Camp Mechuwana

Special Places, Special Memories, & Staff Campfires

7/21/2020

As I write this, today is Thursday.

During my summer vacations, Thursdays are always my favorite day of the week. Especially Thursday nights after dinner. Wait a minute; I think that I should explain why with a bit more detail.

For the past almost 30 years my summer vacation has been spent at Camp Mechuwana as either a counselor or a Dean. All of those summer so far have been spent with Rally Camp. My first six were as a counselor, I then did twenty (gulp) as Dean and then the last two were as a counselor after I passed the Deaning torch. I went to Rallies in Maine through the United Methodist Church when I was in high school. The summer that I graduated from Mt. Blue High School one of my Dad’s colleagues, Joan DeSanctis called my dad and asked if I might be able to counsel a cabin of junior high girls for Rally Camp. Dad told her that I would. So when I got home from Creative Arts camp on Saturday morning Dad told me to wash all my stuff, pack up and head back to camp as a counselor. I didn’t ask any questions; I was so excited! Thus my escapades as a volunteer at Mechuwana began.

As I am sitting here writing I need to keep stopping because in thinking of Mechuwana my head is so full of memories. So many beautiful memories: all the years of spending my week at Lower Camp listening to the water lap against the shore and the loons sing us to sleep, walking all the trails…I remember walking Loon Lane from Lower Camp to swimming before it got an overhaul and how every summer I would have banged up feet when I got home. How we would wait in line to shower (who else remembers those lovely old showers down at Lower Camp?) and then go to the next bathroom to brush our teeth! I remember an awesome summer spent up at the Village when we had a Talent Night and my cabin did a live broadcast from WMEC. Julio was so surprised when we “interviewed” him! The years that we spent painting churches and helping out at the Salem Economic Ministries! And who can forget the “Summer of the Bob’s” when Mary ended up leaning against a newly painted wall and then had paint in her hair for the rest of the week! Oh, and then there is the year that we picked all of the rocks out of what is now the soccer field!

Staff campfire, photo courtesy Rally Camp

Then we started the “No Talent Nights” for a few years on Friday nights! Those were such a hilarious time! I even remember Norman popping in one night and he was laughing so hard for a moment I thought we would need to call the nurse! Oh, those were such fun times! We would have Night Walks, dances – come on, “Let’s do the Time Warp Again”! So many games, scavenger hunts and the infamous “Wacky Olympics!” I could go on and on about all the wonderful memories I have!

But there is one area of camp that especially means so much to me. There are two actually, and they are right next to each other. One is the “Path of Peace” that Rally Camp in 2011 blazed the trail for. It was made through (literally) blood, sweat and tears in memory of Julio DeSanctis. The other place is where we have staff campfire. Every Thursday night after dinner we would all head back to our cabins and grab a sweatshirt, lather up with bug spray and then begin the trek down to Lower Camp for Thursday night staff campfire.

For about an hour or so on Thursday nights the Mechuwana staff would keep us all greatly entertained, singing so many campfire songs! Those songs have greatly changed over the years, and every once in a while an oldie but a goodie will make its way back onto the playlist. I will never forget the year that one of the Missions Camps taught us “I’m a Little Teapot”…the 21st century version! I don’t think that one will ever disappear!

But after a while, when the sun as officially set and the campfire is vivaciously burning we will become peaceful, quiet. We wouldn’t really stand still, but in some ways everything would stop. We would hear the lake lapping against the shore. Occasionally a loudly propelled boat would go by. We would hear the cracking of the campfire as it slowly began to burn down. Someone from the staff would read scripture. We would sing “Sanctuary”, “Pass it on” and “Linger”. If we needed rain than Norman would lead us in the “Prayer for Rain”, and if we were really lucky he would read us a Dr. Seuss story. I believe that the most popular is “Yertle the Turtle” followed by “Gertrude McFuzz’ and “The Big Brag”. My three Younglings, especially my son Jayden so love those stories! In fact, his “Yertle the Turtle” book is now held together with duct tape. Plus, me being a person who has spent the majority of her life one town over from where Dr. Seuss was born and raised is special. I’ve even driven down Mulberry Street more times than I can remember.

