Youth summer camps abound in Piscataquis County

By Bill Pearson
Staff Writer

    It used to be that going to camp meant enjoying the hot summer sun while swimming or fishing in the nearby pond or lake. But for today’s youth, going to camp can mean taking to the stage, wrestling mat or running a few laps around the oval track.

    This year’s campers in Piscataquis County have a variety of options to enjoy the lazy, hazy days of summer. While camp season typically starts at school’s end, campers won’t have to wait long to start camp season. They’ll be able to participate in the inaugural Foxcroft Track and Field Club starting Thursday. The newly organized local athletic club offers track and field athletes, of all ages, the opportunity to compete beyond their regular school programs.
    The club, which runs during June, July and August, is open to youths, adults and seniors looking to compete at the local and national level. The Foxcroft Track Club is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization, which provides an opportunity for local athletes to compete in meets sanctioned by the National USA Track and Field Association. The organization is the national governing body for track and field, long distance running and race walking events.
    “FTC enjoys the support of Foxcroft Academy and the use of the Foxcroft Academy track facilities. Foxcroft Academy has a long, proud history of excellent sports programs and strong community support. We are excited to be partnered with Foxcroft Academy,” said FTC Coach Douglas Ware.
    The FTC is affiliated with the Foxcroft Youth Sports Organization, administered through the Foxcroft Academy Athletic Department. Club membership is open to all athletes in the surrounding communities.
    The FTC has no club fees, however, it requires participants to be active USATF members. Interested parties can register online at www.foxcrofttrackclub.com, or at the team signup at 5 p.m. on June 6.
    Other summer camps and activities have enjoyed several successful seasons. Harmony Camp returns this summer in five different locations. Harmony Camp is a 3-day mini camp for children, ages 6 to 9. It is designed to promote self-esteem. art, crafts, literature and games. Song will be used to help children appreciate their own uniqueness and that of others. Children who participate in the camps will explore their own uniqueness, learn to recognize, understand and express emotions, identify different ways of communicating, understand the complexities of friendship and learn how to develop relationships.
    The camps will begin on June 18, 19 and 20 at the Greenville Union Church. The next one will take place on June 25, 26 and 27 at the Milo Methodist Church. In July, Harmony Camp will be held on the 9, 10 and 11 in the Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church. In Dexter, the camp will be held on the 16, 17 and 18 in the Knights of Columbus Hall. The final camp will be held in Guilford at United Methodist Church on July 23, 24 and 25.
    All sessions run from 9 a.m. to noon. The Harmony Camp schedule and registration forms for campers and teen and adult volunteers can be found at their website www.wmncare.org. Registration forms can also be mailed to Womancare Harmony Camp Volunteer, P.O. Box 192, Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426.
    For the youths with a flair for acting, the Center Theatre is hosting their annual Drama Camp with two sessions. The Summer Drama Camp is the CT’s longest running program. The camp allows youth in the community to experience the performing arts.
    “Our goal is to immerse children in many exciting aspects of the theater: team building, improvisation, theater games, exercises, music and dance, all centered on making learning active and fun,” said CT Executive Director Angela Bonacasa.
    The first session is from July 15-26 and the second is from July 29 – Aug. 9. Each two-week session ends with a final performance for the public.
    For those campers looking to play a sport this summer, the Piscataquis Regional YMCA offers a host of athletic and other fun activities this spring. The sports camps include cheering, field hockey, flag football, soccer and tennis. The PRYMCA is also offering Camp Katahdin Summer Adventure Camp. The fun-filled day camp is for kids entering kindergarten through grade five. Camp Katahdin provides a healthy lunch, swim lessons, play time in the pool, field trips, and plenty of adventures.
    For a complete listing of summer Y activities go to their website at www.prymca.org.