BAR HARBOR, ME — This week the Mission reflects on where our EdGE program was 17 years ago, and where, under Director Charlie Harrington’s leadership, EdGE is today as Charlie retires.
When MSAD 37 Superintendent Ron Ramsey was Principal of Acton Elementary School, he was the first school official to say “yes” to the EdGE Program. During EdGE’s 15th Anniversary event, Charlie singled out Supt. Ramsey, saying if not for his initial “yes,” there would be no EdGE program today.
The Mission interviewed Supt. Ron Ramsey in 2017 as a new Mission Board of Directors member. We asked why he said “yes” to Charlie, and about key experiences with EdGE over the years. This is excerpt #1 from Supt. Ramsey’s EdGE recollections.
Under Charlie’s leadership, EdGE has grown to include in-school and after-school programs, the Marion Kane Leadership program, EdGE summer camps, and the EdGE Journey program. Students challenge themselves, engage with their communities and the outdoors, and explore college and career options. The after-school program offers academic support, and in-school programs include peer mentoring for students beginning high school.
CHERRYFIELD, ME — Maine Seacoast Mission’s Scott Shaw forwarded this slideshow produced by Scott’s friend, Justin Thompson. Scott said, “Thanks to [EdGE Director] Charlie Harrington for hosting this Team Building experience for the Narraguagus Knights Varsity Basketball Team.
The team worked on planning, preparing and execution. They also climbed on the adventure course with only headlamps. It was a cold crisp night but the weather did not slow down their enthusiasm. Go Knights!
Charlie Harrington (center) with friends at the August 2018 Sunbeam Award Gala.
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Meet Charlie Harrington, 2018 Giraffe Award Winner
Posted on November 2, 2018 by Maine Children’s Alliance
Charlie Harrington is the Director of Maine Seacoast Mission’s EdGE program. EdGE is the Mission’s after-school and summer program for children in grades four through high school in six communities in Washington County. For over 20 years, Charlie has worked in education and youth development creating adventure-based programs. He was a national trainer for Project Adventure for 20 years and is currently on the board of High Five Adventure Learning Center.
Charlie was hired in 2002 and was instrumental in creating and developing the EdGE (Ed Greaves Education) program which now supports more than 700 Washington and Hancock County children each year. Through EdGE, students challenge themselves, engage with their communities and the outdoors, and explore college and career options.
The after-school program also offers academic support, and in-school programs include peer mentoring for students beginning high school. EdGE is designed to help students make informed choices about their futures and develop the resources and skills to be successful—and happy—in life. Charlie has been critical to the success of this program, and throughout his career, in developing and implementing programs like this one to inspire youth to reach their fullest potential.