Back to campfire…then we would pray. Beneath those cathedral trees we would thank God for his blessings; we would thank Him for bringing us all together for a week at Mechuwana, to the place that we all can let our hair down and be our true selves. This camp, the place where we can all get so many hugs in one day that our arms would hurt, were laughter is a second fluid language. A place where at “lights out” we would snuggle into our sleeping bags and thank God for the blessings that He has given us.

And we would sleep. We would peacefully sleep. And the dawn came the next morning we would gently rub our eyes and begin a new day.

We all may not able to be at Mechuwana this year. But Mechuwana will always be in our hearts. I would like to end my little blog with words from a song that will always, always have a very special and sacred place in my heart and soul:

                “Oh spirit of Mechuwana, beneath these cathedral trees
                We worship by cross and alter, for thou art Lord God of all of theses
                Oh, guide us through field and forest, ‘ore paths that we all have trod
                For we belong to Mechuwana,
                And Mechuwana belongs to God.”

AMEN!

—Dawn Zarecki Reidy

2 Comments

Supporting Mechuwana in the Long Run (or Walk or Bike)

7/14/2020

0 Comments

During these unprecedented times, we all have faced unfathomable new realities. As a result, perspective on our personal priorities and what drives our collective human spirit has been put into greater context. In light of all the challenges and the unknowns that exist in our COVID-laden world, the steadfast spirit of Mechuwana has remained committed to its mission providing positivity, service, and sustenance to our local communities. As many of you know, Norman Thombs, our camp director, and his staff have worked tirelessly over the past few months to prepare, package, and deliver meals to families all over Central Maine. Their efforts have made a tremendous impact in providing food to thousands of people who may otherwise be without it. In order to sustain these efforts and meet increasing demands, we are asking for your help in a FUN and new way!

It is with great excitement to announce the launch of our first ever "Camp Mechu-RUN-a Virtual 5K." This new community opportunity will directly support Camp Mechuwana’s summer food program, helping to ensure that families receive meals throughout the remainder of the summer.

This 5K event can be completed on your own through any form of fitness — walking, running, biking, or any way you choose! Complete your 5K in one day or over a few — it is up to you! This virtual 5K is not timed or a competition, but, feel free to send your time and pics to us at campmechuwana@gmail.com so we can share them on our website once the event is complete.

Also, as you do your 5K, we encourage you to sport your own Mechuwana apparel such as an old staff shirt, hat, bandana, etc. When doing so, please feel free to tag us @campmechuwana. We want everyone to be able to virtually cheer you on and congratulate you on your accomplishment and support of camp!

While registration for this event opened July 1st, the 5K will officially run on Monday, July 20th and will close on Friday, August 14th, which would have been camp’s last scheduled day of the summer season. We will continue to accept registrations during this period of time. To find out more race information and how to register, please visit https://runsignup.com/Race/ME/Winthrop/MechuRUNAVirtual5K. Please help us promote this race by sharing it through your own social networks so we can the word out as much as possible.

On behalf of the entire Mechuwana community, we sincerely appreciate your continued support of Mechuwana during these unique times. I look forward to seeing your pictures participating in this race! My family and I are ready to rock it and I know you will, too.

Ready…Set…Go...have fun & be safe!

