Tuition and Registration
I registered and I want to pay my tuition by check?
To complete your registration:
Mail a check for payment in full to:
Maine Fiddle Camp/ Jo-Anne Bouthot
9 Southgate Ave
Biddeford, ME 04005
Registrations to all camps include tuition, meals, music downloads, bunk/tent site, and a $50 non-refundable registration fee. Balance of fee not refundable for cancellations after May 17 for June sessions, or July 8 for August sessions. A $50 late fee applies after these dates, if there are still spaces available.
Can I make a tuition payment thru PayPal without registering again?
You can make a payment thru your own PayPal account by sending funds to [email protected]. We will receive a notice of your payment. Of course, if possible, sending a check snail mail is appreciated.
How do I apply for a work exchange discount or financial aid?
MFC offers financial aid and work/exchange discounts to those who qualify, on a first come first serve basis. Visit the Scholarship and Work Trade page for more info.
Is there an additional fee for adults staying in a cabin?
There is no extra charge for adults to use a bunk in a cabin. However we do have a limited number of bunks. To reserve a bunk, please select this option on the registration form. Lower bunks are reserved for special needs campers.
Do the camps fill up? Is there a waiting list if they do?
Yes, our camp sessions do fill up, especially the August camps. When we have our maximum number of campers registered, we do set up a waiting list online on the website, but registering there does not guarantee that you will be able to attend. The best bet is to sign up early!
Travel and Accommodation
What accommodation options are available?
1.TENTING is the most popular option. NEOFA is not a commercial campground, but a summer children’s camp, so we do not have definite tent “sites”. Campers find a flat clear area along the shores of True’s pond and stream, or a quieter space in the wooded areas around the ballfield, or entrance and exit roads. Keep in mind that if tenting along the water in the community area, you will not be able to have your vehicle with you as this area is off limits to vehicles during the camp session. You may tent with your vehicle in the other areas. Many family units tent together.
2. CABINS: We have 12 rustic bunk house cabins, that hold 10 campers each. Each cabin contains 4 sets of bunk beds, and two single beds, which have kid’s camp style vinyl covered mattresses. We do not provide bedding, so you will have to bring a sleeping bag or other bedding and a pillow, if needed. Most people bring a sleeping bag, a sheet for warm nights, and a blanket for cooler nights. Cabins do not have electricity or bathrooms. The bathhouses are nearby, as are a multitude of “porta potties”. We have two cabins with ramps, if needed, and lower bunks are reserved for special needs campers.
There are designated women’s and men’s cabins, youth boys and girls’ cabins, and family cabins and couple cabins. If you are part of a family group, please note that on your registration form, so we can keep you together. We do not have private cabins, and there are usually more than one family in a cabin. Many times, the cabins are full to capacity. To reserve a bunk, please select this option on the registration form. There is no extra fee for cabin housing.
Do I need to bring bedding if I’m staying in a cabin?
Yes you would need to bring bedding. The mattresses are of the vinyl covered kids camp style. Sleeping bags are easy, but many prefer to bring sheets and blankets, or a combination of both. Maine weather is unpredictable, where you may need the sleeping bag AND a blanket on one night and then just a light blanket on another. Don’t forget your pillow!
Is there RV parking?
Yes, we have space for RV and camper parking in a large ball field surrounded by tall pines. We have parking attendants on duty during registration to help you find a suitable spot. We do not have hookups of any kind. Please be advised that there are limitations on the use of generators, as they can cause many health difficulties for the surrounding tent campers.
Are gas-powered generators allowed at Maine Fiddle Camp?
Gas powered generators, both stand alone and ones that are built into a trailer or RV, are NOT allowed on the main campus of Fiddle Camp. This applies to the ball field, and camping areas in and around the ball field. Generators are allowed at designated “off campus” areas. Solar powered electrical generation is allowed and welcome.
