Camp · Specialty · Ages 5–12
Directory · United States · Maine · Casco
▌ Specialty · Ages 5–12

Camp Sunshine

Casco, Maine, USA

Camp Sunshine provides retreats for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families, offering respite, support, and fun activities at no cost.

▌ Editor's read Camp Sunshine, located in Casco, Maine, is a nonprofit organization that has been operating for 40 years, founded by Anna Gould. It offers free retreats for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. The camp is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) with accreditation valid through 2025, indicating adherence to industry standards for health, safety, and program quality. The website mentions that all staff and volunteers undergo background checks. Google reviews for Camp Sunshine show an impressive 4.9-star rating based on 239 reviews, with themes frequently highlighting the positive impact on families, the supportive environment, and the dedicated staff. The program is primarily an overnight experience, providing families with a week-long respite. Social media presence includes an Instagram handle @campsunshine_me and a Facebook handle CampSunshineME.
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ACA-accredited~300 standards audited
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Since 198640+ years operating
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Nonprofit operator501(c)(3) tax-exempt
Shortlist in planner → Visit website

Who thrives here Ages 5–12

Camp Sunshine fits middle-elementary campers — old enough for skill-building to land, young enough that friend-group dynamics and counselor warmth still matter more than program rigor. Parents at this age band tend to prioritize a balanced rhythm of structured activity and unstructured play, which is the actual differentiator inside any given specialty program.

Facts & Credentials

Program type
Overnight camp
ACA accredited
Yes
Established
1986 (40 years)
Operator
Nonprofit organization
Staff-to-camper ratio
Not listed

How we verify these →

Details

  • Category: Specialty
  • Ages: 5–12
  • Hours: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Address: 35 Acadia Road, Casco, ME 04015, USA
  • Cost notes: Camp Sunshine is free for all families. 2026 pricing TBD as of 2026-04-16.

Logistics

  • Lunch provided: No
  • Transportation: No
  • Financial aid: No
  • Setting: mixed

Frequently asked about Camp Sunshine

What ages does Camp Sunshine accept?
Camp Sunshine is open to children ages 5–12. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
How much does Camp Sunshine cost?
Camp Sunshine doesn't publish a flat per-week rate — pricing varies by session. Camp Sunshine is free for all families. 2026 pricing TBD as of 2026-04-16. Contact the camp directly for the current schedule of fees.
What are Camp Sunshine's hours?
Camp Sunshine runs 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
Is Camp Sunshine accredited?
Yes — Camp Sunshine is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and has been operating for 40 years. ACA accreditation means the camp has been audited against ~300 health, safety, and program-quality standards covering staffing, supervision ratios, emergency response, and program design.
Who runs Camp Sunshine?
Camp Sunshine is operated by a nonprofit organization, with 40 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
Does Camp Sunshine provide lunch?
Camp Sunshine does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.

Planning guides

Editorial checklists to use before you compare Camp Sunshine with other camps.

Camps near here

Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside Camp Sunshine.