From mountain biking to fire building to overnight camping, local kids will experience all kinds of outdoor fun during Adventure Camp, hosted by the University of Maine at Presque Isle and the Nordic Heritage Sport Club. Adventure Camp will take place July 23 to 28 at the Nordic Heritage Center and is open to area youth from 4th grade to 8th grade.
“We are so excited to be offering this type of adventure programming to local youth,” Shea Brown, camp director, said. “Opportunities like this have been offered in the past and both UMPI and Nordic Heritage recognize the need for kids to be outside enjoying our area’s beautiful woods and trails.”
During the six-day camp, Brown will lead participants on several excursions, including mountain biking, hiking/geo caching, kayaking, and nature walks with science talks. Campers will also learn how to set up a camp site, build a fire, cook over a camp fire, and practice survival skills.
“Many kids don’t understand what it’s like to sleep outside anymore,” Brown said. “Camping creates a unique opportunity for kids to work things out because they’re in the wilderness together and they have to rely on each other. It gives kids a different opportunity to excel and just have fun.”
And, she added, “there will be no electronics allowed!”
Nordic Heritage Sport Club President Gene Cronin had the original idea for the camp and reached out to Brown, who has helped to facilitate local camps like this in the past. Brown works as a Continuing Education Specialist for UMPI’s Business program, which oversees the University’s Recreation program. She brought the idea to UMPI officials, who were immediately on board because of the connections between the camp and UMPI’s Recreation program.
As part of this unique partnership, UMPI is providing Brown’s time and its recreational resources—kayaks, tents, and sleeping bags—and the Nordic Heritage Sport Club is providing the food, venue and registration support.
“We at the Nordic Heritage Center are looking forward to partnering with UMPI to bring some great outdoor recreation and educational experiences to local youth,” Cronin said. “The Nordic Heritage Center is known for excellent skiing in the winter but we also have great summer recreation activities available. This Adventure Camp program will highlight some of these opportunities!”
Cronin and Brown look forward to seeing campers ready for adventure on July 23.
Adventure Camp runs from July 23 to July 28: from Monday to Thursday, camp will take place from 1-5 p.m.; from Thursday night through Saturday morning, campers will enjoy an overnight experience. There are 12 spots available for kids from 4th grade to 8th grade. Cost is $175. For more information, contact Shea Brown at shea.l.brown@maine.edu or Gene Cronin at gene@skiquoggyjo.org.
