Camp Pinecliffe offers a "structured choice" program. This is designed around two basic concepts:
Key areas of concentration are field sports, tennis, swim instruction, waterskiing and the arts. These activities form the cornerstone of each child's weekly schedule. In the field sports area, soccer, softball, field hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, archery, basketball and track and field are offered.
The waterskiing program is considered to be the best in Maine. Waterskiing instruction is provided even for the youngest group and features work in both slalom and tricks. Girls have the opportunity to show their competitive skills with camps throughout New England.
The swim instruction program uses the Red Cross Swim Groups as a base and extends beyond it so that even the most advanced swimmers can be challenged. Emergency Water Safety and Lifeguard Training are offered to those who are qualified. There is also the challenging Pinecliffe Medalist program, the highlight of which is a 3-mile swim the length of the lake
The tennis program features lessons with no more than 4 campers per court. Automatic ball machines give additional stroke practice. The court surfaces are made of red clay and are maintained by a separate maintenance staff.
There are three studios - one for pottery, one for silver and jewelry making, and one for more traditional arts and crafts. In the largest studio, activities range from macramé to batik and from printmaking to weaving on three large, authentic Early American 4-harness looms.
This program is divided into three areas: drama, dance and music. A chorus, the Pinetones, is open to all campers and performs in camp and at events in neighboring towns. Each age group does a play or musical, and summers are topped off with an all-camp production. The dance program emphasizes jazz and aerobics.
Horseback riding has traditionally been a strong offering. Camp Pinecliffe has maintained its own stables for over seventy-five years. Classes consist of no more than 5 campers and are given as often as six times a week.
A fine gymnastics program is offered at Camp Pinecliffe. Balance beams and uneven parallel bars make the gymnastics program exciting and challenging.
Pinecliffe offers a most challenging campcraft and tripping program. In their first year at camp, girls' are regularly exposed to the entire range of trips offered. These include mountain trips, hiking, canoeing, sailing, biking, nature and exploring trips, and overnights. Camp Pinecliffe also offers a challenging ropes and pioneering course.
The older girls may focus more specifically in the areas that they find most interesting. At this level, the trips are longer and much more challenging. These include climbing Mount Washington, white-water rafting, and four days in Baxter State Park climbing Mount Katahdin. The cost of these trips is not included in the basic tuition, with the exception of special charges for the oldest girls, who may use particularly sophisticated facilities.
