Business Spotlight: Elemental Electric

Solving problems and providing exceptional service is at the heart of what Elemental Electric does every day.

Elemental Electric has added a 16-foot supply truck to its
fleet, and now brings supplies to job sites, enhancing
the company's efficiency for clients.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
   

Located in Windham, Elemental Electric is owned by Brandon Bagley and is Southern Maine’s residential electrician, offering efficient residential electrical and generator expertise in the Lakes Region and surrounding towns.

“We truly care about the work we perform for fellow residents of our local community,” Bagley said. “Our reviews and recommendations across social media platforms show it. From service upgrades, standby generator installs and service, to service calls and new construction, there is no job that is too big or too small for us to handle in house.”

Services that Elemental Electric provide include service calls, whole home rewiring, troubleshooting, wiring for additions and renovations, interior and exterior lighting, pools and hot tubs, service upgrades, and backup generator installations. They specialize in residential electrical and are fully licensed and insured.

All work is performed in a positive manner and dedicated to saving their clients’ money and resolving challenging problems. They take the time to cultivate relationships with clients through honesty, transparency and communication.

“Aside from our relentless positivity, we’re known for our generator installs,” Bagley said. “April 2024's storm showed everyone in the Lakes Region how important their power is to them, and we stepped up our game to take on these installs in their entirety. We've also gone as far as to get our state gas licenses to be able to handle standby generator installations in their entirety in house.”

Elemental Electric is prepared to tackle any job and to take a step forward efficiently. It has added a 16-foot box truck to help them better serve clients.

“We've recently deployed a mobile working supply house into our fleet to best handle add-ons to work that we are performing when onsite at a client’s home,” Bagley said. “Where other companies require the scheduling of a return trip for unprepped stock on a scheduled visit; that will be a rare setback for us moving forward as we now bring the supply house to your doorstep. We're all about efficiency.”

The Elemental Electric company has been in business since 2023 and just took on employee Matthew Kelley, who will be sitting for his electrical license in the coming weeks.

“I'm excited to see him grow in this business as much as I have and am proud to have built a platform for him to grow on, and to be able to hone his craft before launching his own outfit in Saco.” Bagley said.

As company owner, Bagley himself has been involved with various businesses since 2010.

“Motorcycles, vinyl lettering, auto detailing, watchmaking, generator repair, it’s been a fun 15 years of forging my way to find my calling and Elemental Electric has been a blast growing,” he said. “It's been a fun ride these last two years on my own in the electrical business and I look forward to growing in this community alongside others that choose to take on the self-employment path.”

Feedback from local community members about Elemental Electric has been fantastic, Bagley said.

“It shows through our Google reviews, and the recommendations we receive on social media when others are looking for electricians,” he said. “We hold every recommendation to heart and are happy that others enjoy our services enough to recommend us to their family, friends and other community residents.”

“Excellent experience from start to finish. We had a standby generator installed. Brandon was very professional and super friendly. During our install, Brandon found an issue with our underground utility line and brought it to our attention immediately. We feel lucky that we hired someone with integrity, as I’m sure some contractors would have ignored the issue to save time and aggravation. This could potentially have created a fire in our house if it had not been fixed. I feel Brandon’s prices were very fair for the quality of work he provides. We look forward to working with Elemental again for future projects!” Derek Lombard, Above & Beyond Cleaning

“Brandon assisted us with the wiring of an install of a new lighting fixture in our bathroom. His honest and timely service were much appreciated. He was honest and very experienced. This is the type of electrician our communities need. Thank you for your professional and honest service.” Hannah Rodriguez

“My wife and I are amazed by how nice, caring, and honest he is. We look forward to working with him on future projects and have now found our go-to electrician.” Philip Assante

To learn more about Elemental Electric, call 207-370-2551 or visit www.elementalelectric.com. Find them on Facebook under Elemental Electric. <

Business Spotlight: Tick BYTES

May is Lyme Awareness Month here in Maine and ticks are everywhere – in our backyards, neighborhoods and communities. We’re constantly removing them from ourselves, our children and pets. We’re aware of the ongoing threat of tick-borne illnesses, and yet, our best efforts seem to be lacking.

