New Tiered Pricing Model for Aucocisco Day Camps and Classic Cow Overnight Camps

Introducing Rippleffect’s New Tiered Pricing Model

A note from Executive Director Adam Shepherd

Dear Rippleffect Community,

Beginning with the 2026 program season, we’re introducing a 3-tiered pricing model for our Aucocisco Day Camps and Classic Cow Overnight Camps—and freezing tuition at 2025 rates for ROCC Day Camps, Wilderness Treks, and Guide-in-Training programs.

As both a parent and lifelong educator, I understand how challenging it can be to balance family budgets, summer plans, and childcare. Like many organizations, we’re also managing rising costs—from food and staffing to marine operations and insurance. Our new approach aims to provide families with more flexibility and transparency while ensuring sustainability for our programs.

What’s Changing for 2026

1. Tiered Tuition Options for Island Programs

• Tier 1 – True Cost Supporter: Reflects the full cost of running our island-based camps. This is designed for families able to contribute more to help sustain accessibility for others.

• Tier 2 – Standard Tuition: The subsidized base cost, slightly lower than 2025 tuition, and designed for most families.

• Tier 3 – Financial Aid Tier: Need-based assistance through our scholarship process, based on available funds.

2. No Tuition Increase

• 2025 pricing remains in place for ROCC, Wilderness Treks, and Guide-in-Training programs.

We know these changes won’t solve every financial challenge, but we hope this model makes Rippleffect programs more accessible to more Maine families.

A heartfelt thanks to our donors and partners whose support makes this flexibility—and our mission of access and opportunity—possible.

Wishing you all a joyful and healthy holiday season,

Adam J. Shepherd
Executive Director

PRICING FOR AUCOCISCO DAY CAMP AND CLASSIC COW OVERNIGHT CAMP

How this will look during registration?

When you register, you can simply select the tier that best fits your family’s needs. Your choice is confidential and will not affect your child’s camp experience. We trust families to select the rate that’s right for them—no questions asked.

PRICING FOR WILDERNESS TREKS AND ROCC DAY CAMP

(Mainland/Portland campus)

Treks

Rippleffect Outdoor Community Center (ROCC) day programs (Mainland/Portland campus)

*Please note that despite continued cost increases there will be no tuition increase for 2026 Treks or ROCC programs.