Staff Writer
HOULTON – Today, most youth are oblivious to what’s around them … the great outdoors.
Two Maine guides have formed the Maine Wilderness Camp Foundation, a non-profit organization, to reconnect youth with fun in the out-of-doors.
DIRECTORS – Larry Williams, left, and Mike Farrar will be directing the Maine Wilderness Camp Foundation. The camp connects youth to the outdoors.
Mike Farrar, a Maine Guide, started thinking upon these lines about a year ago, and when he and Larry Williams ended up working on a job together, the thought was brought to fruition.
“I had been kicking this idea around for some time,” he said. “I mentioned to him what I was thinking of doing. He thought it sounded good, so we ran with it. It is our hope to expose as many kids as possible to the fun and enjoyment that Mother Nature can provide.”
Offering an alternative to video games, computer screens and television is what Farrar and Williams want to provide youth with year-round lifelong activities.
“Hopefully, they gain self-confidence and an appreciation for nature and conservation,” Farrar explained. “Our main focus will be canoe/camping trips, mixed with nature identification in the summer and fall.”
Farrar and Williams will teach basic hunting and tracking skills to those who are interested, along with offering hiking and camping, as well as ice fishing in the winter.
“It’s basically year-round activities,” Farrar said. “We would like to have something going all the time.”
Farrar and Williams are committed to the new foundation, and both men are very familiar with the woods, not only as guides. Farrar at 21 years of age hiked the Appalachian Trail and spends many summers and winters in the woods, and Williams is a logger by trade.
“We want to provide kids with quality camping and an outdoor education,” said Farrar. “I’ve been in the woods since I was a toddler.”
No matter the experience, the number one rule of any sport or activity is safety first.
“All of our activities will be conducted with safety first,” Williams said. “I’m trained in advanced first aid and CPR. As Maine Registered Guides, the welfare of our clients always comes first.”
One of the first places that the pair went was the Houlton Chamber of Commerce to get their name out to the public.
“The Chamber will promote and help the Maine Wilderness Camp Foundation in whatever way we can and whenever we can,” said Lori Weston, Houlton Chamber of Commerce executive director. “Many of the Chamber’s annual events provide an opportunity for non-profit organizations and groups a chance to get visual recognition in the community. We also have the ability to help with the development of brochures and flyers.”
The Chamber is excited about the Maine Wilderness Camp Foundation proposal.
“We receive calls from both local and out-of-town people who inquire about opportunities and activities available for young people in the area,” said Weston. “The Wilderness Camp will provide a chance for those who have never canoed, fished or camped to gain outdoor skills. It will provide the kind of experience that won’t be forgotten and will most likely create a love and appreciation for the outdoors that may not have been present before.”
Weston believes there is a need for such a Foundation in northern Maine.
“This project is one that will have a positive impact on not just the individual who is fortunate enough to have the experience, but on the community, as well,” she said.
The Maine Wilderness Camp Foundation is seeking support through grants and private donations.
“We need funding for equipment and staff,” Williams said. “We also want to find land where we can build a base of operations,” Farrar added.
Right now, Don Keiser is helping to write grants for the Foundation in hopes of securing funds so that campers can experience their first outing in June.
Eventually, the organizers would like to find land to build a camp, with enough funding secured for ongoing operations and to have the camp open for business by June 2010.
“We just feel it is a project that is needed for the youth of the community,” Farrar said.
The weeklong camping trips will be open to any boy or girl age 10-18, with the main area of focus being for Aroostook County youth. However, others within the state are welcome, too.
“Booking of trips will be on a first-come, first-served basis,” Farrar explained, “and on the amount of funding we can raise.”
Cost of the trips is by donation to the foundation, but special arrangements are available for those in financially disadvantaged circumstances. Anyone interested in making a donation can call Williams at 538-0131 or Farrar at 538-0130. All donations are tax deductible.
“With experienced people at the helm like Mike and Larry, who are committed to this project for all of the right reasons, this is a terrific program to have happen in our community,” Weston said.
