Summer camp is just for kids, right? Not at the Maine National Guard Youth Camp! Originally established as a summer camp for children of currently serving Maine military service members, its volunteers will argue the camp experience is just as rewarding for them.
During each week-long session at the Bog Brook Training Site in Gilead, students travel from across the state to gather, eager with anticipation to make lifelong memories filled with cabin sleepovers, kayaking, paintball obstacle courses, tower rappelling, and countless other adventures. For over 30 years, the camp has been a summer staple where campers ages 5 through 15 can learn new skills, face challenges, overcome fears, and, most importantly, have fun.
Camp Director Scott Lacroix has been involved with the camp for over 12 years and has served in many capacities. Among his many roles, he considers camp counselor to be the most rewarding. Counselors have a unique opportunity to watch campers grow in confidence and build peer relationships, all while creating a network of friends that spans the state.
An additional 20 volunteers generously dedicated their time, serving in roles from kitchen staff to junior counselors, each playing a vital part in the camp’s success. During the 2026 season, Lacroix and his staff welcomed 114 campers from across Maine. The volunteer staff is composed of service members, retirees, and family members who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program. Staff Sgt. Michael Cayia of the 251st Engineering Company from Norway was able to use his military qualifications to help safely instruct students at the rappelling tower.
“I’ve enjoyed watching kids conquer their fears and step out of their comfort zones,” Cayia said.
Lt. Col. David Gribbon of the 101st Air Refueling Wing in Bangor has attended the camp with his family for the past three years and returned this summer as a counselor. He helped guide his campers through the paintball station, where they learned the safe handling and operation of paintball equipment while emphasizing teamwork, encouragement, and accountability. For Gribbon, watching campers work together as a team and celebrate their accomplishments is one of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering.
Maine Air National Guard retiree Jim Roy, the camp’s head chef, has returned to camp for 26 years because he feels it is another way to continue giving back to the military community and sees the value of prioritizing and supporting military children.
“Food is the soul of any place,” said Roy. “It is a great way to connect and stay engaged.”
As campers move up in rank, they eagerly await the day they can be promoted to Junior Counselor (JC). Even though they may have aged out of the camp program, JCs serve in an integral position where high school juniors and seniors can step into leadership roles and provide mentorship to younger campers.
Camp has been a way of life for many of the JCs who were “raised at camp.” They look back fondly on the relationships it has shaped and appreciate the bonds that grew because of their shared military background. Camp also provides a place where each peer can relate to the complexities of their parent’s military life.
As the camp week comes to an end, the campers and staff gather for a block party, where they spend their last evening celebrating their families’ military service and beaming with pride as they sing Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” in unison.
As Lacroix looks toward future years, his message to military families and potential volunteers is simple: “Just give it a try!”