Most of us know of a friend or community member whose life has been impacted by a tick-borne illness. In 2024, ticks collected by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s Tick Lab Surveillance Program showed that about 68 percent of submitted blacklegged ticks were encountered on the homeowner’s property, with yard work, gardening and playing in the yard reported as the most reported activities at the time of the tick encounter. Maine CDC reported that in 2024 there were 3,218 confirmed cases of Lyme. Among all age groups, seniors and children have the highest incidence of tick-borne illnesses. According to the national CDC, actual cases of Lyme are estimated to be 10 times greater than the 3,218 reported cases.

How do we reverse this growing threat? Education, awareness, and action.

Drawing from 20 years of experience as Lyme educators and pest management professionals, Barb and Bob Maurais, tick educators formerly with Mainely Ticks, have launched Tick BYTES, an eco-friendly, Do-It-Yourself online protocol that equips homeowners with the knowledge and skills to protect families from vector-borne diseases and pests.

Tick BYTES’ mission is to protect people, pets, and pollinators in homes, neighborhoods, and communities, naturally. “You may have Lyme disease and not even know it,” was Barb’s comment at an educational workshop she presented in 2005. Little did she know that she was talking about herself; she was subsequently diagnosed with Lyme and was successfully treated. Education and awareness are key components in reducing tick-borne illnesses. Prevention continues to be the best prescription.

The unique Tick BYTES model provides you with proven strategies, educational resources, and best practices to better protect your family from future tick and mosquito encounters while utilizing eco-friendly chemistry.

“Pollinators are essential for the reproductive process of most flowering plants and production of fruits and seeds,” Bob Maurais said, “which is why Tick BYTES teaches eco-friendly pest solutions, prioritizing botanicals, which target specific pests while minimizing harm to beneficial insects and other organisms.”

Our educational website, www.tickbytes.us, provides you with strategies and resources to better protect your family.

The Free downloadable Protection Strategies Home & Away booklet teaches you about:

• Deer ticks and their 2-year life cycle

• Tick habitat and hosts

• How to do tick checks and proper tick removal

• EPA approved repellents

• Mosquito reduction strategies

• Tick and mosquito resources

Do you have ticks and/or mosquitoes on your property?

Have you removed a tick from yourself, family member or pet?

Have you wanted to treat your property on your own schedule using eco-friendly products, but didn’t know how?

Now is the time for you to consider treating your own property. Learn how with Tick BYTES DIY A Time to Treat for Ticks and Mosquitoes. This comprehensive, members only guide provides you with proven strategies, educational resources, and best practices to better protect your family from future tick and mosquito encounters while utilizing eco-friendly chemistry. Preview the guide here https://tickbytes.us/take-a-look/

Do you belong to a group or organization that is interested in hosting a workshop on how to reduce the risk of contracting Lyme and other vector-borne diseases? Click the Contact Us tab at www.tickbytes.us to schedule your event.

Send a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) to Tick BYTES, 48 William Knight Rd, Windham, ME 04062 to receive a free Tick Identification Guide as shown in the ad below.

Barb Maurais, president of Tick BYTES, is a seasoned Lyme and associated diseases advocate, educator, webmaster, and social media coordinator. Since 2005, she has developed and presented educational talks to numerous community groups and organizations and has networked with Lyme support groups to pass Lyme legislation in the Maine Legislature.

Bob Maurais, Tick BYTES IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Coordinator, holds a Commercial Master Applicator license in Maine, is a member of the Tick IPM Working Group, and has presented at local, state, and national conferences. In 2004, Bob and his brother Ed founded Mainely Ticks, a community-based pest control business where Bob was active in treating residential properties, along with creating content and delivering educational workshops until his retirement in February 2025. <

Business Spotlight: Vine Vintage Luxury Resale Boutique

A unique shopping experience awaits those seeking elegance and sophistication in luxury designer handbags and accessories locally.

