About Camp Vega

There is no better way to introduce the magic of Vega and the summer camp experience than with the words of our campers:

“Vega is special to me because it makes me feel like I can do anything.  Nothing can ever compare to Vega. It is my summer home because you get so close to everybody, that they feel like your family. It is so safe and cozy, that you feel at home.” – Dara, Vega camper, age 12

“Vega is special because it is a great summer home filled with laughter and loving friends. Last year, was my first year and it was awesome I met the most amazing friends.” – Elle, Vega camper, age 10

“I love Camp Vega because of the friendly atmosphere! When I arrive at camp Linda, Kyle, Emily, the counselors, and my camp friends greet me very warmly and feel as though I am at home throughout the summer. Vega is truly my summer home!” – Tess, Vega camper, age 13

We consistently hear from our campers, alumnae and parents that Vega is the one place where girls feel they can truly be themselves.

Vega is a residential girls summer camp in the Belgrade Lake Region in Maine.  Every summer 300 girls from all over the country are welcomed and embark on an adventure that equips them with a plethora of life skills.  Our program has been honed since 1936 and allows girls to be able to take risks and try new things in a safe environment, learn the importance of kindness and working as a team, practice gratitude, and perhaps most importantly, be themselves.  These are just a few of the reasons why over 95% of girls come back year after year to the shores of beautiful Echo Lake.

300+ acres of pristine forest and two miles of majestic lakefront have been a summer home to generations of campers. Vega’s truly beautiful setting with constantly updated and state-of-the-art facilities is the backdrop for amazing growth in every camper.

We appreciate that every child’s interests are different, so girls can focus more on certain activities while also rotating through all of the activities at camp.  As you can see from our Activities page, we encourage each camper and her parents to work with us to select the best schedule for her.  Vega’s program is the perfect balance of structure and choice, safety and fun.

The Vega community promotes girls finding strength in themselves through the Vega Values of self-belief, empathy, unity, gratitude and integrity.  Our goal is for campers at Vega create meaningful friendships and realize their own passions and strengths that will help them succeed in their high school, college and professional careers.

MEET THE DIRECTORS

Since the 1970′s, Camp Vega has been owned and directed by the Courtiss family.  We are committed to our mission of living by the Camp Vega Values and traditions to create a fun, safe and inclusive experience where girls develop friendships and skills, and have the opportunity to be their true selves.

Kyle and Emily Courtiss, Owners and Directors

Vega Owners/Directors, Kyle and Emily Courtiss

Kyle and Emily strive everyday to create the best experiences for Vega’s campers and staff through their love and knowledge of camp, and positive outlook on life.  Their passion for camp started at a very young age as a result of their own camp experiences.  Kyle was born into the camping world and spent his first summers at Camp Vega before attending Camp Winadu and Camp Takajo.  Nearly every summer of his life has been spent as a camper, counselor, sports coach, program director, staff recruiter and now, director.

Kyle went to Bowdoin College and Emily went to The University of Puget Sound.  They met during a college semester abroad in 2001, and were married in 2006.  Emily fell in love with Vega during her first summer as a counselor in 2002.  Her summers were spent as a camper with the girl scouts in Colorado and then several years at Teton Valley Ranch Camp in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  Since 2002, Emily’s roles at Vega included equestrian and bunk counselor, junior group leader, staff recruiter and now, director.

Kyle and Emily are completely committed to each camper’s happiness and take the time to get to know every girl and her family.  Their knowledge of camp extends to all areas.  Kyle specializes in staff and program, and Emily focuses on camper well-being and bunk life.

They have two boys:  Paxton was born in 2010, and Cameron was born in 2014.  They welcome each camper who comes through the Vega gates as family.  Kyle and Emily believe wholeheartedly in the magic of camp and the power it has to transform lives.

Linda Courtiss, Owner and Director Emeritus

Linda Kyle and Emily CourtissLinda has been an owner and director at Camp Vega since 1978 and has played a key role in developing Vega’s camp culture and program along with the late Dick Courtiss.  In 1936, Vega’s founders established a foundation on their campus, enabling campers to feel empowered to share their voice in events and tradition.  As a result, the tone of camp is one of harmony with positive energy and exciting programming.

Because of Linda’s broad knowledge, Vega campers become aware of and attuned to the natural environment and how they can respect, preserve and protect it.  Linda’s natural warmth and positive energy permeates all of Camp Vega.  Above all, her experience in areas of safety and maintaining Vega’s beautiful campus marks Vega as one of the top camps in New England.