What is on the packing list?
Listed below is a sample packing list for the World Cup overnight camps. Please refer to the Parent Guide for the complete packing list. (Can't find it? Check the monthly ELITEAM updates emailed prior to camp.)
RECOMMENDED ITEMS -
- 2 Water bottles
- 2 pair Running shoes:
- Sneakers should be supportive athletic footwear, no "flats"!
- Toiletries
- Sunscreen / Bug Spray
- Swimwear
- Footwear for swimming:
- Water shoes, tevas, keens, chacos, etc
- Towels x2
- Sheets (reg. twin), blanket & pillow or sleeping bag (most opt for sheets/blankets) Stuffed animals welcome!
- Athletic gear:
- running pants/ sweats, workout shorts & t-shirts
- Shorts/Pants
- T-shirts
- Fleece or Sweatshirt
- Socks (lots... 2-3/day)
- Pajamas
- Laundry bag for storing dirty clothes:
- FYI- laundry services are not available, however, we can help if there is a "clothing emergency" during the week
- Plastic bags for packing wet clothing/ towels at end of camp
- Rain coat
- Light wind jacket
- Baseball hat or sun hat
- Costume... see the Parent Guide for this year's theme.
- Inline Skates:
- We'll be inline skating at camp this summer. If you have skates and pads, please bring them. If not, don't worry. We'll have some on-hand courtesy of Rollerblade.
- Mountain Bike:
- All campers must bring a mountain bike. Please note, rentals are not available at ELITEAM or Gould, nor are we able to pick-up or drop-off bikes if you rent locally. Please rent (or borrow!) a mountain bike before arriving at camp.
- Bike Helmet- Everyone needs a bike helmet!!!
- Bike helmets will be used for mountain biking and inline skating.
- Backpack
- We will be doing a long "Adventure Hike". All campers must have their own backpack for hiking that is big enough to carry two water bottles, a bag lunch and an extra layer of clothing (ex. sweatshirt, wind jacket or long sleeve shirt.) Be sure this is a "proper" backpack for hiking, meaning no cinch sacks with string straps!)
- Alarm clock
- Watch- we emphasize being on time
- Pen/pencil
- 3-5 Sports or lifestyle magazines (These will be cut up and used in a collage poster. Please do not expect any magazines to return home with your child!)
OPTIONAL ITEMS -
- Fan (recommended if it looks like hot weather for the week)
- Books/magazines/etc (may help if your child has trouble falling asleep)
- ELITEAM provides all meals and snacks, but parents may send campers with additional healthy snacks. Please do not send candy or junk food. It will be confiscated.
- We'll play some soccer, but it's casual, so shin guards and cleats are not necessary. However, your child is welcome to bring those items along if you prefer.
- Please LABEL all of your child's gear and clothing!!!
ITEMS NOT PERMITTED:
- NO personal computers/electronics (ex. no iPods, iPod-Touchs, shuffles, DVD players, etc) A digital alarm clock is fine, although we prefer that it does not have a radio
- Cell phones are NOT permitted. Please be respectful of this rule. If you need to leave a cell phone with your child, please give it to your child's dorm parent to hold for the duration of camp. Make sure your child's name is clearly marked on the phone
- Spending money is not needed
- Do not bring valuables to camp
MEDICATION & INHALERS:
Don't forget personal medications, inhalers and epi-pens, etc. (Medication should be in its original packaging.) Medications to be administered by the nurse and/or dorm parent should be left with the nurse upon arrival, along with any special notes for administering.
EPI-PENS:
If your child has an allergy that requires an epi-pen, please bring 2-3 epi-pens to camp, along with a fanny pack designated for one of them. (A fanny pack is strongly preferred over a backpack.) It is important to bring at least two epi-pens, so we have a back-up/second dose available in the event of an emergency. It depends on the allergy, but we normally keep one with the nurse or dorm parent, and one in the fanny pack that "travels" with us (around school and off-campus). Please bring all epi-pens to check-in when you arrive on the first day of camp. Make sure the fanny pack and epi-pens are clearly labeled with your child's name. Please also double check that your child has re-packed them all when heading home after camp.
