An overnight summer camp for boys, Camp Caribou in Winslow, Maine, allows campers to form lifelong friendships and provides them with a broad variety of fun and educational activities. Camp Caribou’s experienced counselors also help campers build self-confidence by striking a balance between improving current skills and exploring new interests.
A three-generation family business, the camp celebrated its 50th anniversary under the ownership of the Lerman family in 2018. Purchased by Al and Evelyn Lerman in 1968, it was passed down to their son, Bill, and his wife, Martha, a decade later before falling into the hands of their grandchildren. Bobby Lerman recruits new campers and leads Caribou’s daily management, while his siblings Lori and Alex handle all other matters.
To ensure genuine interest in the family business, Bill and Martha imposed a rule that their children must work elsewhere before they can apply to join the Caribou staff. This policy has enabled the camp to build a close-knit team and contributes to inspiring campers to return as counselors later in life.
Despite society’s reliance on mobile technology, Martha and Bill Lerman believe that traditional camp experiences like the one at Caribou will continue to survive. The camp has seen a trend in recent years of families with an interest in sending their children to a place where they can form lasting friendships without the distraction of technology. Bill Lerman also believes that traditional-style camps are replacing playgrounds as the setting where children learn skills for settling differences and social interaction.
