rom the days of Henry Thoreau, Maine has been one of the most favored regions for camping in the country. With its great stretches of unspoiled forests, its thousands of clear, sparkling lakes, its fine fishing and lofty mountains, it's the perfect

answer to a boys who yearns for the opportunity to explore, to hike in the woods, to spy on God's creatures in the great out-of-doors. Every boy is invited to participate in Kawanhee's Tripping Program, and practically all campers are eager to accept the exciting challenges.

Mountain Man Program

This club was started in 1993. 13 boys demonstrated great interest in trips and completed a number of requirements ranging from knots to outdoor knowledge, making them the first "Kawanhee Mountain Men". 150 team points are also awarded to each Mountain Man.

In 1994 a second level was added, Mountain Man II. Available only to those who are already Mountain Men, this rigorous achievement, worth 250 team points, was reached by only 3 boys.

In 1995 there was a 3rd and final level added to the Kawanhee Mountain Man Club.

Since the implementation of the Mountain Man Club in 1993, many boys have become members, some of which have become part of Kawanhee's awesome staff!

Wilderness Trips

In the summer of 2002 about 30 boys participated in one of the several "Wilderness Survival" classes taught by Trip Director Dan Webster. During these ½ day classes, boys learned how to help ensure their own survival in an emergency situation by learning to: always alert people of their whereabouts and return time, to S.T.O.P. when unsure of their surrounding (ask your boy if he knows what S.T.O.P. stands for), how to purify water, the international distress signal, and how to build a survival shelter. Upon his return home from Kawanhee your boy may begin putting together his own "survival kit" to keep handy at all times.

The "Laura B"

We leave Port Clyde on the "Laura B". She's a trim little craft, and seaworthy in every respect. She is 60 feet in length, has two 225 H.P. diesel engines, automatic steerer, radio compass, depth recorder, radar, and radio telephone. Captain James Barstow, a skillful skipper with many years experience is in charge. He likes boys and boys like him. When it's not too tough, he lets them stand by him at the wheel.

There's fun, thrills and good fishing at Monhegan. You never know what the catch will be-Cod, Pollock, Haddock, Mackerel or maybe a Tuna. All equipment is furnished by the skipper, including necessary bait.

For those boys who prefer to remain on the island and work with some of the local artists, arrangements have been made for the 2003 Monhegan trip to offer this alternative if boys wish to do water colors and receive art instruction in- stead of joining the deep- sea fishermen.

Mt. Katahdin Trip

There is no trip in New England that surpasses the one to Mt. Katahdin, Maine's highest mountain, and declared by experienced mountain climbers the most spectacular and beautiful elevation east of the Rockies. Thrusting its spruce- clad slopes and rocky summit a mile into the clouds, this giant of the East is the first spot in the United States to greet the morning sun.

Across from camp, at the end of the lake, rise the peaks of Tumbledown, the Jackson's, West, and white-topped Blueberry, There's always a thrill on Tumbledown, from a crawl
through "Fat Man's Misery", and the "Lemon Squeeze", to curling up in a sleeping bag near the summit on a moonlight night.

Mt. Blue

A short distance from camp and easily climbed over a trail one and one-half miles in length.

Bald Mountain

This is a favorite trip for many of the younger boys in camp especially those who wish to "train" for the more difficult climbs later in the season.

In 2002 for the twentieth time, Camp Kawanhee offered boys who are excellent swimmers and 12 or over in age the opportunity to participate in a whitewater rafting trip down the Kennebec River. Tripping Counselors Dan Webster, Alan Spencer, Andy Burbine and Mike Lenard headed up a group of 40 older campers. They reported spectacular scenery, a hearty steak lunch, and tons of whitewater. They all got a taste of big water and tremendous waves. Professional whitewater personnel accompanied and guided the group. This trip will be scheduled again in 2003 only with special permission from parents. It is an extra charge one-day trip.

..... And Many More Wilderness Trips.

The Kawanhee Trips Program run such a variety of trips that we can only list the most common ones. The state of Maine is truly blessed with all its outdoor pursuit possiblilities, and Camp Kawanhee is located in the heart of most of them. The Trips Program lead campers down rivers and on lakes, sea kayaking at the coast, mountain biking and hikes on mountains with and without trails. Come join the adventure with Kawanhee Trips!

All photographs on this page, except the Lighthouse photograph were taken and provided by Bill Koplitz. --All rights reserved--