Thanks and be well everyone,

Mike Griswold

0 Comments

Finding Creative Ways to Connect with Mechuwana Friends During COVID

7/11/2020

0 Comments

This summer was supposed to be my first summer deaning Elementary/Middle School Music Theater Camp, along with Kwamena Blankson and my very good friend Beth Wallace. This is the camp where Beth and I met, 27 years ago, before I moved to her hometown. Beth and I have been close friends, pretty much ever since. We were roommates for several summers on staff, and last summer we co-deaned Mom/Child and You and Me Camps together. Beth, Kwamena, and I have all three volunteered at the Elementary/Middle School Music Theater Camp for many years, bringing our children, spouses, and our children’s friends along for the ride. Although Beth and I deaned together last summer, putting on a musical in a week brings things to a whole new level. The three of us were looking forward to the challenge with some trepidation, but also a lot of enthusiasm. We were well supported by the dean team that came before us, we had a great staff of old and new volunteers lined up, and we were all looking forward to working together.

Then came Covid-19.

Elementary/Middle School Music Theater camp is a family. The staff and campers have watched my children grow up. Some of the staff watched me grow up. I have watched our campers and volunteer children grow up. One summer I counseled a cabin with my two-year-old son. I worried the girls wouldn’t like sharing their cabin with a toddler, but they became like his big sisters for the week. Another summer I directed the show with a five-week-old baby strapped to my chest, while my husband played in the pit. Last year a camper helped usher my five- and seven-year-olds on and off the stage for chorus numbers. I myself remember as a camper playing with a baby who has grown up to be one of our adult volunteers!

Many of the volunteers have been involved with the camp for decades, including my dad, and Beth’s mom, and we have often had three generations of a family with us for the week.Our youth leaders are often campers who attended the camp until they aged out, as were some of our adult volunteers. The dean team we are replacing were there when Beth and I were campers. It is a community many of us return to year after year. And every year we invite new campers, and often new volunteers, to join our camp family. Some stay for a week, some a few years, some go away for awhile and return. Some reappear after many years to drop their kids off with us for the week. Sometimes former volunteers can only join us for the show on Friday, and maybe for the dance party afterwards. Whoever they are, and however much time they spend with us, we hope that they feel a part of the love we have for them, for each other, and for the very special place that has brought us together. It is a Mechuwana story that I’m sure many other camps are familiar with.

As a music theater camp, music is at the heart of our community. Yes we put on a musical. But we also break out the instruments and sing for morning watch and evening devotions. A group of staff take guitars and sing to the cabins at lights out. Staff and campers gather to make music together during breaks. As a camper I remember the sound of music drifting from the Lodge or from the fire circle after lights out. As a volunteer, singing together late into the night has been one of my favorite parts of the week. It was making music together that I would miss most of all.

So when Beth suggested that we have a Zoom concert to start the summer, I jumped on board, and quickly so did other volunteers. We invited current and past volunteers, every camper who attended last summer and those who had registered for this summer. Participants were encouraged to perform something — a song, a skit, a poem — or just come along to watch and be together. On the Monday night after what would have been our week of camp, a youth leader, 7 campers (mostly staff kids) and 10 adult volunteers met on Zoom. We took turns sharing favorite songs. A set of siblings shared an amazing lip sync to Disney's Gaston. Two volunteers’ kids played instruments for us, and we shared the fellowship of making music together. It was not the same as gathering in the Lodge with our instruments and our voices, but it was full of love, and although we were apart, we were together. We closed, of course, with the Mechuwana Song. At the end of the evening my son begged me to tell everyone we needed to do it again. It was bittersweet. It did remind me of what I was missing. But I was so grateful to be with each and every one of those people, and grateful for everything they have brought into my life, summer after summer.

I hope that you, too, will find ways to get together with your Mechuwana family this summer. If you are a volunteer, reach out to your dean. If you are a dean, reach out to Norm. Feel free to reach out to Beth Wallace and me if you’d like to hear more about our experience. If you happen to like to sing, act, dance, play an instrument, sew costumes, paint sets, or just hang around with people who do, maybe next summer, you’d like to join our Mechuwana family. We would be so glad to have you!

