Get in shape with our aerobics program!  Aerobics is an excellent way to stay in shape and have fun at the same time.  Campers will be guided through basic aerobic workouts on up to advanced muscle conditioning.  If you’ve got what it takes (or want to get what it takes) to keep up with our aerobics instructors, this is the place to be.  Come exercise to the latest hits and get in on the fitness craze sweeping ADA Camp Carefree!

Standing at the firing line, you feel your shoulders tighten while the string pulls against your fingers...WHOOSH!  Your straight and sleek arrow screams through the air and smacks the target!  Our archery counselors, the Robin Hoods of camp, will teach you how to hold a bow, load an arrow, and shoot the bull’s eye.  Come shoot balloons and funny pictures; take part in fun tournaments while becoming a skilled archer!  Become a part of one of the most popular activities at ADA Camp Carefree.

CANOEING

(You must pass a swim test.)

Your paddle breaks the stillness of the silent lake as your canoe slips through the still waters.  The morning is bright with a gentle breeze, a perfect day for you and your partner to explore the lake and all its mysterious coves.  Our canoeing instructors will teach you how to handle a canoe and show you paddle strokes that really work so that you can become a skilled canoeist.  Short trips may be taken on the lake, weather conditions permitting.

This activity is designed to be ADA Camp Carefree's alternative to the Guiness Book of World Records.  How many times can you jump rope without missing?  How long can you balance on one foot with your eyes closed?  Who can shoot the most baskets in a row without missing?  What can you do longer than anyone else?  Whatever it is (within reason), the counselors will document and record it in the CCC Book of Outrageous Events.  All that’s necessary is a good imagination and a competitive nature.  Come join in making ADA Camp Carefree history!

Drama is for the actor or actress in all of us!  Are you the theatrical type?  Do you enjoy a belly full of laughs?  Why not sign up for our exciting drama program?  Put together a skit, small production, talent show (involving the whole camp), camp spoof or other special events.  You will get the chance to act up, but this time for all of your friends.  Performances may be given at evening programs, campfires or awards night.  Don’t miss your chance to be discovered!  See if you can top the Counselor Show!

True lovers of the art of fishing know the thrill of playing a fish to shore and landing it.  Will you be the one to discover the secret place where the big ones hide?  Merrymeeting Lake can be explored by ADA Camp Carefree's avid anglers.  Our fishing counselors will share fishing tips, but only you can actually make the catch!  Use one of our fishing poles, or bring one of your own from home.  If you love fishing, or would like to learn, this program is for you!

The roar of the crowd.  The feeling of your team behind you.  The thrill of an exciting game in which you help score a goal.  Our Land Sports include such traditional games as volleyball, basketball, badminton, soccer and softball. Don’t miss your chance to play for the fun of it!

Follow animal footprints through the moist soil of a stream bank, check out your knowledge of plants along the camp’s own nature trail, or make plaster casts of animal tracks. In Nature Lore you can try these exciting activities and many more.  Our nature counselors will help answer all your questions.  What could a landfill do to our own Merrymeeting Lake?  For answers to these and a thousand other questions, sign up for Nature Lore and explore the natural ADA Camp Carefree world.

Be a part of this very successful program.  The Carefree Chronicle is published at the end of the two week camp period.  Enter into the newspaper world by being a reporter, layout artist, manager or writer.  Keep your fingers on the pulse of the camp and be at the forefront of all that’s happening.  Get involved in the stories and events of the summer and see your efforts in print. Will your article be the “scoop” of the summer?  Have a great time and learn all the aspects of newspaper production!

PHOTOGRAPHY

(You must be 12 or older to participate.)

Are your vacation snaps blurred & fuzzy?  This year take photography and perfect the art of recording ADA Camp Carefree memories.  You’ll learn about composition, perspective  and lighting from our expert counselors.  A darkroom will be set up and you may be able to actually develop prints in front of you own eyes!  Bring a manual camera as a disposable will not work.

ROCKETRY

(You must be 11 or older to participate.)

Your rocket trembles on the launching pad ready for its fiery ascent into the sky above.  It’s the rocket you carefully fashioned from a box full of disconnected parts, sanded and painted to your design.  The entire camp is invited to watch the historic launching from ADA Camp Carefree on the last full day of camp.  You enter the countdown to launch with your fingers touching the firing button...3...2...1...Fire!  Everyone watches as your rocket soars 700-1000 feet into the air!  Come join the countdown!

ADA Camp Carefree sits on the northernmost rim of 330 largely unexplored acres.  What’s out there?  In order to find out, investigate with our counselors and outdoor specialists all aspects of wilderness survival including orienteering, trail and trip planning, camp craft and outdoor safety.  Be a part of the Trailblazers of ADA Camp Carefree and help to set up the camp’s trail system and wilderness camp site for others to enjoy.  Those who qualify will practice what they have learned on an overnight wilderness trip.