Seated at his desk in the Ed and Connie Greaves Education Center, EdGE Director Isaac Marnik builds registration forms for this year’s summer camp schedules. “We expect to return to pre-pandemic attendance, so we’re opening in full force,” he explains. On April 19, Maine Seacoast Mission will open registration for enrollees.
Come summer, EdGE will offer five weeks of camp to students in kindergarten up to 8th grade. Summer camps will run from June 27 and July 29. “This year, the program is trying something different,” Isaac says, “We’re excited to offer three locations for EdGE families and students. The intent is to make camps more convenient to get to.”
Two existing afterschool partners will host camps, including D.W. Merritt Elementary in Addison and Milbridge Elementary. Maine Seacoast Mission welcomes a new partner through the University of Maine at Machias. Rose M. Gaffney Elementary School in Machias is closed this summer for construction, so the University has graciously offered use of its grounds.
Managed by the Mission’s EdGE Site Coordinators, part-time afterschool staff, and community members, Isaac explained, EdGE staff, and the program as a whole, always likes to offer a variety of adventures and subjects for students to enjoy.”
Activities will engage students physically, mentally, and creatively through STEM-based topics as well as the arts. Over the summer, campers will have multiple opportunities to visit the ropes course on the Mission’s Downeast Campus in Cherryfield. “Students have different options and experiences throughout the day. It’s a great time,” he continued, “We’re looking forward to a great summer.”
Summer camps are $30.00 per student per week with available scholarships. Students sign up by the week and register for as many weeks as they wish. EdGE summer camp registration opens April 19 on the EdGE web page.
Families who live in Columbia, Columbia Falls, Addison, Jonesport, and Beals should select D.W. Merritt Elementary School for their student’s camp location. For students in Harrington, Cherryfield, Deblois, Beddington, and Milbridge, families should select Milbridge Elementary School as their child’s camp location. Students attending Rose M. Gaffney Elementary in Machias should attend the University camp location.