Vine Vintage Luxury Resale Boutique at The Collective 
alongside Eden Aesthetics and Blush & Brow at 8 Turning
Leaf Drive, Suite 4 in Windham offers a unique shopping
experience and luxury designer handbags and accessories.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

Owned and operated by Jasmine Keenan, a luxury design handbag expert, Vine Vintage Luxury Resale Boutique is at The Collective – alongside Eden Aesthetics and Blush & Brow – at 8 Turning Leaf Drive, Suite 4 in Windham. Her store not only sells authenticated luxury handbags, but it also provides restoration for handbags and accessories and brings affordable luxury, integrity, transparency and fashion to Maine.

“I provide a unique boutique shopping experience and access to luxury designer handbags and accessories, historically not available to purchase in person in Maine,” Keenan said. “I also provide restoration services, including cleaning, touch ups, alterations, and small fixes for handbags and accessories. I specialize in ‘vintage’ luxury goods from the early 2000s, all the way back to the early 1980s. I have a unique knowledge of the style, design, history and manufacturing dates of each of the individual items, and the fashion houses that designed them. Customers also have the option to consign their own designer items and can request that I find specific items that they are looking for.”

Vine Vintage is the only store of its kind in the area and since its launch a year ago, it has developed a loyal and devoted following.

“There are other resale companies that categorize themselves as ‘thrift stores,’ while I categorize my store as a “resale boutique,” Keenan said. “Aside from the uniqueness of my store, what sets me apart the most is my pricing. While most pre-loved luxury handbags cost on average $1,500, my average sale is under $500. I’m able to provide affordable pricing by sourcing my inventory from close contacts that I have made in the industry over the years, as well as focusing on vintage pieces that need restoration services. Customers can feel confident that they are buying 100 percent authentic items, because I use a third-party company called Authentic Detective for each item. A certificate of authenticity is provided with each sale.”

Because of Keenan’s expertise and emphasis on providing exceptional customer service, pricing at Vine Vintage is among the lowest you can find locally and online for pre-loved designer handbags and accessories. She only sells genuine designer bags, and each one has been carefully chosen for the store in gently used vintage condition.

“Our bags are affordable in comparison to what is available new,” Keenan said. “People who never thought they could afford it find that luxury handbags and accessories can be affordable, contrary to what they may believe.”

With its convenient location in Windham, Vine Vintage offers customers many opportunities to view inventory not only in person, but also online and through social media.

“Because I have a website and online presence, I ship inventory all over the world,” Keenan said. “All items are available for in-store pickup or shipping.”

Vine Vintage Luxury Resale Boutique is a culmination of Keenan's love of vintage pieces, background in art, and previous business experience.

Reviews posted online about Vine Vintage are simply outstanding.

“Officially addicted. Prices and quality are unmatched. Nothing like a finding that vintage bag you’ve been searching for – coupled with a super sweetheart business owner! Very communicative and quick and I am a repeat offender for life!” Emily Cooke

“Recently purchased a beautiful Burberry Boston bag in basically brand-new condition from Vine Vintage. Jasmine was kind enough to give me ideas and different options to customize the bag to my needs. The shipping was super quick and came packaged beautifully. The bag in person is even more perfect and a piece that I hope to pass down to my daughter one day. Thank you again!” Jessica Campbell

“I recently purchased not one, not two, but three bags from Vine Vintage. I came to look at the stunning Gucci Diana tote and left with a YSL clutch converted to a crossbody and a Gucci shoulder tote. I cannot recommend Jasmine enough! I will absolutely be purchasing more bags from her in the future. It was such a great experience overall, and I truly can’t believe how gorgeous all 3 of my bags are. I am now the proud owner of some stunning vintage goods that I can’t wait to show off. 10/10 seller, product, experience, communication, and pricing!” Erin Leigh

For more details about Vine Vintage Luxury Resale Boutique, visit https://vinevintagebagco.com/ or find them on Facebook and Instagram under Vine Vintage Bag Co. <

Nonprofit Spotlight: Age Friendly Windham

Windham is making significant strides in ensuring residents of all ages and abilities can thrive. The town’s Age-Friendly Windham (AFW) initiative, which began as a grassroots effort among community volunteers and town staff, has evolved into a fully established program dedicated to expanding services, fostering partnerships, and advocating for infrastructure improvements that enhance residents’ quality of life.

