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Bridgton's Camp Winona on TV Feb. 16

February 26, 2008 - BRIDGTON -- Winona Camps for boys in Bridgton, one of North America's longest operating summer camps, will be the focus of an incredibleMAINE show airing on the stations of the Maine Public Broadcasting Network on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 10:30 a.m. Show host LC Van Savage spent two days at the summer camp during its centennial season in 2007.

As part of the show, she talks with Winona director Alan Ordway, known at camp as "Uncle Al," as he reminisces over the 39 years he and his wife Michelle have owned and operated the camp. Ordway also discusses how summer camp can play an important role in helping youths develop a positive self-identity, become more independent, and develop strong social skills.

"The boys truly enjoyed spending time with LC and sharing their favorite camp activities," Ordway said. "She really took the time to get to know Winona. Thanks to her interest in us, all of Maine will have the opportunity to share in our summer camp expenence."

At Winona, outdoor adventure replaces video games, cell phones and the Web. Boys live in rustic accommodations along the lakeshore of the 400-acre camp for seven weeks, engaging in friendly competitions, learning to be part of a team, and discovering their own strengths.

During the half-hour show, Van Savage participates in many different activities with the campers and staff who hail from 30 states and 25 countries. Tune in to see her try her hand at archery, take a tennis lesson, and enjoy the summer weather on the shores of Moose Pond. She also accompanies the boys on hiking and sailing outings, climbs to the top of Winona's three-tiered tree house, and checks out the platform tents that are their summer homes.

"Profiling Winona was a true pleasure for me. When it comes to traditional summer camps, it sets the standard," Van Savage said. "You can tell the staff and counselors are very passionate about their jobs, and the campers love the freedom of an environment ideally structured for young boys."

"The boys were also very eager to share Winona legends that have been handed down from one generation of campers to the next. When I experienced my first sighting of the elusive black-caped 'Bat,' I felt like a kid again as all the kids raced after this dark figure with hopes of unmasking him. I've been told, though, that the identity of the Bat has never been discovered - not once in 100 years!" she said.

Winona preserves a sense of earned accomplishment and perseverance while celebrating milestones of success to help boys nurture their sense of self and self-esteem. The camp is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). It was founded on the shores of Moose Pond in 1908 by the Cobb family, which also founded Winona's sister camp, Wyonegonic, the longest operating girls' summer camp in the United States.

SOURCE: BRIDGTON NEWS

DATE: 02-07-2008


Lakes: Moose Pond
Regions: Sebago


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