Arc Recreation Camping Trip

Despite some initial reluctance and anxiety about the idea of “roughing it”, thirteen individuals and five chaperones set out to go “luxury camping” overnight the last weekend in August.  We met on a bright Saturday morning to head to Camp Waban in Sanford, Maine. What a wonderful time we had!

We arrived at the camp just before lunch. Our first impression was favorable and it only got better. We unloaded into our cabins – complete with bunk beds, lights, fans, a refrigerator, 2 bathrooms and a washer & dryer – definitely high end camping!

After a take out feast of Chinese food, we all changed and headed to the lake. The lake was a very short walk down a paved path. The camp is set up to meet the mobility issues of individuals with special needs – from children to elderly folks – with fully paved walkways, a dock with stairs at the end leading into the water, roll-in showers, wheelchair swings and water personnel trained and so very willing to help people use the kayaks, paddle boats and so on. We spent the afternoon swimming, splashing, and using the boats and just relaxing in the sun. Jim M. and Carline S. were so excited when they got out in the kayaks, a first for them and something they never pictured themselves as being able to do.

After cleaning up, everyone found something to do they enjoyed – crosswords at the picnic table, shooting baskets, relaxing on the canopied double swing or just visiting. Laughter was ringing through the camp. With the able assistance of Lance L., we all enjoyed a traditional summer cookout. After we finished our burgers, hot dogs, and salads, everyone pitched in to help with cleanup. When the sun went down, we gathered at the fire pit for a campfire. There was one other group using a cabin and they joined us at the fire. We sang old camp songs, made s’mores, toasted marshmallows and made new friends. We sat around watching the embers fade, and then made our way to our cabins.

Everyone enjoyed a good night’s sleep and woke to the sounds of the water and the call of the loons. We also got to see a couple of sea planes take off and land on the lake! We enjoyed making and eating a hearty breakfast then spent some time enjoying the camp’s facilities. Valerie, the camp director and her assistant met us and took us on a pontoon boat ride around the lake; it was great fun. We finished our stay with lunch and another visit to the water then packed up and headed out. On the way home we stopped at Kimball Farms for ice cream and talked about our “favorite part” of the trip – this weekend’s overwhelming favorite activities were the kayaks and the campfire. Everyone agreed that they now loved “camping”!

About the Author: Eileen Ganong

Eileen has managed residential programs, worked as staffing coordinator, presented staff trainings, qualified families for Shared Living/AFC placements, been instrumental in designing new program models and has participated in developing an array of services within the Family Support and Recreation program she currently directs.