US: Northeast, Family Vacation Camps - Affordable Summer Family Fun. The idea of being a kid again, even if only for a week, is enticing to many of us who manage lists, schedules, money and time. Family camp requires no management skills and there are family camps to fit all family types. Spend August in Maine listening to the pines, try yoga with the kids in Vermont or share traditional English and American dance techniques in Massachusetts.

Here's the scoop. Family camp requires adults to let go for a little while. Some are pure camps that allow adults along with kids and some are hybrids that are really resorts with great activity programs. All create opportunities for families to enjoy each other while having fun while someone else takes care of the details. We have found some interesting options for families. Many of them have a great high value lost cost ratio, in other words a bargain.

Maine: Raymond, Kingsley Pines Family Vacation Camp. This program balances a wide range of activities, with plenty of time to relax on the sandy beach and swim in the crystal clear lake. There are a variety of options for families to be together, and for adults and children to enjoy some time on their own. It is reminiscent of a gentler, less hassled time. Private cabins are located along the lake or nestled among the pines. Many cabins have their own private bathrooms. Supervised activities are provided for children four and older. Bonus points: In addition, organized activities are also available for adults. Of course there is always the option to just sit on the beach or read a book on the lodge porch. Family Camp is held the last two weeks of August. (51 Coughlan Cove Road, Raymond, Maine USA 04071. Toll-free 1-800-480-1533 or www.KingsleyPines.com)

Maine: Camp Medomak. This is family camping for those who are not the "camping type". No one in the family has to shop, cook or clean up the entire week. The food is delicious, hearty and there was even a lobster night. Adult activities include Maine beer and cheese tasting, a fly-fishing clinic, photography classes and a masseuse on staff. The ratio of counselors to kids is high and the list of activities long. ((207) 845-6001 during summer months, (301) 854-9100 during winter months or www.Medomakcamp.com)

Vermont: Starksboro, Camp Common Ground. Since 1994, families have taken advantage of a unique family camp experience grounded in the principles of respect, inclusion and cooperation. Their focus is bringing families of diverse backgrounds and cultures together in activities which promote healthy lifestyles, creativity and family cohesiveness. They welcome families of all shapes and sizes to week-long family camp programs. Their offer separate morning programs for adults and kids and multi-age afternoons and evenings that include yoga, art, music, dance and pure fun. Bonus points: They have for families with teens as well as for young families. Everyone ages 12 and older is required to sign up for five hours of community service per week. Younger children participate in community service with their peers and their youth leaders. Need to know: For single parents with children five or younger, they find special jobs to share. (473 Tatro Road Starksboro, VT 05487. Toll-free 1-800-430-2667 or for local calls, (802) 453-2592 or cgcvt.org)

Vermont: Highgate Springs, Tyler Place. Located on Lake Champlain just a few miles from the Canadian border, this is a camp-style atmosphere with oodles of down-home friendliness. Parents have access to sailing, boating, water-skiing, fishing, biking, hiking, tennis and family-oriented fun such as visits to a local farm, ice cream socials, square dances and game nights. For kids there are daily activities are broken down into eight age groups, beginning at 18 months. There's also an infant playroom as well as various infant play groups offered throughout the season (Highgate Springs, Vermont USA 05460. (802) 868-4000 or www.tylerplace.com)

Massachusetts: Pinewoods, Country Song & Dance Camp for Families. These family programs provide many opportunities to share traditional English and American dance, music and storytelling as well as the beauty of the outdoors with children. Twice a day children age four and older take classes specifically designed for their ages and development while their parents and the teens pursue their own dance and music interests. After classes, there is a morning gathering of the whole camp to dance and sing together. Children not napping after lunch can join their parents in a wide variety of classes. All campers age of six or older have a daily job to help camp run smoothly. Parents are generally assigned a job with their young children. Bonus points: They also offer programs in New Hampshire and West Virginia. (132 Main St/PO Box 338, Haydenville, MA USA 01039-0338. (413) 268-7426 or www.cdss.org)

Vermont: Hulbert Outdoor Center Family Programs. One week camps offer a unique vacation where families find the relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Summer camps include hiking, canoeing, crafting from natural materials, listening to stories around the campfire, singing, sailing, swimming and much more. During Winter Camps you can explore the winter woodlands on snowshoes, learn about dogsledding, listen to stories by the fire or spend a day skiing. Bonus points: On New Year's enjoy a unique celebration with a sleigh ride, music, family games and a dinner by candlelight. (2968 Lake Morey Road, Fairlee, Vermont USA 05045. (802) 333-3410 or www.alohafoundation.org)

Content researched, created and updated by the FamilyTravelFiles.com staff. Copyright 2011.