Camp To Belong Maine, now the longest running member camp of the Camp To Belong International Membership of Camps, will hold its sixth session in 2009. CAMP TO BELONG MAINE held its first session in 2004 at Camp Wigwam in Waterford, Maine and has continued to hold all successive camps at the same phenomenal host site, owned and operated by Bobby Strauss. A non-profit organization under Adoptive and Foster Families of Maine (AFFM), Camp To Belong Maine is comprised of a committed group of volunteers from the University of Southern Maine's Muskie School of Public Service, Department of Health and Human Services, Casey Family Services, Families And Children Together (FACT), other social services agencies, former youth in care and community members, who formed a planning committee to bring this unique experience to Maine's youth in foster care. A phone call from a former youth in care started the ball rolling when she saw Lynn Price on Oprah and knew that the State of Maine needed to provide this opportunity to Maine's youth in care. The CAMP TO BELONG MAINE Planning Committee continues to work year-round to plan the camp week and to create awareness about the plight of brothers and sisters in foster care.

Camp To Belong Maine will be held at Camp Wigwam. The 2009 Camp Dates are as follows: Staff Training August 14-16 and Camp session August 17-22. At this time Maine accepts only separated brothers and sisters from the Maine foster care system. We anticipate approximate 60-70 brothers and sisters this year.

We always look for dedicated volunteer counselors who are willing to commit to the entire week of camp (including staff training). Counselors must be kind, caring, nurturing, willing to jump in the trenches and be team players, understand the importance of the sibling bond, and maintain a positive attitude. Applicants interested in coming to Maine to experience a fabulous camp environment and the beautiful Maine woods should contact the Camp Coordinator.

As a non-profit organization that has built itself on grassroots efforts, donations are always welcome and appreciated. Monetary donations will be used for camper scholarships, to pay for film development so campers take home photos of their experience, and to purchase needed supplies. New, unwrapped gifts for boys and girls ages 8 and up will be welcomed for the birthday store. Each year a birthday party is held for the campers so that brothers and sisters can celebrate together (something they don't often do because of the separation).

“Coffee that Cares” Baxter Tea Company is committed to helping raise funds for Camp To Belong Maine. They will donate $3.00 for each bag of Popayan Columbian Supremo sold. We will be selling this coffee at our 1st Annual Family Fun Day (download flyer here) on June 20th. Baxter Tea Company is offering this coffee for only $10.00 a bag with $3.00 going to Camp to Belong Maine on June 20th. This is a limited time offer so buy a few bags! For additional information or inquiries, please contact Camp Coordinator, Heidi Krieger at 207-780-5868 or hkrieger@usm.maine.edu or visit them on-line at www.camptobelongmaine.org .