This summer the Baptist Park in Mapleton will celebrate 90 years of camping and Christian education. In 1932, Rev. A.C. Berrie founded “The Baptist School of Christian Training” in Mapleton. Rev. Berrie became the first dean of the school.
In 1935, the school was formally incorporated. Some years later the school’s working name was changed to “Baptist Park.” The new Baptist Park Director Erin Ackerson understands the goal of the Baptist Park’s camping programs which is to provide a camping atmosphere that is designed for fun, spiritual learning, and adventure through an outdoor camping experience.“
Ackerson knows that over these many years, thousands of overnight and day campers have enjoyed the traditional experiences of archery, biking, team sports, trail hiking, high and low ropes courses, canoeing, rock climbing, tenting under the stars and campfires. Ackerson experienced Baptist Park in her youth and wishes to continue emphasizing the development of leadership and communication skills for the older campers, while younger campers will continue to learn being independent while also learning the value of teamwork.
Keeping up with changing times, Baptist Park has designed new and different camping experiences for the campers who attend. Beside general outdoor skills camp, specialty camps such as Theater Arts Camp, Digital Arts Camp and Flight Camp have been developed and held in recent years.
Of these camps, the most unique camping experience is Baptist Park’s Flight Camp. Over the last 75 years, missionaries all over the world have been supported by the work of missionary pilots. Building on this theme, campers are introduced to the fundamentals of flight as well as careers in the air and on the ground in aviation.
Baptist Park’s most favored activity is the indoor pool, which has been significantly renovated and updated for the 2022 camping season. (Contributed photo)
Pastor Jim Ackerson and Wayne Kilcollins have co-directed this camp over the past 10 years. Pastor Ackerson points out that Flight Camp seeks to inspire teens towards careers in mission aviation and the aviation industry through a unique mentoring curriculum and camping program. Flight Camp is one of two residential week-long camps held by Baptist Park. Located in Mapleton, Baptist Park held five week-long camping sessions but due to the COVID-19 pandemic the summer program has three overnight camping sessions — Flight Camp for 14-18 year olds (July 3-8), Outdoor Adventure Camp for 13-18 year olds (July 3-8) and their Maxed Out Adventure Camp for 11 to 14 year-olds (July 17-22) is a residential summer camp located in Mapleton. In Flight Camp, campers are introduced to aviation in general and missionary aviation in particular. As in past years, there will be flight opportunities (weather permitting) for all campers. In the past, campers were provided opportunities to learn how to fly drones as a teaching method used to help campers learn the basic principles of actual airplane flight.
For the Outdoor Adventure campers, Maxed Out Adventure Campers and the day campers, campers will be involved in traditional camping experiences and activities. New experiences are added each year to Baptist Park’s menu of activities. Among the many past new activities, zipline and rock wall climbing have become the most exciting and enjoyable activities all campers find very exciting. But campers uniformly agree the indoor heated pool is the best activity of each day.
Baptist Park provides day camping experiences for young campers. The Puddle Jumpers day camp (ages 4-7) has been an exciting and much appreciated camp for young children. The Mountain Climbers camp (ages 7-10) has been changed to a day camp experience as a result of concerns with COVID-19. Both camps are scheduled on various days through the July camping season at Baptist Park. Information regarding the camping schedule can be found at https://www.facebook.com/baptistparkmapleton. For information regarding the camping sessions contact Baptist Park at 207-764-1832. For individuals interested in Flight Camp, contact and/or registration can be made at: http://baptistpark.net/flight/.
Baptist Park of Mapleton has scheduled its annual Flight Camp for July 3-8. Since 2008, Baptist Park has been introducing young people to principles of flight and the work of missionary pilots throughout the world. Pictured are the 2021 Flight Camp campers and the two planes used for flights in last year’s camp. (Contributed photo)
Baptist Park Flight Camp information available at Young Eagles Flights
This Saturday May 28 free flights for youngsters ages 8 to 17 will be offered by Northern Maine Flying Club and EAA Chapter 736 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is a rain date for May 29. They are partnering to provide youth an unforgettable flight experience at no cost to the family. They will be offering these free flights on a first come, first served basis. For all who attend, there will also be aviation displays, games, food vendors and prizes.
If you are interested in bringing your son or daughter to the airport for a free flight, but have questions, you may contact Northern Maine Flying Club on Facebook. Also there will be information regarding registration for Baptist Park’s (one-of-a-kind) Flight Camp.
Mapleton Lions Club Memorial Day Ceremonies
The Mapleton Lions Club wants everyone to know that the Club is going forward with its annual Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Day ceremony. Dave Chaney will be the Mapleton Memorial Day Parade grand marshal. The Mapleton Lions Club hopes this will be one of the largest parades that they have had in several years. Organizations, businesses and individuals are encouraged to come and join in the parade. The parade will assemble at 1:30 p.m. on the Dudley Road and will step-off at 2 p.m. The Remembrance Ceremony will be held 15 minutes after the conclusion of the parade at the Veterans Memorial located at the Mapleton Elementary School.
Terry Sandusky is the Star-Herald correspondent for Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill and can be reached at 764-4916 or at starherald.Tsandusky@gmail.com.
