Our Mission is to utilize our land, facilities and programs to build caring, confident youth and future leaders, and to help preserve the community’s relationship with the natural environment.

Camp Ketcha is a non-profit organization founded in 1964 in Scarborough, Maine where we still operate today. Camp Ketcha will serve approximately 3,000 youths and adults through camp programs, contracts with schools and institutions, and corporate team-building programs this year. Camp Ketcha’s programs focus on creativity, self-discovery, experiential education, physical activity and environmental education. Participants learn new skills, build greater self-awareness and participate actively in program leadership and decision-making.

OUR LAND AND TRAILS

Camp Ketcha maintains the preservation of 133 acres which is open for public recreation. We have an extensive trail network that traverses our property and the abutting 90 acres of the Libby Farm. This land is used by adults and children from the community throughout the year for a variety of programs including: hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, environmental education, and other activities.

Families and individuals are encouraged to enjoy our property at any time when Camp Ketcha Programs are not  in operation. We welcome muscle-powered recreation (no motors please). Dogs are permited on the property as long as the owner maintains close control of their animals.

Please stop at our Main Office M-F 8:30am-4:30pm for a trail map.

HISTORY OF CAMP KETCHA

The property on Black Point Road purchased in 1964 proved to be an ideal location for a summer day camp. Only 9 miles from downtown Portland, the 133 acres of wood and meadows ran alongside the Scarborough Marsh, and included a pond. The buildings on the site had been part of a working farm. One famous room in the barn was called "The Skunk Room" because a thriving family of skunks had taken up permanent residence beneath the floor. The partially renovated barn became the camp offices and gathering space in inclement weather.

From 1964 until 1999, many children enjoyed summer camp in the woods, fields, pool, and on the ropes course, learning about nature and themselves.

In 1999, the barn that was the camp’s main facility was destroyed by fire. The meadows and woods were unharmed and rebuilding began. However, it was not finished in time for the summer camping season. Despite having no main building, a full summer camping program was successfully completed that year.

In the summer of 2000, a modern building was completed to enhance the 133 acres of meadows, woods, and pond. This year-round facility now includes the Council Offices, a Conference Room, and a Great Room featuring an oversized stone fireplace which accommodates 150 guests. The campus also now includes a 12 stall stable, outdoor riding ring and twelve friendly. Camp Ketcha’s horsemanship programs are offered year-round and teach campers not only how to ride, but how to care, feed, and groom horses.

OUR STAFF

Thomas Doherty

Executive Director

Tom comes to Camp Ketcha with 23 years of experience in non-profit leadership. His experience is well matched to the diverse characteristics of our 130 acre facility. Tom has worked in youth camping since 1983 and has run day camps and tripping camp operations. In several previous organizations, he has enhanced summer camping programs by using the program facilities and staff year round to meet community identified needs. Tom has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Conservation from the University of New Hampshire and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Connecticut. Tom lives in Portland with his wife and two boys whom he hopes to have at Camp Ketcha as soon as they are old enough.

Elizabeth A. Tully

Camp Director

A native of Scarborough, Liz has worked at Camp Ketcha for the past eight years, first as a counselor, then working her way up to Camp Director in the summer of 2004. She is a member of the American Camping Association. Liz is passionately committed to youth development and public service. She has worked with children in a variety of capacities throughout her career, including as a nanny, a volunteer with the Special Olympics, and as a summer camp counselor. Liz began her work with non-profits leading the United Way’s Youth Engaged in Service group and participating in the Day of Caring as a Youth Site Supervisor. Since 2000, she has served as a youth mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Portland. She holds undergraduate degrees in sociology and criminology from the University of Southern Maine in Portland. She is a resident of South Portland.

Our Counselors & Instructors

Our staff members are hired for their enthusiasm, creativity, and ability to provide a nurturing, caring, and fun atmosphere for our campers. We provide thorough training including: child development, risk management, curriculum planning, emergency procedures and waterfront safety. All personnel undergo a background check and are First Aid and CPR certified.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jim Kupel, President

Alex Taylor, Vice President

Sean Callahan, Tresurer

Miriam Leonard, Secretary

Heidi Bean

Eric Howard

Holly Lancaster

Kelley Shimansky

Kim Swanson

Jennifer Van Duyne

Ed Wolak

Board meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month.

The Annual Meeting and officer elections are held annually in March.