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.

Like many organizations, we’re managing rising costs—from food and staffing to marine operations and insurance. In an effort to maintain our high quality programming while also working to keep our programs as affordable as possible, we are implementing this tiered system to provide families with more flexibility and transparency while ensuring sustainability for our camps and expeditions.

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. For those families who can, we encourage them to pay the Tier 1 tuition option as a way of supporting the sustainability of our programs.

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

• Tier 3 – Financial Aid: Need-based assistance through our application 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.