Community Corner
Larrabee Family Wins $5K For Camp Tuition at Winona Camps, a Maine Camp Experience Camp
The Larrabee family from Cortlandt Manor, Westchester won $5,000 off summer camp tuition for their son, Aidan. The $5K toward camp tuition was the grand prize in the Maine Camp Experience (MCE) Pack Your Bags Giveaway with prizes that highlighted the experience of summer camp in Maine. (MCE is a community of 33 premier traditional sleepaway camps in Maine that are well attended from kids across the country, including Westchester - www.mainecampexperience.com - for information about the camps and help finding the right camp fit.)
Parents Eric and Jennifer Larrabee won $5K toward camp tuition for their son Aidan who is 10 years old, finishing 4th grade. He is excitedly returning to Winona Camps, a Maine Camp Experience camp, this summer.
Eric went to Winona when he was growing up. He’s thrilled his son, Aidan, is now there at this “magical place.” And, as long as Aidan has been going and loving the camp, why not try to win $5K off tuition.
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Eric said when he received notice from Winona director Spencer Ordway that he had won, “I was stunned. I never won anything before in my life. I never expected to win. I entered as a lark.” He said Jennifer, his wife, was also “stunned, really excited and completely floored.”
Maine camps have been a sought-after enduring camp tradition for generations. Nothing beats the perfect combination of nature, sports, arts, trips, staff and opportunity to form lifelong bonds. Eric already had a predisposition because he grew up going to camp in Maine, so he is very excited that his son has the same opportunity. He shared that 5 minutes after his son, Aidan, was born, he cradled him and said – you’ll be going to Winona.Eric shared that Aidan loves the fishing, horseback riding, archery, games, the lake and much more. He really took to the horseback riding, including as part of the Red-Gray competitions and is looking forward to it again this summer.
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Eric loved attending Winona when he was young. He had an absolutely fantastic time. He said it’s a great place to learn and become yourself – not just an extension of your parents. You grow up a lot when you’re away from your parents, including learning responsibility. He said it’s a great opportunity for Aidan – and anyone! Last year Aidan went for half the summer; this year he’ll be attending full season (7 weeks). The family first introduced Aidan to Winona by attending family camp for a couple summers, which is a great way for kids to get a feel for what camp is all about and become comfortable.
Spencer Ordway, Director of Winona Camps, said: "We were very excited to learn a Winona Family had won the Pack Your Bags Contest! It was even more exciting that a second generation family, the Larrabees were the winners. The Winona Experience provides campers with so many growth opportunities, that winning tuition toward a season at camp is one of the greatest gift any child could receive. The skill building, outdoor trip experiences and community living skills learned at camp will last a lifetime and in many ways are priceless. When Eric decided to bring his wife, Jennifer and son Aidan, to family camp as a way to introduce them to the Winona Experience it often takes a few days for the family to adjust. The Larrabees stepped in on the first day and took full advantage of all the canoe and mountain trips, waterfront activities, and archery that Winona had to offer. Aidan could not get enough of all the activities and they knew they would be returning to family camp for many years."FAMILIES CAN STILL ENROLL KIDS FOR SUMMER 2014 OR BOOK 2014 SUMMER TOURS FOR 2015 CAMP ENROLLMENT.
Maine Camp Experience is a community of premier Maine Camps dedicated to providing children with the highest quality summer camp experiences in the country for generations. It is the authentic camp experience. Each summer approximately 20,000 kids and their families enjoy what these Maine camps offer – the perfect combination of natural beauty, strong traditions and values, incredible activities and instruction - including lakefront and sports experiences - and innovative culinary and arts programs. www.mainecampexperience.com, is the resource for all things camp and Maine – complete with a “personal guide” to assist you with information about the member camps. The site also features real Maine Camp memories self-posted by campers, parents and alumni, and special offers.
JetBlue TrueBlue: Families can now earn JetBlue TrueBlue points when they enroll or refer others who enroll in any of the 33 Maine Camp Experience camps between June 1-Sept. 1. More details at: www.mainecampexperience.com/jetblue