—Bethany (Marsh) Sullivan

0 Comments

Remembering the Times & Celebrating My Mechuwana Memories

5/22/2020

3 Comments

There has been nothing easy about life during the Covid-19 pandemic. I am lucky in that I am still employed and so is my husband. We don’t take that for granted. Our family members and friends are healthy, and so are we. We stand in line for groceries, but we wear our masks and wash our hands and are fortunate that we are able to buy food and keep ourselves fed. We know that not everyone is as lucky.

I have been spending a lot of time alone, working from home and thinking about all of the things for which I am grateful. Feeling grateful for what I have instead of focusing on what has changed and caused disruption and inconvenience takes a lot of energy. I can so easily start thinking about the losses and get weighed down in the uncertainty and overwhelming sadness about life as we know it right now.

And then, this week was the week. As a member of the Mechuwana Site Committee and the person who manages Mechuwana’s website and social media, including email blasts, I knew this week would be hard. This is the week we contacted Mechuwana campers, parents, volunteers, and supporters to say that with very heavy hearts, we were announcing the closing of camp for the summer season. Thinking about a summer with no Mechuwana was like a punch in the gut. Even though I knew it was coming and I could brace for it and prepare myself, it hurt nonetheless.

The Lodge porch, where many of us have spent lots of summer days & nights over camp's 73 years. We will be back there before we know it...

What hurts most for me is the thought of so many campers who were excited about their first time at camp, or the campers who were already planning their week at camp and thinking about what they would pack, whether they wanted a top or bottom bunk, and if they would still get to eat pizza on Friday night. Thinking about Adult Special Needs campers in particular is heartbreaking. I have known many of the campers since I was first on camp staff in 1991, nearly 30 years. The enthusiasm and excitement of this week of camp – for the campers, volunteers, and staff – is hard to explain unless you have experienced it. I know how much these remarkable adults look forward to their week at Mechuwana, and to think of them hearing the news that this summer they won’t be playing kickball, making crafts, swimming, boating, dancing, or hosting their talent show is what caused me to weep today. Laura Church’s rendition of the Mechuwana Song Monday morning on Facebook also made those tears flow. It was a beautiful performance full of emotion that we all felt. I felt the pain and sadness in each note, and want to thank you, Laura, for sharing that moment with so many of us. It was sad, but also brought back a flood of memories of singing that song with so many people over the years.

Lisa (Agurkis) Lockhart and me at Elementary Cabin Camp in 1980, and inset, Lisa & me at the 2018 Dempsey Challenge in Lewiston

My memories of Mechuwana started in 1980 during Elementary Cabin Camp, deaned by Janet Smeltzer. I remember much of that week, including my first camp friend, Chelsea from Biddeford. I haven’t seen Chelsea in nearly 40 years, but I remember that we kept in touch and wrote letters back and forth until we saw each other at the same camp the next summer. I am still friends with Lisa Agurkis, who also was in my cabin all those years ago. We make a point of seeing each other at the Dempsey Challenge each fall in Lewiston, and always talk about camp and take a selfie.

My sister, friends, & me (far right) at Jr/Sr High Music Theatre Camp 1984, "Choose"

I remember years of music theatre camp. I was not a talented singer or actress, but I loved that camp. I made so many lifelong friends at my two years there. And then, in 1991, I got hired to work in the kitchen. If I am not a singer or an actor, I am also definitely not a cook…but I can chop vegetables and wash dishes with the best of them. That summer changed my life. I have been involved in Mechuwana ever since – going on to work in the office, then as assistant director, and finally in 1996, I became the year-round Youth Director, running the rally program for 12 years before retiring 10 years ago this month. To say that Mechuwana is important to me is a complete understatement. I credit Mechuwana with turning my life around and giving me a life I never imagined. I found my voice, my passion, my confidence, and some of my very best and most important friends on these sacred grounds. For that, and so many other camp impacts, I am profoundly grateful.

What brings me hope and some moments of peace during this pandemic is thinking about camp and looking at camp photos. I think about sitting on the boat dock or waking up in my room on the Lodge porch to the call of the loons. I think of uncontrollable laughter and singing showtunes late at night with Lisa Swett the summers we roomed together…some of the biggest laughter was when we were tormenting her brother, Peter, who was on staff with us.

