Participants gathered at the Foxcroft Academy Student Center to learn about fish, renewable energy and air quality, woodlands, water, wildlife, and more, and then spent time outdoors with our natural resource presenters. Bryan Campbell of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife led the children on a fishing trip to the Kiwanis Park to learn about native fish. Children were led in activities to learn about renewable energy and air quality from Dan Thoma of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. Keith Kanoti and Kevin Doran of the Maine Forest Service led children in activities to learn about different tree species and estimating their age. Children explored insects in a bog and also in running water, learning about water quality with Dan Kusnierz, the Water Resources Program Manager from the Penobscot Indian Nation. Selena Tardif of the Natural Resource Education Center in Greenville taught children about wildlife and exploring habitats.

Checkerberry Farm in Parkman taught children about growing organic vegetables and flowers. They learned about growing Christmas trees at Finest Kind Farm in Dover - Foxcroft. The Blinn Family Farm in Brownville taught the children about having animals vegetables and other things for a family. Horse care and equestrian skills were taught at Infinity Farm in Dover - Foxcroft. At the Gilrock Dairy Farm in Sangerville, children saw cows and the milking process. Children also participated in natural resource based arts and crafts, and play therapeutic recreation games.

Community support for this summer camp was provided with funding from three local Kiwanis groups - Dover - Foxcroft, Dexter Sunrise and Three Rivers. Snacks were generously provided by the Save - a - Lot Food Store in Dover - Foxcroft. Additional funding was provided by the Milo Garden Club.

These camps have also been made possible due to the many individuals, families, and organizations who have so generously donated their time and expertise. The guest speakers donated their time to put on presentations, and also the farm families that host our children during the week. Staff of the Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District, and the parents of children provide supervision and guide children in the daily summer camp activities. All of the community support has made this exciting and fun camp possible for so many children of this region.

On behalf of the Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District and the children of summer camp, we wish to thank everyone in our community who has made these wonderful learning experiences possible!