)
• Ages 5 and under are 50%

Lodging breakdown: 

• $15/pp in a cabin, per night (with a family cap of $50 max, per night)
• $25/pp in a cabin with water, per night
• $5/pp tent camping- you bring your tent and can use the bathhouse and bathrooms

Example:

If a family has two adults and two children, one under 5, and are staying for the weekend in a camper cabin without a bathroom, they would calculate:

• $50 max per night = $100 in lodging for two nights 
• 3 full price dinners and one 50% dinner= $59.50
• Lunch on Saturday is provided by the Episcopal Diocese of Maine
• 6 full price breakfasts and 2 50% breakfasts= $70

=$229.50, and this family can additionally chose to opt-in for pizza on Friday night 

Summer Finale Schedule

Friday 

4-5 Check in

6 Pizza at the bell tower 

10 pm All camp quiet

Saturday

(Blue text indicates one-day program)

7:30 Morning prayer at chapel rocks

7:55 Gather in song for breakfast on the porch steps

8:00 Breakfast

10:00 Welcome message for day program at waterfront campfire

10:30-11:00 Youth Huddle at the Art Barn

12:20 Gather in song for lunch

12:30 Lunch

3:00 Day program closing worship at campfire

3:30 Ice cream at the bell tower

4:00 Day program concludes

5:20 Gather in song for dinner

5:30 Dinner

7:00 Compline prayer at Chapel Rocks

8:00 (ish) Campfire

10:00 All Camp quiet

Sunday

7:30 Morning prayer at Chapel Rocks

7:55 Gather in song for breakfast

8:00 Breakfast

12:00 Check out with cleaned-out cabins

A few of the activities on offer for us during Summer Finale (but none of which are required):

Swimming*

Canoeing*

Paddle boarding*

Kayaking*

Fishing**

Crafts in the Art Barn

Walking on the trails, or using the obstacle course

Theater in the Great Hall

Board games (bring your own or use those provided)

And many more ideas!

*Please note there will not be a lifeguard on duty so a parent must be with children using the waterfront at all times. Boats and life jackets provided.

**Fishing away from swimmers (or by boat) only; bring your own equipment. Please be aware that everyone over 18 needs a fishing license, per Maine law.

What to bring to Summer Finale - Day option

• Sweatshirt or jacket, hat and sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, raincoat in case weather changes quickly
• Board games or craft items (to share, if you like!)
• Swimsuits and swim towels, possibly goggles or other swim floaties or bubbles, if needed
• Fishing equipment, if desired

What to bring to Summer Finale - Weekend option



• Everything on the Day Option list, plus:
• Clothing: Shorts, shirts, long pants, underwear, pajamas (& bathrobe), warm sweater/sweatshirt, windbreaker/jacket, raincoat/poncho, shoes, bathing suits 
• Toiletries and personal care items
• Flashlight or headlamp

Other Necessities: Towels & wash cloth (for showering), sleeping bag, blanket & 1 flat and fitted sheet Or 3-4 blankets & 2 sheets, pillow & case

Questions



If you need any help getting started with the planning process, please be in touch with Emily Keniston, Director of Faith Formation.