Scott Thompson likes to say that he was born with a fly rod in his hand. While growing up in Mapleton, where he still lives today, Thompson spent much of his time outside. His father and grandfather taught him how to use a map and compass, build a fire and identify plants and birds. During summer vacations, he fished in the brook and explored nature with his friends in the farm fields and woods near his home.
Over the years, Thompson’s love of the outdoors has resulted in a long, rewarding career in recreation. As the manager of Aroostook State Park in Presque Isle, he works to maintain the land’s natural resources and give community members opportunities to enjoy the park and its environment.
Having nature surround Thompson on a daily basis makes him thankful to have the outdoors as his “office” and a job that is not predictable.
“Sometimes it’s very enjoyable to hear the wind blowing through the trees and having the sun hit your face. But on the other side of the fence, sometimes it’s very cold and wet,” Thompson says. “Nothing’s the same. We think we have a game plan for the day, but within the first 15 minutes of being here that could change quickly.”
Like Aroostook State Park, Thompson has a long history in Aroostook County. He first worked in the park as a customer service representative in 1991, after he earned his degree in recreation and leisure from the University of Maine at Presque Isle. For many years he fulfilled management positions at wilderness areas such as Nickerson Lake near Houlton, Quoddy Head State Park in Lubec and Lamoine State Park in Hancock County.
Thompson liked working in many different places across the state, but was glad to come home and accept a ranger position at Aroostook State Park. After 12 years he became the park manager.
Thompson welcomes community members who come to the park for one of its annual events, including Winter Family Fun Day, or just to spent a day camping, hiking and learning more about the nature around them.
“It’s an old park, very rustic, but it has a lot to offer. There’s really no big bells and whistles. It’s quiet, clean and there’s not a lot of people,” Thompson said. “We are blessed to live here in northern Maine with hundreds of acres for recreation and I think it’s a very important piece of tradition.”
Thompson credits his love of community to his childhood and young adult years in Aroostook County. While in high school, he played team sports and gained leadership skills from his coaches. On a more personal level, Thompson’s parents taught him about good work ethics and family and community values. He learned to become thoughtful of others around him and to always think about the people closest to him.
The outdoors was one of many places where the family encouraged Thompson to try new things and ask questions. Today, he teaches the next generation of children about the forest, animals and 150 species of birds in Aroostook State Park. He also has been sharing similar lessons with his stepson, who has also developed a passion for the outdoors.
“I think he’s learned some things. All he had to do was watch and ask questions, which is healthy for young adults and kids growing up,” Thompson said, about his stepson.
One of the greatest lessons Thompson has learned is the importance of community in his life. He said that he goes to work every day surrounded by people who are talented and a pleasure to be around. Though he has lived and worked elsewhere, Thompson feels most at home in Aroostook County and takes pride in talking about the people and the land that makes this part of the state so unique.
“We have the ability for visitors to drive into the state of Maine and see the sign that says ‘The Way Life Should Be,’” Thompson says. “Aroostook County needs a boundary marker on the I-95 that says, ‘The Way Life Should Be and Continues to Be.’”