 

Volunteers pack emergency preparedness 'Go-Bags' last
month containing essential items for use during severe
storms to help residents respond confidently to crisis
situations. This initiative is part of an effort by Age
Friendly Windham to enhance residents' quality of life.
SUBMITTED PHOTO   

Enhancing Emergency Preparedness

Following severe storms in December 2023 and April 2024, Windham officials recognized the urgent need to improve emergency preparedness, particularly for older adults vulnerable to prolonged power outages. Through its participation in the Community Connections (CC) project, AFW has taken proactive steps to address these concerns.

Led by Age-Friendly Coordinator and Community Connector Erica Bell-Watkins, the initiative has successfully brought together key town departments—including Police, Fire, and Communications—to develop a more age-friendly and resource-conscious emergency response plan.

As part of this effort, AFW conducted a comprehensive emergency preparedness survey in late 2024, receiving over 150 responses from community members. The findings are shaping new strategies, including the distribution of 100 emergency preparedness “Go-Bags” this spring. These bags will contain essential items such as battery-operated radios with flashlights and chargers, blankets, batteries, first aid kits, water purification tablets, hand sanitizer, and secure document bags. Additionally, AFW has created an Emergency Preparedness Guide to help residents respond confidently in crisis situations.

Expanding Services and Strengthening Partnerships

Beyond emergency preparedness, Windham has leveraged the CC project to expand key community services, including:

● Increased Transportation Access: In 2024, Windham’s transportation service provided over 200 rides to 60 clients for medical appointments and social activities. AFW is now working to double ridership and ensure more residents can access reliable transportation.

● Bridging the Digital Divide: In partnership with the Windham Public Library and the National Digital Equity Center, AFW launched Techno Wednesdays, a series of digital literacy workshops covering cyber fraud prevention, telehealth navigation, email basics, and device assistance.

● Community Meals and Educational Programs: The Nourish Your Body and Mind series offers opportunities for residents to gather, learn, and connect. Past sessions have covered topics such as housing solutions, winter preparedness, and local resources, with support from organizations like the Southern Maine Agency on Aging, AARP, and Maine Housing.

Boosting Community Awareness and Future Growth

One of the biggest successes of the CC project has been expanding community awareness of AFW’s programs. Bell-Watkins has focused on outreach and collaboration, ensuring that residents are well-informed about available services. “Since launching the Community Connections pilot in September, I’ve been able to dedicate more time to outreach and building partnerships,” said Bell-Watkins. “As a result, more people know about AFW’s programs and resources, and that’s a huge step forward.”

Looking ahead, Windham is committed to securing long-term funding for these critical programs. A key milestone in this effort was Bell-Watkins’ appointment to the Ad Hoc Middle School Repurposing Committee, highlighting the town’s recognition of the importance of age-friendly services. Additionally, the Community Connect pilot will continue to financially support the position in partnership with the town, ensuring that Windham’s efforts to foster a more connected and resilient community will continue well into the future.

For more information about Age-Friendly Windham and upcoming initiatives, visit www.agefriendlywindham.org or contact Erica Bell-Watkins at 207-892-4649. <

Business Spotlight: Maine Tick and Mosquito Control

Insects and other annoying bugs and pests carrying diseases who can ruin both indoor and outdoor activities are ready for another season of invading homes and making our lives miserable. But there is a solution, and Maine Tick and Mosquito Control stands ready to help.

