Camp Susan Curtis - Because every child matters
Camp Susan Curtis, located on pristine Trout Lake in Stoneham ME, just celebrated its 40th year. Terri Mulks, Camp Director, just finished her fifth summer and came to share information about the camp with us.
The Susan L Curtis Foundation was established in 1971 with the mission to build individual character, self confidence and self-esteem of economically disadvantaged Maine children through provision of tuition-free, high quality educational, social, and camping experiences. The camp opened in 1974 with programming that helps develop skills necessary to be successful in school, in higher education and in the workforce.
Camp Susan Curtis programs focus on 21st Century competencies:
- Perseverance & Resilience
- Motivation & Aspirations
- Effective Communication
- Teamwork & Trust
- Problem solving & Critical Thinking
- Goal Setting & Attainment
- Independently defined success
They serve boys and girls entering 3rd-11th grade from all over Maine. Children are referred through their schools (social workers, counselors, teachers, principals, nurses, etc). The kids must meet certain guidelines, like qualifying for free or reduced price lunches and schools must complete application packets. Children get the most from the program if they can attend for at least four years.
Historically, they have served 451 children from Westbrook and 107 from Gorham. In 2014, they registered 121 kids from Cumberland County. The program has been highly successful with 75% return rate year-over-year. In addition, 82% of staff returned this past year.
Approximately 125-135 kids attend 13 day sessions throughout the summer. It costs about $1200 per child to provide healthy and nutritious meals each day; all programs, activities and supplies; with low-ratio staffing.
Their largest program is traditional camp, with about 100 kids per session. This program is for entering 3rd -7th graders. They live in cabins, participate in swim lessons, choose skill building activities in areas of creative arts, environmental, sports & games, waterfront and ropes & outdoor challenges for kids. Entering 8th-10th graders participate in what are called Bridge Programs. These include START (success through art) and Venture Out Trips (White Mountains or river trip, with leadership skills & expedition experience). Entering 9th-11th graders choose from Leadership Development programs. These include Leaders in Training and Counselors in Training. In addition, there are lots of programs and activities for all campers. These include cabin building, financial responsibility, gardening, literacy, team building and skill development.
Given the population they serve, there are also challenges. Approximately 96% of the children served have additional challenges beyond poverty. Things like learning disabilities, conduct disorder, bedwetting, PDSD, ADHD, and autism spectrum. 50% of campers take regular medication. Some have diagnosis of anxiety and depression, which is rising each year.
Camp Susan Curtis is unique. It is the only camp of its kin and in Maine. It provides a tuition-free transformative learning experience in a residential camp environment. The curriculum is specifically crafted for the population it serves and for long term outcomes. Children return year after year.
The camp sees results. A 10 year study was recently concluded that showed positive outcomes. The high school graduation rate for kids who have attended camp is 98.6% compared to a state average of 76%. The post secondary education continuation rate is 82.4% for campers, compared to the state average of 48%.
There are many volunteer opportunities. Clean up day helps prepare the camp each spring. Special interest Saturday allows folks to share a talent or passion with the children in a short workshop. Career Day encourages people to share their career and avenues for teens. Friends Day is a chance to visit the camp with friends. They also accept in-kind donations. See the wish list on their website at: www.susancurtisfoundation.org.