I am an alumni of Camp Vega and also a parent of a current camper. I attended 3 camps in Maine during my childhood, Mudjekeewis, and Trebor, but only Vega still remains in action. All of these camps offered me the opportunity to "find myself" as the Vega motto says. Having the freedom to experience the summer away from my parents and away from the academic and social pressures of the school year always afforded me the chance to meet people I would not have otherwise met and in doing so to define for myself what was important to me in a friendship and in myself. Living along side of a group of girls taught me how to navigate within a community, and all of those lessons have helped me to enjoy the people I met in college and in the workplace and in my current community. Specifically, these camps in Maine allowed me to experience natural environments and to learn to feel safe and comfortable in the woods, on the water, at the top of a Mountain etc, lying under the stars, falling asleep to the call of the loon, and so much more. Every year more and more natural habitats are being destroyed, it is so important for children to develop a personal relationship with nature so they will understand the value. The natural landscape of Maine is so varied. I was very lucky to have experienced so many aspects including sliding down waterfalls, canoeing in both calm and white waters, swimming in the freezing yet exhilirating Maine ocean, sleeping half way up a mountain, standing at the summit and looking across the landscape, swimming in the clear lakes etc, hiking thru paths of wild flowers, catching fire flies. Many of these opportunities are still there for Vega Campers. Also, the traditional activities like waterskiing, sailing, swimming, arts and crafts, landsports, etc.were all there to explore and to challenge me. I took more chances when exposed to new things at camp because I was comfortable with myself and loved my friends. The directors of Vega pay very close attention to the natural world right there on the expansive camp property and have a vegetable garden,bird houses, nature trails, and many green initiatives, and continue to pay homage to the traditions that keep current campers and alumni connected for 75 years. While the world today seems so different from the world 75 years ago, the message is clear, we are not so different as a people, and the things that bring us together as a community can be our experience and appreciation of the natural world around us,(in Maine!) |