Maine Tick and Mosquito stands ready to assist with safe,
affordable and effective pest management treatments.
The company offers a home pest protection plan with
a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.
COURTESY PHOTO  

Based in Scarborough, Maine Tick and Mosquito Control’s experienced experts offer advanced, safe and effective solutions for ticks and mosquitoes, rodents and other unwanted pests. The company prioritizes eco-friendly and family-safe treatments, ensuring a safe environment for clients, loved ones, and pets.

“Our team, local office staff and Maine-licensed pest control technicians take great care in protecting you from the dangers of tick and mosquito bites and the diseases associated with them,” said Don Bishop of Maine Tick and Mosquito Control. “We create protective yard barriers, provide lawn treatments and have extensive tick protection programs for residents of towns and cities of Maine.”

Bishop said that Maine Tick and Mosquito Control incorporates a simple pest management system into every tick treatment, mosquito barrier treatments and rodent control.

“It's a simple 1, 2, 3 method of pest control, IPM, commonly known as the Integrated Pest Management,” he said.

According to Bishop, who has more than 24 years of experience in pest control, those steps include identification, evaluation and treatment.

“To first identify your pest problems is key and our trained technicians will pinpoint the cause of your problems,” he said. “Because no two yards are alike, we will immediately evaluate your surrounding home for potential risk areas and will develop a plan of action to resolve the problems. Then we will treat the areas that need to be treated with a protective barrier treatment, lawn treatments or through bait and tick boxes and tubes.”

All of this results in a Maine home pest protection plan like no other with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.

“Our family-owned and operated in Maine pest control business is preferred because of our reliable, professional and friendly staff,” Bishop said. “As well, we maintain ongoing communication with our trusted customers, and we work hard to keep them safe from bites and deadly diseases all year long. Investing in a mosquito control program is more important than ever to protect your family from the dangers these parasites carry. It's well known that there is 88 percent to 93 percent success rate when treating yards and we strive for even better. We've got your backyard covered.”

Maine Tick and Mosquito Control crews are dependable and show up on time when needed.

“We offer dependable, affordable residential pest control services that include tick, mosquito and rodent eradication and control,” Bishop said. “The services we provide can be a one-time service, special event or an on-going treatment plan that works for you and your budget. We also provide commercial plans for pest extermination and work directly with property managers and real estate agents. Group plans are also available.”

He said that all treatment products used by Maine Tick and Mosquito Control are EPA approved, and the company doesn’t use contracts, so customers may cancel at any time.

Company reviews are nothing less than exceptional.

“So happy with Maine Tick and Mosquito, they took care of our issue in a timely manner, Susan was great to work with, very friendly and took good care of us! Couldn’t be more pleased with them, so easy to work with, I will certainly recommend them and call again if I need their services.” Stephanie Quattrucci

"The staff at Maine Tick & Mosquito are wonderful to work with. They are extremely responsive, reliable, and professional. Their treatments eliminated ticks and drastically reduced the mosquito population around my home. It was money well spent. I’ve already signed up for next year!" Candy Ingalls.

“Highly recommend Maine Tick & Mosquito!! We have been a customer of theirs for 2 years now and will continue to use their service. Thanks to them, it is much more enjoyable to entertain around our pool and outdoor area. Plus, their customer service is top notch. Call them, get on their list for next season ... your only regret will be that you didn't do it sooner. A++ company and service.” Tracey Herring

Call today for a free estimate or to make an appointment at 207-838-2133 or visit https://www.mainetick.com/ <

Business Spotlight: Reading Remotely Tutoring Services

By offering flexibility and instruction tailored to each student’s needs, lessons by Reading Remotely Tutoring Services ensure not only that students learn, but also help unlock their future potential. Certified teachers provide individualized lessons for children of all ages, and the remote tutoring lessons enable flexibility during those busy summer months.