Message to registrant with trailer or RV:
A common sense policy that has always existed but never written down is this: Gas powered electrical generators are not allowed at any time in the main campus of Maine Fiddle Camp. This means the ball field and camping areas in and around the ball field. This applies to stand alone generators and those built into trailers and RV’s. Since these areas are shared by tenters, the noise and exhaust emissions are not welcome and not healthy. Campers who NEED to use generators are asked to park in designated off campus areas. Solar powered electrical generation is allowed and welcome.
Can I rent a tent?
Yes, we offer a limited number of tents with a camping “double” bed, good for one or two people.
The tent/bed set is 10×10 in size, waterproof, bug proof, and well ventilated with a cedar double bed and mattress. There is space under it for storage. You just bring your bedding. Ideal for a couple or single person.
Need to reserve in advance on a first come/first served basis. $100 for a weekend. $200 for the week.
Can I sleep in my car?
Yes, sleeping in your car, van, or truck is allowed in the ball field, but not in the tenting area along the water.
Do you offer carpooling?
We do not arrange for any rides or carpooling, but we do have a FaceBook page set up to facilitate ride shares among campers. Our FaceBook group page is HERE.
Are there any public transportation options to MFC
Portland International Jetport (PWM) is 1 hours away.
Bangor International Jetport (BGR) is 1.5 hours away.
There are some small regional flights available to Augusta State Airport (AUG – 20 minutes away) as well, including Cape Air flights from Boston.
They both have car rental and limo services.
Bus Services:
Trailways: https://webstore.trailways.com/locations.asp?state=ME
Greyhound: https://locations.greyhound.com/us/maine
Uber is available: https://www.uber.com/
Can I arrive early on registration/opening day?
Arrival time is 4 pm on the first day of a camp session. We ask that you do not arrive early. We are not prepared to greet you, as we may still be in the process of setup. When camp sessions running sequentially, as with the June camps, we need the time for the current campers to depart before allowing new campers to set up.
Are pets allowed at Maine Fiddle Camp?
There are no pets allowed at camp. If you have a medically necessary trained service dog please let us know.
Nearby boarding facilities:
- Puddleduck Boarding Kennel
Address: 134 Higgins Hill Rd, Morrill, ME 04952
Phone: (207) 342-5888 - Country Roads Pet & Farm Care
Pet sitter in Palermo, Maine
Address: 55 Kingsley Crossing Lane, Palermo, ME 04354
Phone: (207) 231-0784 - Dogwood Animal Retreat
Address: 24 Belfast Augusta Rd, Searsmont, ME 04973
Phone: (207) 342-3088
Can family join us for concerts, dance, or other evening activities?
Due to many reasons including safety and security logistics, family/friends are not allowed on the campground without expressed permission from Doug Protsik. Families can attend final camper concert on the last day of camp at 1 pm.
Instruments & Classes
Do you have to bring your own instrument?
Yes, campers bring their own instruments. We may have a few extras available, but we cannot guarantee an instrument for you.
Large items like piano keyboards or acoustic basses are often a problem, especially if campers are flying or taking other public transportation. In this case contact Bill at [email protected] and we might be able to set something up or point you to a place locally to rent an instrument,
such as: Buckdancers Choice at 207-774-2219 or [email protected]. Starbird Music for keyboards here’s their website; http://www.starbirdmusic.com/rentals/ Both of these music stores are in the Portland area..
Do you need to know how to play an instrument to attend?
No, you do not. On the registration form, you rate your musical ability within the 6 categories, the first being “Beginner beginner” which means you know very little about your instrument, or how to play it.
How do I change levels if I find my class to easy, or too difficult?
As adults, if you discover that you are in the wrong class, for whatever reason, you are free to find another group more to your liking.
Youth campers are required to attend the class assigned and must consult with the teacher about switching levels. The teacher will advise you which group to join.
What’s the difference between a violin and a fiddle?
Nothing. They are the same instrument, but played differently.
There is a saying: The violin sings and the fiddle dances!!