Lisa Swett and me in our room on the Lodge porch, summer 1992

There is a meme that I have seen on Facebook several times that reads something like: “Smiles are not cancelled. Laughter is not cancelled. Phone calls with family and friends are not cancelled.” I like to think that Camp Mechuwana memories are not cancelled. Camp memories can help sustain us during this time. “Remembering the times we had here” at Mechuwana can sustain us…singing the camp song or a silly campfire song is not cancelled. We are actually hoping to share some campfires this summer, virtually, if possible. Stay tuned…

And know that as much as you are going to miss camp this summer…camp is going to miss you even more. We look forward to seeing you at camp each time you drive down Mechuwana Lane. We love seeing you in the registration line for your week of camp. We love seeing you at meals, swimming at the waterfront, walking on the Owl Trail, and singing around the campfire. We know that we won’t have those moments this summer, for your health and safety and the safety of our staff and volunteers. But know that we are here, rooting for you, praying for you, and hoping that you will be back on our 200 wooded acres on the shore of Lower Narrows…or as we call it, Mechuwana Pond, as soon as possible.

A junior high rally while I was youth director. I am going to guess this was 1999 or so? Recognize the junior high rally goer I am with? That's Jarod Richmond...and he is going to LOVE that I shared this photo.

—Beth Comeau, former camper, summer & year-round staff, youth director, & current Site Committee member

3 Comments

Video Blog: Tour the Lodge Renovations with Norm

4/23/2020

6 Comments

I have loved the Lodge since I first set foot in it at age nine, which was 40 years ago this summer. I was an Elementary Cabin Camp camper along with my sister, and my mom counseled for the week. My father volunteered for the week doing maintenance tasks, including building a new set of stairs on the lake side of the Lodge, those stairs that many of us have walked up and down hundreds of times or sat on to talk with friends.

The Lodge porch is probably my favorite place on Earth. I spent a summer living in the room on the lake side of the Lodge, waking each morning to the sound of loons calling to each other across the lake. I listened to music theater camp rehearsals, singing in front of the fireplace, screen doors slamming as people went in and out of the Lodge during boating time, sitting in the Adirondack chairs to talk with new friends, and the sounds of lifeguards blowing whistles at the boat dock to signify that it was time for paddlers to make their way back to shore.

My camp memories of the Lodge are so clear in my mind.

So when Norman sent me videos to show the progress that has been made on Lodge renovations this fall and winter, I was surprised. Pleasantly surprised though. My room on the Lodge porch, where Lisa Swett and I spent the summer of 1992, is now gone, but never forgotten — we had a lot of fun that summer! It has now been opened up to be a beautiful part of a screened-in porch,with windows that will let bright light into that usually dark corner of the Lodge.

Did you see those new lights on the soon-to-be screened-in porch? I am so thankful for Kaplan Electric for their incredible work rewiring the entire building and ensuring that it is up to code. Norm said there are electrical outlets along with these wonderful new lights on the Lodge porch! How cool is that?! I can't wait to see it for myself!

I remember always looking up to the loft behind the large stone fireplace inside, wondering what it was like up there. It seems like with these renovations, after all these years maybe I will get to know what it's like up there. They are reinforcing the support for that area, and it will be used for music theater costumes and props. What a great place to be able to store everything for summer musical productions for years to come.

It is impossible to pick my favorite part of the updated Lodge, but I think that one of the most dramatic and impressive changes, to me anyway, is the very first change that I saw when renovations started. The new entrance to Lodge is awesome! There are historic photos to see as you walk through the new entryway into what was the old kitchen area. The kitchen has moved - and looks INCREDIBLE. It is now where the old laundry room used to be. I spent a lot of Saturdays doing my laundry in that little room when I was on staff in the early 1990s. Here are some views of the new entrance and kitchen:

And the final video (thanks to Norm and his son Ethan for creating these videos so we can have a virtual tour while we are all staying home to stop the spread of the coronavirus this spring) is of the room where many of us have spent time doing crafts, singing, making friends, participating in worship services in front of the fireplace, dancing, laughing, and making a lifetime of memories.

