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Community Corner

Gates Family Wins $5K Toward Camp Tuition at Camp Mataponi, a Maine Camp Experience Camp

Karen and Denny Gates from Short Hills won $5K off camp tuition for their daughters Melissa and Dani Gates at Camp Mataponi, a Maine Camp Experience camp (www.mainecampexperience.com for camp information and help finding the right camp). 


Melissa and Dani are excitedly returning to Camp Mataponi for their 5th and 3rd summers, respectively in 2014.  Karen says she never won anything before, but thought she’d give it a try.  And, as long as her daughters have been going and loving their camp, why not try to win $5K off tuition. 

When Karen saw “Camp Mataponi” come up on her phone – she was caught off guard and didn’t know why Marcy, the camp owner, was calling.  Once she learned of the win, Karen screamed with excitement!!  Her daughter was embarrassed because they were in the front yard playing soccer.  Karen has since “called everyone who listen to her” to tell them about her win. 

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Maine camps have been a sought-after enduring camp tradition for generations.  Nothing beats the perfect combination of nature, arts, trips, staff and opportunity to form lifelong bonds.  Karen already had a predisposition because she grew up going to camp in Maine, so she is very excited that her daughters have the same opportunity and said “I wouldn’t have thought about sending them anywhere else for camp.”  Their older brother also spent time at a Maine camp.

Regarding what Melissa and Dani like best about camp, Karen says, “Their friends. The connection they have. The feelings they have. The closeness that develops from living with other girls for the summer. The opportunity to do activities - water skiing, ropes, wake boarding - that they wait a year to do again.  The Maine sky - the millions of stars you see at night in Maine because the sky is so dark and clear.”

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Regarding what Karen is most excited about what their daughters get from camp, she says, “To be who they are. To relax. Get out of everyday grind and stress which is the world they live in.  The chance to have this carefree time.  Nothing else to think about but having fun.  ‘The camp smile’ – it’s bigger, it’s fuller, it’s pure joy – doesn’t happen anywhere else.” Karen also mentioned how much she loves mother/daughter weekend every other year. 

The Gates girls love their camp for the spirit, the beauty, owners Marcy and Dan, and the fun, friendly environment. 

Marcy and Dan Isdaner, owners of Camp Mataponi, were thrilled about the Gates family winning saying, “That's so exciting - we love love this family!  They are so special.”

NOW is the ideal time to plan 2014 camp tours for 2015 enrollment.

Maine Camp Experience is a community of premier Maine Camps dedicated to providing children with the highest quality summer camp experiences in the country for generations.  It is the authentic camp experience.  Each summer approximately 20,000 kids and their families enjoy what these Maine camps offer – the perfect combination of natural beauty, strong traditions and values, incredible activities and instruction -  including lakefront and sports experiences - and innovative culinary and arts programs.  www.mainecampexperience.com, is the resource for all things camp and Maine – complete with a “personal guide” to assist you with information about the member camps.   The site also features real Maine Camp memories self-posted by campers, parents and alumni, and special offers, including JetBlue Trueblue points - families can earn points from enrolling or referring campers: www.mainecampexperience.com/jetblue.

 




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