Reading Remotely Tutoring Services is owned by Melissa
Gadbois and offers individualized virtual lessons to students 
based upon their needs. COURTESY PHOTO 

“Everything is shared through our screen, and all the student needs is a piece of paper and something with which to write. We offer optional assessment sessions prior to the six weeks of tutoring, or provide the assessments during the first lesson,” said Melissa Gadbois, the owner of Reading Remotely Tutoring Services. “Since lessons are individualized, tutoring sessions may focus on phonics, spelling, fluency, or reading comprehension, depending on the child's specific needs. We also tailor the level of support to what the parents are hoping to achieve through the tutoring lessons. For some, the goal is simply to prevent summer learning loss. For others, we work at filling gaps with their reading and/or spelling skills to help the child get closer to grade level.”

Gadbois is a Literacy Specialist and a Certified Dyslexia Practitioner and has been teaching in Southern Maine for 17 years.

“I started tutoring in the evenings and in the summers in 2016,” she said. “In 2020, I began teaching lessons virtually to my students at school and realized that it was engaging, and I was seeing real progress. I opened it up to tutoring remotely that summer, and there was a lot of interest. As far as I know, I am one of the few educators in the state who holds both Literacy Specialist and Certified Dyslexia Practitioner titles. Because of this, I’m able to use a wide variety of tools and knowledge to help determine comprehensive plans to support our students.”

In 2022, Gadbois added an additional tutor, Jamie Vaillancourt, who graduated from Saint Joseph's College with an elementary education degree and a concentration in special education. She teaches kindergarten during the school year and has additional certification in a phonics curriculum called LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling). Last summer, Gadbois added a third tutor, Sheri Woolverton, a retired K-3 South Portland teacher, to the team to keep up with scheduling demands.

“As a Certified Dyslexia Practitioner, I’m able to directly provide Orton-Gillingham lessons to students, which is a type of tutoring that many families are looking for, especially for children with a diagnosed or perceived learning disability. Although I cannot provide direct tutoring to all the students who sign up for our services, I provide both tutors with materials for initial assessments and help analyze the results and make instructional plans for the summer. Families typically sign up for one or two lessons per week, and we work hard to maximize the lesson time we have with our students. This summer, we will surpass 100 students who have received our tutoring services since my business went remote, including many repeat students and families.”

What sets Reading Remotely Tutoring Services apart is that, in being virtual, they can work with children anywhere there is Wi-Fi.

“Over the past few summers, I've worked with students who live in different states and time zones, and with local students when they are on vacation,” Gadbois said. “Since most lessons are just 30 to 45 minutes, they are easy to fit into your summer schedule, and you don't have to miss out on too much summer fun. We also offer flexibility and have customized schedules to account for availability around summer camp schedules.”

According to Gadbois, some families are wary of trying remote tutoring but quickly realize the quality of instruction is not negatively impacted when it's delivered through the screen.

“In fact, I've noticed that students are typically more engaged during our remote lessons than they are during in-person lessons,” she said. “Lessons are paced in a way that is motivating, and they typically end with a game. Throughout the entire 30 to 45 minutes, students are equally engaged and challenged, so that they can feel confident and capable.”

As a K-2 Literacy Specialist during the school year, Gadbois sees firsthand the impact that summer regression has on students and it’s something that impacts all students, to varying degrees.

“Research has shown that students lose about 20 percent of their reading gains from a school year over the summer, and teachers are needing to spend the first month or two of the new school year helping students catch up to where they were the previous spring,” she said. “Summer tutoring can help in not only preventing this ‘summer slide,’ but also can help improve students' abilities so they start the year stronger than ever. Whether it is increased confidence and engagement in reading, improved phonics and spelling skills, or smoother reading fluency, parents are consistently pleased with the impact of our lessons.”

Gadbois knows what it’s like to want to make the most of Maine summers. Growing up on Sebago Lake in Windham, she has always spent her summers with family and friends at the lake, where her parents still reside. “By providing remote tutoring lessons, I’m able to help families prioritize their child’s learning without needing to sacrifice the summer memories that are equally as important. I’m grateful for the opportunity to help prepare students for the new school year in a way that is as manageable as it is beneficial.”