Do I need to be able to read music to attend?
No. We teach in the traditional “by ear” method. We do publish musical score for your own home practice, or to take to your personal music instructor, but we do not teach or use the scores during MFC sessions.
Do I need to know the yearly published tunes to attend camp?
The yearly tunes are not required learning. They are intended for enjoyment, and are many times used as common jamming tunes on opening night. Here’s the current crop of “welcome tunes”.
Non-Musical Campers
Everyone that is on campus during camp sessions is required to register and pay the fees whether they attend music classes or not. We have many who do not attend classes, but use the time as a vacation with their families–They read, or knit, or walk, (or sleep!!), or volunteer whenever they have the urge. And most of the time, the non-musical family member does pick up a ukulele, or pennywhistle and join in the fun! We have instruction for those just beginning to learn any instrument.
Children at MFC
Are children welcome at Maine Fiddle Camp?
All children are welcome at MFC. Children 3 years or younger are free. Children must be 12 years or older to attend without a parent. A child must be 6 or older to attend classes without parental supervision, although these guidelines can be flexible under specific pre-arranged circumstances.
Any child with special needs should indicate the situation on their registration form and must have a parent or qualified attendant with them at all times.
Anyone 17 years or younger must follow all rules, stay on site, attend all organized activities, obey the curfew, and expect to behave as a responsible person needing minimal guidance.
Parents attending MFC with children must be responsible for supervising and monitoring all their children’s activities, no matter what age. (See: minor child supervision guidelines.) The fee is the same for all attendees and parents, even if they just camp and don’t take classes. Everyone is expected to eat the meals, pitch in, volunteer, participate in the concerts and dances, and be a supportive audience and community member.
Is there a minimum age requirement to attend MFC without a parent/guardian?
Our minimum age to attend overnight without a parent, is 12 years old. We have no minimum age if attending with family members. All attending campers must be registered, no matter what age.
Camp Life
What if I left clothing or an instrument at camp? Do you have a “lost & found”?
We have an area designated for “lost and found” during the camp session. Please check it out before leaving camp, because someone may have found something you may not know that you have lost!
If camp is over, you may contact [email protected] for clothing and accessories. We keep stuff for a few weeks after camp sessions finish.
If you have left an instrument, Doug Protsik would know if something was found. He is at [email protected] or (207) 522-3800.
Do you have instrument accessories and supplies at camp?
We do have a “Camp Store” with limited instrument supplies such as batteries and guitar picks. (We also carry our staff CDs, t-shirts, stickers, bag tags, and tote bags.)
Our teachers sometimes have small items like tuners, strings, chin rests, whistles and harmonicas. (Pam Weeks brings many items). A notice of when and where to purchase these items will be posted in the dining hall.
Please remember that all sales are on a cash or check basis. We do not accept credit/debit cards.
Health and safety
What type of health care is available at camp?
The volunteer nurses/ EMTs at camp can provide basic first aid only. For more urgent/ emergent health issues or injuries, Maine General Hostpital in Augusta is the closest emergency department. Any sick or injured child with a parent on site, should come to the first aid station with that adult, if care is needed. Unaccompanied minors will also receive first aid, and then be sent to the hostpital, after a call to parents, if deemed in need of further medical care.
Where are pharmacies and health care options near camp?
Nearby urgent care:
- WCMP Primary & Walk-In Care
Address: 119 Northport Ave, Belfast, ME 04915
Phone: (207) 505-4567 - Pen Bay Walk-in Care
Address: 22 White St, Rockland, ME 04841
Phone: (207) 301-6000 - MaineGeneral Express Care
Address: 211 Main St, Waterville, ME 04901
Phone: (207) 877-3450
If I feel sick during camp, who will I contact?
You will call the camp nurse and receive a health screening. There aren’t any quarantine cabins/ beds for campers. If you are ill, you must leave camp. Please have a back-up plan for this possibility, especially if the camper is an unaccompanied youth.