About MI
Learn about the MI Mission, History, and camper eligibility.
Mission
The Main Idea provides economically disadvantaged girls with a no-cost summer camp experience that builds self-confidence and promotes leadership skills, all within the natural splendor of the Maine woods. The empowerment that comes from learning to resolve conflicts and make productive life choices teaches the girls to respect one another and enables them to build a community upon which they can rely all year round.
History
Founded in 1969 by Camp Walden Director Helen Herz Cohen, The Main Idea has changed girls’ lives for over fifty years. Over the course of 10 days, Main Idea campers learn to swim in a lake, ride horses, go canoeing, make keep-sakes in arts and crafts, play tennis, and camp-out under the stars. Our innovative STEPS Program develops leadership skills in our campers, providing them the tools they need to grow into mature and confident women who are able to give back as counselors at The Main Idea.
Helen Herz-Cohen, MI Founder
The Main Idea has transformed the lives of over 5,000 girls who forge bonds with their fellow campers and counselors that extend far beyond the camp experience. Through the self-confidence gained and the leadership skills learned, many Main Idea campers have gone on to college and graduate school, eager to make a difference in the world and pass it forward.
A canoe ride in 1968, the first summer of MI
A sunny day in 1968, the first summer of MI.
Camper Eligibility
The Main Idea is an invite only program that partners with local social services programs to identify campers.
Summer Food Program
The Main Idea participates in the Summer Food Service Program. Meals are provided to all eligible children free of charge. (To be eligible to receive free meals at a residential or non-residential camp, children must meet the income guidelines for reduced-price meals in the National School Lunch Program. The income guidelines for reduced-price meals by family size are listed below.) Children who are part of households that receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly foods stamps) benefits or benefits under the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) are automatically eligible to receive free meals.
Acceptance and participation requirements for the Program and all activities are the same for all regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service. Meals will be provided at the sites and times as follows:
The Main Idea at Camp Walden: Breakfast, Lunch, and Supper on August 15th- 25th, 2024.