To learn more about Reading Remotely Tutoring Services, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/readingremotely <

Nonprofit Spotlight: Gander Brook Christian Camp

Children in Maine are aware that summer never lasts as long as they wish, but there is a way for them to make the most of the season by attending a legendary camp in Raymond where they can experience adventure in a positive, safe, and encouraging setting.

Gander Brook Christian Camp in Raymond is offering new
day camps Mondays through Fridays for children ages 6
to 13. Visit www.ganderbrook.org/ for more details or
to register. COURTESY PHOTO 

Gander Brook Christian Camp provides kids 8 to 18 with a rustic camping experience whether it’s overnight or during the day where they can make lifelong friendships, strengthen their faith and simply to enjoy what it is like to be a child.

Owned and operated by the Churches of Christ in New England, Gander Brook Christian Camp is located at the corner of Ledge Hill Road and North Raymond Road and sits on 222 acres as well as additional waterfront property on Raymond Pond. Sessions are during the day Monday through Friday or overnight from Saturday to Saturday. Sessions run weekly from the last week of June through the first week of August.

Steve Mezzapelle of Gander Brook Christian Camp first came to the camp at age 8 and attended every year until he was 18 and even returned as a camp counselor for several summers when he was in college. He currently serves on the camp’s Board of Directors.

“It made such a huge impact on my life,” he said. “This is a hidden gem nobody knows about. Gander Brook is the reason why I fell in love with Maine and the reason I wanted to move here. It had that great of a positive impact on my life.”

The camp has been operating in Raymond since 1959 and is guided by a Board of Directors from around New England. It is staffed by two directors, a staff of 16 to 20 camp counselors and an activities director. Volunteers staff the kitchen, the camp canteen and camp laundry, and there are also merit badge instructors, nurses, and Bible instructors. Camp counselors change each year and are recruited from the leading Christian colleges across America. The two camp directors have been with the camp for more than two decades.

The camp is non-denominational, affordable, and open to all children. Overnight campers bunk in cabins with kids their own age for their weeklong stay and their daily schedule includes, meals, Bible classes, earning merit badges such as outdoor cooking, archery, ropes course, tie dyeing, sign language and more plus afternoon sports and swimming/kayaking, cabin challenge games and evening activities such as skit nights, Crazy Olympics, scavenger hunts, nature classes, bonfires, and cookouts. Day campers between the ages of 6 and 13 experience all the daytime activities and receive breakfast and lunch every day.

“We wanted more kids to experience Gander Brook, so we opened it up this year for both day campers and overnight campers,” Mezzapelle said. “Day campers can sign up on a week-by-week basis or for throughout the summer.”

Gander Brook provides campers with a good, healthy, faith-based environment away from the chaotic stresses that can often surround children. No electronic devices are allowed, so it’s a great place for kids to unplug and connect with people and nature and to just have fun. For many campers, lifelong friendships are forged, and those friendships and the people associated with Gander Brook Christian Camp are what make this camp special.

Mezzapelle said that campers find encouragement and an environment which makes everyone feel special and respected like they are family.

The Gander Brook Christian Camp site itself is one of Maine’s historic properties. On the site, the Wilson Hotel and Spring Company, with its centerpiece inn known as “The Wilson” was built in 1890. The Noraco Inn was built on the site in 1929 on the berms seen in the Wilson Hotel pictures, and which still surrounds the lodge today at Gander Brook. When the inn closed around 1950, the property was vacant for nine years. The Churches of Christ in New England saw a need for summer camping and organized a Board of Directors which purchased the 200-acre property in 1959 and has been operating a summer camp program each summer since then.

“This is such a beautiful place, and we want the community to know about it and for young people to experience it for themselves,” Mezzapelle said.

Openings for children are currently available at Gander Book Christian Camp for this summer.

For more details about Gander Brook Christian Camp or to sign up, visit https://www.ganderbrook.org/ or find them on Facebook and Instagram under Gander Brook Christian Camp. <