Maine’s Camp Susan Curtis Low-Income Children a Taste of the Outdoors

Children
Photo by Ben Wicks on Unsplash

Selected as Maine’s 2015 Principal of the Year, Walter Wallace is the president of the WB Education consulting firm in Cumberland. A longtime middle and elementary school principal, Walter Wallace also supports Camp Susan Curtis in Western Maine.

The camp is operated by the Susan L. Curtis Charitable Foundation. Susan was the daughter of Governor Kenneth Curtis and Pauline Curtis and died during his term. Out of sympathy, Mainers sent in donations which helped launch a nonprofit group provided tuition-free outdoor recreation to children from low-income families. Established in 1971, its mission is to build confidence, character, and leadership skills.

Each summer some 500 youths gather at what the American Camping Association calls one of New England’s most beautiful locations. Occupying 100 acres of conserved land, Camp Susan Curtis houses guests in log cabins equipped with complete bathrooms, electrical services, and porches.

Rated one of the cleanest bodies of water in the state, Trout Lake’s 88 acres allow campers to hear loon calls and enjoy swimming, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. More than eight miles of trails connect the shore to views of Allen Mountain and the Three Mountains Range.

A nearby ropes courses permit low- and high-level skills workouts and include a new climbing tower. Alford Lodge features a spacious gymnasium for all-weather fun and serves the dining area. Sports fields and an arts and crafts center complement a fully-equipped theatre.