CELL PHONES / ELITEAM'S COMMUNICATION POLICY:
Cell phones are not permitted at camp.* ELITEAM does not allow campers to make or receive phone calls and/or texts while at camp, as we have found cell phones to be a major distraction to campers and/or a source to trigger homesickness. We like to use this time at camp as an opportunity for the athletes to "unplug" and become immersed in the ELITEAM world of working hard, pushing limits, having fun and reaching their goals. Should you have an urgent message for your child during the week, or would simply like to check in with us for reassurance, you are welcome to call Alex Voutas (Camp Director's assistant). If you are uncomfortable with this rule, please discuss your concerns with us in advance so we can work something out. Please be respectful of this rule, as we take it very seriously. If a camper is caught with a cell phone, parents will be notified and required to take their child home.
*(In the case that your child needs to have a cell phone with them due to travel/logistical complications before or after camp, the cell phone must be left with Alexis Voutas upon arrival. It will be turned off for the week and returned to your child on the last morning of camp.)
What is Gould Academy’s Campus Address?
GOULD ACADEMY
39 Church Street
Bethel, ME 04217
When is drop-off / pick-up?
World Cup 1 @ GOULD:
Drop-off: Monday, July 13, 2026 @ 1:30-2:30pm
Pick-up: Saturday, July 18, 2026 @ 2:00pm
World Cup 2 @ GOULD:
Drop-off: Monday, July 20, 2026 @ 1:30-2:30pm
Pick-up: Saturday, July 25, 2026 @ 2:00pm
GOULD ACADEMY
39 Church Street
Bethel, Maine 04217
My child will be arriving with another family, is there anything I need to do? (Overnight Camps)
GOULD ACADEMY OVERNIGHT CAMPS-
Yes, please notify us in advance if you will not be dropping off your child. We can tie up any loose ends and complete the registration process prior to camp.
Contact Abbey Quinn:
quinna@gouldacademy.org
207-592-4322
Can I drop off my child early?
Overnight Camps-
Due to pre-camp staff meetings, we are unable to accommodate early check-ins. However, if you have a conflict, please call us and we can discuss your options.
What meals will be provided on the first day? (Overnight Camps)
All Overnight Camps:
Check-in is from 1:30-2:30pm, so lunch will not be available on the first day. Please make sure your child eats lunch prior to drop-off. We'll provide a mid-afternoon snack before dinner.
What should I do if I am running late and will miss registration or the designated drop-off time?
OVERNIGHT CAMPS:
Please call or text to let us know that you are on your way and what time you expect to arrive. We will make arrangements for a coach to meet you at the main building.
Text us @ 207-592-4322
What is your Communications Policy?
ELITEAM'S COMMUNICATION POLICY:
Overnight Camps:
Cell phones and all electronic devices are not permitted at our overnight camps. We also do not allow campers to make or receive phone calls during the week. Over the years, we’ve found that nightly calls can be distracting and often trigger homesickness. ELITEAM is a chance for kids to unplug, be present, and fully dive into athletics, teamwork, and FUN!
If your child arrives at camp with a cell phone, they should hand it in to their dorm parent for safekeeping until the end of camp. Please note: If a camper chooses to keep a phone hidden and it is discovered, parents will be asked to pick up their child. We are firm on this rule and appreciate your support in helping us maintain a positive and connected camp environment. If you have questions or concerns about this policy, please reach out to us ahead of time.
If you need to get an urgent message to your child during the week—or simply want a quick reassurance—please don’t hesitate to call. We’re always here to help.
207-592-4322
How much mountain biking will they do?
2026 Mtn Biking:
We will be mountain biking two days at each camp. Campers are responsible for bringing their own mountain bike, helmet, and any necessary accessories. Please ensure your child’s bike is in good working order before camp.