Seeing these videos and the incredible work being done to ensure that the Lodge is around for generations to come is a bright spot in these difficult times. When I need to find comfort and peace in a place, the place I go has always been camp. More specifically...the Lodge porch and boat dock. Right now, with the coronavirus, I can't go to camp because there are volunteers there helping to feed children in Central Maine, and they need to be safe and healthy. But, thanks to Norm, Ethan, and technology, even though I can't go to camp, camp can come to me — and to you through these videos.

If you watch the videos and then sit back and close your eyes, I bet you can even hear the familiar call of the Lower Narrows Pond loons. They are calling to us and know that we will all "come back again some day."

Until then, please keep camp in your prayers. Check in on a camp friend. Support camp with a donation if you are able. And know that we are praying for you and can't wait to have you join us to celebrate the Lodge and the lifetimes of memories that have been created — and will be created for years to come — inside those walls.

God bless,
Beth Dimond Comeau, former camp youth director & current member of the Mechuwana Site Committee

6 Comments

Camp Staffers Give Back Through New All-girls Camp Program

5/31/2019

0 Comments

Mechuwana is a special place for so many. For some of us we consider it our sanctuary. A place we feel closest to God, nature, and our friends. This is true for both Morgan and me. Morgan Huckey and I (Suzanne Kropp) began a new adventure at Mechuwana last year in order to give pre-teen girls a space to feel safe, accepted, and loved.

As a maturing young lady, life can feel difficult at points. Both of us went through lows and highs as pre-teens. Morgan was on staff for four years, where she was able to grow within herself and foster lifelong friendships. Morgan has always found camp to be a second home; she has come back for staff campfire or she has found herself helping counsel Creative Arts camp. I have been on staff for six years as a lifeguard and waterfront director. I have come to find camp to be a sanctuary a safe place, when life seemed hard and unfair. I continue to stay connected to camp through helping younger lifeguards and with an occasional drop-in to say “hi” at summer staff campfires. This is where we find our deep connection and commitment to this program.

We have held three events thus far and look forward to more! We will be hosting a summer weekend for girls finishing grades 5 through 9. Our goal is to foster a community of openness, sharing, and acceptance. The girls that attend can expect to learn about each other, reflect on how God is there for us through the tough and exciting times.

Our hope is that each girl can find a relationship with God that is unique and there own—all while enjoying the joys of camp!

Do you want to learn more? Download information and registration form, and sign up to join us July 13-14, 2019, at Mechuwana!

We hope to see you there.

Suzanne (and Morgan)

0 Comments

Celebrating Our Seniors at May Youth Rally

5/18/2019

0 Comments

During the weekend of May 5th, Mechuwana hosted its last Senior High Rally event of the year. This rally, which is part of a year-round program with roots that date back more than 100 years, was an incredible celebration of both a year’s worth of ministry and also celebration of the 2019 Senior Class. The weekend was filled with a collection of fun and unique activities over the course of a two-day period.

My wife Amy and I, the youth rally leaders, along with guidance of Norm Thombs, Mechuwana’s Camp Director, were determined to make this event a fun and special one for all to remember.

On Saturday, the kids awoke to a weekend’s worth of activities, which were all to their surprise. Their first activity was an offsite adventure where the group went on a morning hike to the peak of Mt. Pisgah. Afterwards, the group went and made a special visit with the Ives family at their nearby family camp across Lower Narrows Pond. At the Ives’ camp, the group got to hear and learn about the history of Mechuwana and the importance of relationships, those particularly made while at camp.

