Portal
Home
Calendar
Gallery
FAQ
Search
Register
Log inCamp Jordan celebrates a century of fun
Page 1 of 1•
Camp Jordan celebrates a century of fun
by Outspoken on Wed Aug 06, 2008 4:33 am
Camp Jordan celebrates a century of fun
By Michael Dabrieo
Staff Writer Bangor Daily News
ELLSWORTH, Maine - The shrill ringing of a bell echoed throughout the tall pine trees at the YMCA’s Camp Jordan on Branch Lake in Ellsworth on a recent morning, sending birds flying into the air.
At the sound of the bell more than 100 campers burst from King Dining Hall, laughing and talking to friends, making their way to go canoeing, fishing or tubing.
This summer marks the 100th year that Camp Jordan has taught young campers skills such as how to paddle a canoe, build a fire or set up a tent.
But survival skills aren’t all that Camp Jordan has sought to instill in its campers for the past century.
"Our focus has been teaching values and building a community where people feel comfortable with who they are," said Camp Director Jim Bentley, who has been directing camps for the YMCA for more than 20 years. "We want to teach people to value people."
The camp was named in honor of Robert A. Jordan, who first brought a group of boys together to go camping in tents in Enfield in 1908.
In 1925 the camp moved to its current location on Branch Lake in Ellsworth where it has thrived since.
Several buildings, including a new dining hall and sleeping cabins, have been built since the move to Branch Lake to allow more campers to stay.
According to Bentley, the camp averages 115 campers a week in the summer. Many of those are returning from past years or have parents who attended the camp.
"Grandparents who came here bring their grandchildren. We have a consistency with tradition," said Bentley.
http://bangornews.com/news/t/news.aspx?articleid=168053&zoneid=500
(Bangor Daily News/Kate Collins)
(Bangor Daily News file/Danny Maher)
By Michael Dabrieo
Staff Writer Bangor Daily News
ELLSWORTH, Maine - The shrill ringing of a bell echoed throughout the tall pine trees at the YMCA’s Camp Jordan on Branch Lake in Ellsworth on a recent morning, sending birds flying into the air.
At the sound of the bell more than 100 campers burst from King Dining Hall, laughing and talking to friends, making their way to go canoeing, fishing or tubing.
This summer marks the 100th year that Camp Jordan has taught young campers skills such as how to paddle a canoe, build a fire or set up a tent.
But survival skills aren’t all that Camp Jordan has sought to instill in its campers for the past century.
"Our focus has been teaching values and building a community where people feel comfortable with who they are," said Camp Director Jim Bentley, who has been directing camps for the YMCA for more than 20 years. "We want to teach people to value people."
The camp was named in honor of Robert A. Jordan, who first brought a group of boys together to go camping in tents in Enfield in 1908.
In 1925 the camp moved to its current location on Branch Lake in Ellsworth where it has thrived since.
Several buildings, including a new dining hall and sleeping cabins, have been built since the move to Branch Lake to allow more campers to stay.
According to Bentley, the camp averages 115 campers a week in the summer. Many of those are returning from past years or have parents who attended the camp.
"Grandparents who came here bring their grandchildren. We have a consistency with tradition," said Bentley.
http://bangornews.com/news/t/news.aspx?articleid=168053&zoneid=500
(Bangor Daily News/Kate Collins)
(Bangor Daily News file/Danny Maher)
"Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything."
Plato (427-347 BC)
Plato (427-347 BC)