Our riding is cross-country style, and we offer appropriate trails for all levels—from beginners to experienced riders. All campers will ride in small groups led by a coach.
Please note:
ELITEAM and Gould are not able to provide or rent bikes for campers. If your child does not have a bike, please arrange to borrow or rent one locally in your area prior to camp.
How can I reach the staff during camp?
Contact Information:
- Main Camp Phone: 207-592-4322
- Doug Lewis (Camp Director): doug@eliteam.com or 802-793-3078
- Abbey Quinn (Gould Academy): quinna@gouldacademy.org
As a reminder, campers are not permitted to have cell phones at the overnight camps.
Can my child call home during camp?
Overnight Camps:
Phone calls (and cell phones) are not permitted at ELITEAM, as we have found the nightly phone calls to be a distraction to campers and a source to trigger homesickness. If your child is not able to last the duration of camp without speaking to you, then he/she is not quite ready for ELITEAM. If you're "on the fence" about registering, we suggest waiting a year. Have your child "practice" their overnights, and then reevaluate for next Summer. When that time comes, think about sending them with a buddy. That can help their comfort level tremendously. Please consider this carefully. It is important to us that your child have a positive experience at ELITEAM.
What are the dorm rooms like? (Overnight Camps)
Overnight Camps @ Gould Academy
World Cup Camps-
All campers will be housed in the Gould campus dorms. Girls and boys will stay on separate floors. Each room will accommodate 1–4 campers, and roommates will be assigned by Gould. We do not take roommate requests, as part of the camp experience is meeting new peers and building independence. Campers will be placed in age-appropriate room groups.
What is your procedure for handling injuries & medical emergencies?
Overnight Camps @ Gould Academy
We have both a Nurse and Athletic Trainer on staff to monitor illnesses and evaluate injuries. In the event of a serious injury or medical emergency, every effort will be made to contact parents before seeking treatment.
How do you handle the situation if a child is homesick? (Overnight Camps)
Overnight Camps-
Campers who experience homesickness are often perfectly fine during the day, but may struggle more at night when they’re tired and have some downtime. We will do our best to comfort your child and offer supportive distractions. In our experience, phone calls home tend to intensify homesickness rather than relieve it, so we strongly discourage this approach. However, if we feel a call is truly necessary, your child’s dorm parent will contact you directly so we can work together on a plan for the remainder of the week.
To help set your child up for success, please talk with them before camp about our no phone calls policy so expectations are clear.
What is a typical day at Eliteam?
ELITEAM offers a variety of Camps & Clinics. Depending on the program and location, the schedule will vary. Overall, however, we follow a very structured program each day. We feel the kids do best with a focused, busy (and fun!) schedule and limited free time.
World Cup Overnight Camps-
6:45am: Wake up
7:00am: Morning run & stretch
7:30am: Breakfast
8:15am: Morning activity/workout
11:30am: Lunch
12:30pm: Notebook meeting
1:30pm: Afternoon activity/workout
5:00pm: Free time
5:30pm: Dinner
6:30pm: Evening Activity
8:00pm: Dorm meeting & Journal
8:30pm: Get ready for bed
8:45pm: Campers in their own room — Quiet time.
9:00pm: Lights out
Why do you recommend that Eliteam not be a child’s first overnight camp experience?
Overnight Camps-
ELITEAM’s program is quite strenuous. The physical exhaustion combined with the stress of being away from home for the first time can be overwhelming for some campers. Although many can make it through the day, they often have a difficult time in the evenings. This is especially true for the youngest campers. On the other hand, if your child is on the older side and has not yet been to overnight camp, but is used to being away from family and the comforts of home for a week at a time, he/she should be ok. We suggest that you give us a call to discuss your child’s situation if you are unsure. It is important to us that your child has a positive experience their first time at camp.
What are my local lodging options during camp?
Camps in Bethel, ME
If parents plan on staying in the area during camp, we recommend these options:
