Nothing says summer camp in Maine like pine-paneled bunk houses, endless days on the lake, and making memories with your camp friends that will last a lifetime. When you're a kid, summer camp is the ultimate adventure, but is it worth a hefty price tag for parents?

Every summer, children of the elite and wealthy both in and out of state travel to Maine's many summer camps. Celebrity children are often flown in for their 7-week stay at a lakefront summer camp in one of Maine's rural towns. The camps offer a laundry list of activities -- everything from sports to equestrian to music and art. Counselors often come from out of state (and even the country) to spend the summer with the kids while parents fund the fun.

These four camps cost more than tuition at the University of Maine at Orono, which currently stands at $10,606, not including room and board.

Camp Takajo: $12,500

LOCATION: Naples, ME

TYPE: Boys, full season, overnight camp

ABOUT: Since 1947, our focus has remained constant – to provide a full-season summer camp experience that helps each boy develop the many facets of his unlimited potential. Our fundamental emphasis — brought home through sports and a wide range of activities and special events — is to instill strong moral and ethical standards that build character.

Camp Laurel: $12,800

LOCATION: Readfield, ME

TYPE: Co-ed, full season, overnight

ABOUT: We provide campers with opportunities for emotional and physical growth, encourage their natural abilities and instill the benefits of group living. Our goal is to provide an enjoyable, exciting summer experience that motivates our campers to approach life with courage, confidence and a feeling of self worth.

Camp Wildwood: $11,800

LOCATION: Bridgton, ME

TYPE: Co-ed, full season, overnight

ABOUT: Wildwood's mission is to create a fun, active, educational, positive, and safe environment for campers to maximize their social and personal development. Each day campers choose their activities from a selection of traditional sports, aquatics, outdoor skills and adventures, and the creative arts to experience new opportunities and/or enhance skills.

Camp Skylemar: $12,500

LOCATION: Naples, ME

TYPE: Co-ed, full season, overnight

ABOUT: Each day is filled with sports on land and water, creative periods like woodshed and drama, plus private instruction in every sport.

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