Unique Summer Camp Helps Maine Youth see their Potential and Live a Healthy Lifestyle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact
Glenn Michaels, Volunteers of America Northern New England
Office: (207) 373-1140 ext. 216
glenn.michaels@voanne.org
POLAND, Maine—From June 18 through June 24, approximately 150 chosen Maine fifth and sixth graders and more than 60 law enforcement and criminal justice professionals from across the state will gather at Camp POSTCARD (Police Officers Striving To Create And Reinforce Dreams) for a fun- and education-filled week of summer camp. Camp is being held at new home at Agassiz Village, a summer camp in Poland, Maine (directions are listed at the end of this article) and we are grateful for their generous support of this program. Six-hundred-acre Agassiz Village was founded originally as a camp for news boys in 1936. At the time it was built, its main dining hall was the largest freestanding cabin the world.
Why was Camp POSTCARD established 18 years ago? Tommy’s story is a great example. Tommy was only in 5th grade when he joined us at camp. However, they were already making room for him at the Maine State Prison in Windham. It’s not that Tommy was bad person or in trouble with the law, in fact, it’s quite the opposite. He resembled any healthy and active 5th grader. The problem is that Tommy’s future may have already been chosen for him because the odds were stacked against him.
Here are the facts…Tommy’s father was in jail resulting from his lifelong addiction to alcohol. According to a U.S. Senate Report, children of prisoners are six times more likely than other children to be incarcerated at some point in their lives. Without effective intervention strategies, as many as 70 percent of these children will become involved with the criminal justice system . That’s only one of the many reasons why camp POSTCARD is so important.
“Youth today face a number of challenges that place them at risk either now or in the future,” explained June Koegel, President and CEO of Volunteers of America. “Examples include drug and alcohol use, not graduating from school, the break-up of the family, poverty and several more. A new risk that has increased dramatically in recent years is childhood obesity. Together, with our new and existing partners, we will be able to reach more youth and have a chance to begin working with them at an age where we can make a difference.”
A new and unique program that we are launching this year — “Fit, Fed, and Fun for Life” — is made possible thanks to the generous support of the National Recreation Foundation. Its goal is to reduce obesity and encourage healthy habits among our campers. According to researchers, more than 28% of Maine children (especially children from disadvantaged backgrounds) were obese or overweight in 2007 — which is more than twice as many as in 2003. And the discouraging trend continues. The program was designed to encourage campers to get outdoors for more active recreation and to eat more healthfully; it will be directed for Volunteers of America.
Volunteers of America Northern New England partners with the Maine Sheriffs' Association, the Maine Chiefs of Police Association, the Maine D.A.R.E. Officers Association and countless volunteers to provide this innovative mentoring program for Maine youth. The goal of Camp POSTCARD is to establish positive bonds between the children and criminal justice professionals who serve as camp counselors. These relationships provide strong role models and teach campers valuable life skills which help reduce their chances of ending up in the juvenile or criminal justice system while instilling strong values of responsibility to their community and themselves.
However, one of the most important benefits of camp is the impact and often life- and career-changing experiences that this unique experience has on criminal justice professionals. According to Tom Poulin, a school resource officer with the Auburn Police Department, “I have always received more from the campers in my 17 years at camp than I could ever possibly hope to provide in return. On the job, officers don’t have the time to interact with these youth on a personal one-to-one level. Camp POSTCARD provides such an experience; officers get to know children, they build trust and exchange ideas and aspirations. As a result, both children and the officers learn something about each other, and about themselves.” Poulin goes on to note: “These are good young people who are often involved in difficult situations through a bad decision or by no fault of their own. I now understand their needs and know how to react and communicate in a way that can truly help them.”
In addition, this two-way interaction helps to address any stereotypes that the children may have formed about law enforcement and criminal justice professionals. The experience provides a safe environment that stresses appropriate role models, ideals and values. Campers are allowed and expected to share their thoughts, feelings and ideas and learn the importance of self-respect and respect for others, teamwork, responsibility, self-control and dignity. To date, more than 2,600 children from all 16 Maine counties have participated.
There is no cost for any child to attend Camp POSTCARD. As a result, the program depends on private and public donations of money, food and supplies. Most of the staff are volunteers or are on loan from their department or business for the week. To learn more contact Jacob Roberson at jacob.roberson@voanne.org or 207-373-1140 ext. 246.
You are invited to join us at Camp POSTCARD any time during the week. Besides interviews with campers and camp staff, there are four other key photo and story opportunities:
- “Maine Food Fare” on Sunday, June 19th (10:15-11:45a.m.): Campers will learn how to make salsa and homemade tortilla chips, participate in an educational game about plants, and sample Pineland Farm cheese, breads from Borealis and Panera, Maine blueberries and more.
- “Tony’s Fiesta Fitness” on Monday, June 20th (1:00-3:00 p.m.): Campers will have the opportunity to dance with Tony Zumba. Certified Zumba Instructor, Tony, follows his passion everyday by teaching people to be fit and have Fun. Tony’s infectious sense of fun and love for dance makes every class a fiesta.
- “Demonstration Day” on Wednesday, June 23rd (10:45 a.m.-Noon): Demonstration Day provides children with the opportunity to see exhibits, displays and participate in demonstrations of a variety of activities. This year some of the activities include K-9 units, law enforcement and safety demonstrations, face painting, police and fire department demonstrations, Maine National Guard, U.S. Marshall’s Service, crime teams, Maine State Police Bomb Squad and Mobile Communications Center, first aid and rescue, Maine Guide demonstrations, and much more. In addition, the 4H Club Youth and Family Development students from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension will be providing their program entitled “Eat Well”. Our goal is to have fun and introduce campers to a wide variety of skills and career and life choice options that are available to them.
“Demonstration Day” Barbeque on Wednesday, June 23rd (Noon-1:00 p.m.) A barbeque is scheduled for all campers, volunteers, and guests and will be hosted by sheriffs from across the state. You are invited to join us.
- “Camper Awards Ceremony” on Thursday, June 23rd (6:00 p.m.): Our volunteer leaders (who are law enforcement and Criminal Justice professionals) wear their uniforms for the first time during camp and march in formation to the awards ceremony. Then campers receive recognition from their leaders and peers for their outstanding achievements during the week. It is a very moving and unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
For more information about Camp POSTCARD or visiting the camp at any time during the week, please contact Pat Murtagh at (207) 373-1140 ext. 221, cell phone at 207-751-4780 or pat.murtagh@voanne.org. It is important to contact us to make sure that event times have not changed. Additional information about camp and directions to Camp POSTCARD are also located on our website at www.voanne.org.
Directions and Contact Information for Camp Agassiz Village
Agassiz Village Agassiz Village
71 Agassiz Village Lane
Poland, ME 04274
Tel: (207) 998-4340 Fax: (207) 998-5043
Specific directions to camp may be found at: http://www.agassizvillage.com/h/contactus.asp
Volunteers of America Northern New England, Inc. is a national, non-profit, faith-based organization providing local human service programs and opportunities for individual and community involvement. For more than 100 years, Volunteers of America has partnered with individuals and organizations to serve those in need.