Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Camp Beech Cliff Launches Acadia Leadership Institute

 Bordering Acadia National Park’s Beech Mountain and Echo Lake are fifty picturesque acres and extraordinary opportunities for adventure and growth.

Expanding on their quality summer day camp, Camp Beech Cliff announced the launch of the Acadia Leadership Institute for year round outdoor education, adventure, training and leadership programs. “The camp experience fosters strengths, self-confidence, team building, and connection to the natural world. We are using our unique strengths and expertise to bring the camp experience to a broader audience” explained Debra Deal, Executive Director at a recent event for Camp Beech Cliff supporters and local leadership. According to Deal, those strengths include location, unprecedented facilities, the talent and expertise of staff and local instructors, and a caring camp community.

Schools, colleges, non-profits, businesses and other groups from all over New England are creating custom meetings, trainings, retreats and events in a truly unique natural setting that is conducive to team-building, learning, adventure and relaxation. Impressive amenities include a full gymnasium, 30-foot indoor rock climbing wall, state-of-the-art low and high ropes challenge courses, meeting rooms, kayaks, canoes, and more. The camp has partnered with outdoor adventure and education pioneers Project Adventure, inns, caterers, local area instructors and facilitators. From one day corporate team-building and strategic planning retreats to week-long adventure programs including hiking, biking, climbing, paddling and high ropes – the camp will be able to offer a full spectrum of programs and services.

This summer, 250 campers, 60 percent local residents, were enrolled at Camp Beech Cliff each week. “Summer camp will always be our flagship program. It is the heart and soul of this nonprofit organization, said Deal. “With the gift of the new facilities in 2012 also came the responsibility to best utilize this amazing resource to help fund summer camp, fulfill our mission and make the greatest impact in our community. Under Camp Beech Cliff, the programs of the Acadia Leadership Institute will allow us to do just that. It’s an exciting time of growth.”

Through summer camps and year-round outdoor education, leadership and recreation programs, Camp Beech Cliff MDI seeks to enrich the lives of people of all ages. Our mission is to inspire personal growth, interpersonal connection, and a deep appreciation of the natural world.

For more information on Camp Beech Cliff and the Acadia Leadership Institute, contact Sarah Catanese, Director of Programs & Operations, 244-0365 or sarah@campbeechcliff.org.