In an effort to keep all activities on schedule, the group then made the surprise trip down to southern Maine where they all participated in team-building activities at the Brunswick Escape Room, followed by ice cream and a special visit to L.L. Bean down in Freeport.

Meanwhile back at camp, select adults worked hard to decorate and set up a beautiful luminary display for our evening worship service at our beloved lakeside chapel – Grove Chapel. Upon the group’s arrival back at camp, a pizza party awaited them along with one of their activities – “Feet On Bunk” – or as we like to call it at camp, “FOB!”

After the kids got a chance to rest following a long and busy day, the group gathered and made their way down to Grove, not knowing what was waiting for them.

The weather was perfect – it was a beautiful dusk sky transitioning to night, allowing our luminary of candles to help shine and guide their path. The worship service was powerful, filled with readings, singing, and a very special Communion service led by retired Pastor Ruth Merriam, from the Wayne United Methodist Church. Oh, and the loons made sure to attend our service by singing out their seasonal calls. As I said during my invitation for communion, “The loons are letting you know they are here and ready for you all to return to camp this summer...” For anyone who has been to Mechuwana before, we know that the loons are a sacred part to the sights and sounds of the summer camp experience.

After the conclusion of the worship service, our seniors, all of whom had their own individual candles lit during the service, led the rest of the group down the camp road where they used their combined flames to ignite our evening campfire in the Lodge. At this time, our adult leaders partook in the annual tradition of recognizing our graduating seniors. In the time, many shared personal testaments and stories, and presented each senior their own special UMC pin. This time is most sacred as it presents youth the opportunity to openly share about their experiences at camp and exemplify the value of their connections and the relationships they share with each other.

As the event came to a close, the group shared in one last special activity on Sunday after breakfast (and getting to sleep in!) where they participated in a 10-year capsule, which was buried in a secret spot on camp property. This time capsule will hold not only as a special token of remembrance of the weekend they all shared together, but also as an exploration of where they all hope and wish to be 10 years down the road.

Mechuwana wants to say a special thanks to all of the adults who helped put on this event, many of whom have grown up through this program. The work they do makes such an incredible impact on the lives of our young people. We are all thankful and empowered by you all. As Norm said it best to close the weekend, “It is now time for you all to go out and continue be the leaders we know and need you to be in this world.”

To learn more about our Mechuwana Youth Rally program visit: www.mechuwana.org/youth-events.html

—Mike Griswold

Kelsey Kennedy, Senior, Testimonial
Being a part of this program has been one of the best things in my high school career. I have become a better leader from learning essential skills through Youth Council. I am also more organized and better at planning, which are skills that will help me all throughout my life. Camp means a lot to me personally, but being a part of this program where everyone shares that, makes the connections stronger. I want to thank the people within the program and Camp Mechuwana for making it home for everyone who attends. It’s a special place that many of us couldn’t live without.

0 Comments

It is Time to Think Spring and Springbrook! Join Us on the Links.

4/19/2019

0 Comments

As we start feeling the warm spring sunshine, we know summer is just around the corner, and it's time to think about another Camp Mechuwana Golf Tournament! We will host our 4th Annual Camp Mechuwana Golf Tournament on Saturday, June 22 at Springbrook Golf Course located on Route 202 in Leeds, Maine. This tournament will feature a classic scramble format with a 1pm shot gun start - rain or shine! All proceeds generated from the tournament support our Mechuwana Camper Scholarship program. Like many who’ve attended Mechuwana in the past, we know how unique, enriching, and impactful the Mechuwana experience is for positively shaping the lives of both youth and adults. With this, Mechuwana believes strongly that any person, regardless of their ability to pay, should have the chance to access and experience our great camping tradition. Through your generous support over the last three years, we have raised over $6,000 from our previous tournaments. We sincerely hope you consider taking part in this great community and fundraising opportunity.

