ABOUT USThis season marks Castle Island's 90th year! Castle Island Camps has been family owned since 1929. John & Rhonda Rice, the current owners, are only the fourth generation to run the camp!
Castle Island Camps is an American Plan Camp, meaning our rates include your waterfront cabin, all meals and daily housekeeping. That's a big reason our guests are able to enjoy a fun, stress-free vacation with us! Whether you are here to enjoy quality family time, or some excellent fishing - Castle Island is the place to be! We are located at the mid point of beautiful Long Pond in Belgrade, Maine - creating easy boat access to both the north and south ends of the lake. The north end of the lake provides quality fishing and easy water access to downtown Belgrade Lakes. The south end of the lake has the same excellent fishing with many streams and inlets. Fishing Enthusiasts learn more here |
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MEET THE RICE FAMILY
John and Rhonda were both raised in Maine. Rhonda grew up in the southern part of the state until she went to college. She attended The University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) where she received a B.A. in Psychology. Following this, she moved to Richmond Virginia where she earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Rhonda worked in the social work field for nine years, the last five specializing in therapeutic foster care. This is when she and John received "the call" about purchasing Castle Island Camps which had been in Rhonda's family since 1929. Rhonda enjoys staying active through working out, hiking, kayaking and snowshoeing. She also enjoys reading, traveling, Food Network shows, home improvement projects and spending time with her family.
John grew up in Alna (huh?), a little town near the coast. He received his B.A. in Psychology from UMF and his MSW from Virginia Commonwealth University (see the trend?). John worked as a social worker/therapist for over ten years in a variety of capacities. He was also able to combine his professional skills with his love of the outdoors by participating in several wilderness trips with at-risk youth. John enjoys fishing, archery hunting, hiking, snowshoeing, and spending time with a houseful of girls! Who knew a licensed therapist could make the transition to carpenter, plumber, electrician, cook and dishwasher? As he likes to say, “the best job I’ve ever had.”
John and Rhonda's three daughters have had fantastic experiences growing up at Castle Island, where they have made great memories and life-long friends. Lydia graduated from the University of New England in 2018 and passed her nursing boards shortly after. She secured a job prior to graduating and is thriving within a hospital setting. Lydia and her fiancé, Nathan, bought a house together and are excitedly planning a wedding for the fall of 2019.
Elizabeth completed her sophomore year at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA, where she is a Health Science major/Occupational Therapy minor. She loves her school environment - Go Dukes! Elizabeth is a member of Alpha Sigma Tau (AST) and is currently the President Elect of The Panhellenic Council. She works as a full-time waitress at the camps during her summer break.
Paige completed her sophomore year of HS. She enjoys music and theater and has played guitar for more than five years. Paige joined the tennis team her freshman year and earned a spot on the varsity team this year where she plays doubles. She recently got her driver's license and we are all enjoying her ability to drive herself to all of her activities! Paige also works as a waitress at the camp during the summer. During her down time, she enjoys swimming, paddle boarding and hanging out with her summer friends, playing games and enjoying the lake.
John grew up in Alna (huh?), a little town near the coast. He received his B.A. in Psychology from UMF and his MSW from Virginia Commonwealth University (see the trend?). John worked as a social worker/therapist for over ten years in a variety of capacities. He was also able to combine his professional skills with his love of the outdoors by participating in several wilderness trips with at-risk youth. John enjoys fishing, archery hunting, hiking, snowshoeing, and spending time with a houseful of girls! Who knew a licensed therapist could make the transition to carpenter, plumber, electrician, cook and dishwasher? As he likes to say, “the best job I’ve ever had.”
John and Rhonda's three daughters have had fantastic experiences growing up at Castle Island, where they have made great memories and life-long friends. Lydia graduated from the University of New England in 2018 and passed her nursing boards shortly after. She secured a job prior to graduating and is thriving within a hospital setting. Lydia and her fiancé, Nathan, bought a house together and are excitedly planning a wedding for the fall of 2019.
Elizabeth completed her sophomore year at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA, where she is a Health Science major/Occupational Therapy minor. She loves her school environment - Go Dukes! Elizabeth is a member of Alpha Sigma Tau (AST) and is currently the President Elect of The Panhellenic Council. She works as a full-time waitress at the camps during her summer break.
Paige completed her sophomore year of HS. She enjoys music and theater and has played guitar for more than five years. Paige joined the tennis team her freshman year and earned a spot on the varsity team this year where she plays doubles. She recently got her driver's license and we are all enjoying her ability to drive herself to all of her activities! Paige also works as a waitress at the camp during the summer. During her down time, she enjoys swimming, paddle boarding and hanging out with her summer friends, playing games and enjoying the lake.
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"The Rice Family is first class and hard working and their goal is to make sure you have a good vacation. That's dedication!"
- David L |
