Kate Smith, Director of Programming & Operations for Oceanwood Camp & Conference Center
Posted by Win WInch
on May 05, 2015
May 5th Meeting
Candy introduced Kate Smith, Director of Programming & Operations for Oceanwood Camp & Conference Center located on a 140 acres campus in Ocean Park. (Ocean Park is a neighborhood located in Old Orchard Beach.) It abuts the City of Saco and the Rachel Carson Reserve. Candy also introduced Kasandra Kane, Director of Finance & Administration for Oceanwood.
Kate’s mission tonight was to describe the many diverse activities and camp programs that are offered. In addition, she explained how 4 separate disparate programs can be running concurrently and the resultant synergy of sharing and providing mutual assistance.
While no individual camp program participation compares with more traditional camps, they are a large facility with 270 beds in the summer versus 160 beds in the winter. Their central dinning facility can accommodate 200.
Kate provided us with separate brochures: Horse Camp, Youth Summer Camp, Disability Camp, Family Camp (Grandparent Camp, Single Parent Camp), and Year-round Program Opportunities.
Last year they made a decision to expand their horse program to year –round by purchasing 2 horses as a start. Horses are allowed on the beach from October into May.
They have recently hired a year-round staff person to further develop.
www.oceanwood.org contains extensive program information.
Their belief is that camping is for everyone.