The Main Idea

A happy place in the Maine woods.

At Main Idea, we focus on the dual goals of creating a joy-filled and carefree home-away-from-home while also helping girls develop the self-awareness and self-reliance they need to succeed in the world. We build a community based on trust, self-reliance, seeing the good, and passing it forward.

Looking out on the pond from the beach on a sunny day. There's a lifeguard stand centered in the photo and girls playing in the pond.

2026 Session: Thursday, August 20, 2026 - Sunday, August 30, 2026

Two girls are standing together, smiling, with one girl holding an ice cream cone. They are outdoors and dressed casually. One girl has curly hair and is wearing a beige t-shirt and black pants, while the other girl has braids and is wearing a white t-shirt and light blue jeans.

Camper Resources

A woman and a girl standing together, smiling, with the woman having her arm around the girl, against a light background.

Family Resources

A woman with long braided hair in ponytails standing with arms crossed, wearing a white shirt with 'STAFF' printed on the back and black leggings, facing away from the camera.

Staff Resources

“Main Idea is my home away from home. It’s the place where I’ve learned to be myself.”
— Jocelyn, Counselor and graduate of The Main Idea STEPS Program

Instagram Feed

We're not the only ones thinking about those 10 days in August right?!
Bittersweet moments of saying "see you next summer" . . . . Countdown to Main Idea 2026 - 353 Days
Having fun in the sun @ The Main Idea