In preparation for this year’s tournament, we are currently seeking interested golfers, which typically take shape by teams of 4. We also accept teams of three should a team struggle to fill a whole team. The team cost is $260 ($65 per player), and includes 18 holes of golf, a cart, and a provided meal at the conclusion of play in the Springbrook clubhouse. In addition to golfers, we are currently seeking hole and prize sponsors. For any person, family, church, or supporting organization that wishes to sponsor a hole, the cost is $50. A hole sponsorship will feature your name and any other promotional information you wish to provide on a printed sign which be posted at a designated tee box. Hole sponsorship are a great way to show your support for Mechuwana, while also promoting your location organization. As for prizes, we will be awarding the following: prizes for the top two finishing teams - top gross and top net score, closest to pin challenges on all four Par 3 holes, longest men's and women's drive, and also a putting competition.

To register, sponsor, or any send any inquiries you may have, we encourage you to contact the Tournament Director, and also long time former Mechuwana Permanent Staff Members, at mbgriz@gmail.com. Again, we thank you for all your support and we look forward to seeing on the links this June!

0 Comments

Calling All Crafters: Share Your Talents & Send a Child to Camp

3/21/2019

0 Comments

Are you someone who loves to knit, crochet, woodwork, quilt, make note cards, Christmas ornaments, or other creations? Or perhaps you are part of a group that does craft items. Then this opportunity is for you!

We have been working to come up with fun new ways to get Mechuwana friends involved in ensuring that any child who wants to come to camp is given that life-changing opportunity, and we think we have one that many of you can participate in. We are inviting you or perhaps a group in your church to spend the next several months creating items for Mechuwana to sell at a few holiday season craft fairs.

We will use these opportunities to raise money for our scholarship program but also to raise awareness about Mechuwana’s many programs, and ways that people can get involved in those programs. With your crafts and our staff at these fairs we will be able to get the word out to a whole new audience, bringing more people into our Mechuwana family. As we sell your crafts we will also talk about Mechuwana and what it has to offer.

Here is how it works:-if you would like to drop off your crafts, we will collect them at camp any time between now and Saturday, October 19. (We will store them at our main office.) We will need all completed crafts by then to ensure that we have enough products for us to have tables at these craft fairs. If you are unable to bring them to camp, we would be happy to arrange with you for us to pick them up.

If you have any questions please contact us at: (207) 377 2924. Or email us: we have set up a special email address (messagetomechuwana@gmail.com) for this project. Please email us to let us know what kinds of crafts you would be willing to donate to us.

Thank you for all of your time and talents that you so generously share with Mechuwana and our ministry. We hope to hear from you as you help us get ready for craft fair season later this year!

*We have set up this special email address so that your emails don't get lost among all of the summer camp registration emails that we get this time of year. If you have questions or need to contact the camp office about something unrelated to this request for crafts, please continue to email the office at mechuwana@fairpoint.net or call the office at (207) 377-2924.

0 Comments

January 07th, 2019

1/7/2019

0 Comments

We are happy to report that despite weather reports of snow, snow, and more snow coming tomorrow, we are already thinking about the summer!

Today, we sent the 2019 summer camp brochure to the printer, which means that it will be on its way to you later this month. We will also have it posted here on the website in just a couple of weeks.

Start planning now to join us for a week or more in the summer of 2019. We have a lot of great camp opportunities, including: swim camps, sports camps, music theatre camps, family camps, and much, much more.

See you this summer at Mechuwana!

0 Comments

<<Previous

Special Places, Special Memories, & Staff Campfires

Supporting Mechuwana in the Long Run (or Walk or Bike)

Finding Creative Ways to Connect with Mechuwana Friends During COVID

Remembering the Times & Celebrating My Mechuwana Memories

Video Blog: Tour the Lodge Renovations with Norm

Camp Staffers Give Back Through New All-girls Camp Program

Celebrating Our Seniors at May Youth Rally

It is Time to Think Spring and Springbrook! Join Us on the Links.

Calling All Crafters: Share Your Talents & Send a Child to Camp

January 07th, 2019

Archives

Categories