The staff at Bryant Pond would like recognize Nicolette "Nikko" Gagnon for her five years of leadership and dedication to our campers, students, and generations of summer camp and Lakeside Classroom staff. Nikko has been an inspiration for all during her tenure, first as a Field Teacher, then Program Coordinator, and finally, Assistant Director at Bryant Pond. We will certainly miss her but we are equally as excited for her as she embarks on a new adventure! Please join us in wishing Nikko well ! We are a stronger organization because of her positive impacts!

Summer Camp Registration is OPEN! Register early for your best selection of dates program content.

4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Training January 5th 2019

We are pleased to announce we still have a few slots for the 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Training.This training is being held at the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine headquarters in Augusta. This training will certify new instructors to lead Archery or Rifle activities. This certification also opens the door for volunteers to access equipment and other resources to be used with your 4-H Club, school group, or other organization. The training includes lunch and dinner and each new instructor will receive a patch and manual for your discipline. 

The 4-H Shooting Sports model is endorsed by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and is currently being implemented in schools across the state. Click for more information! If you have questions about becoming a instructor or about the training feel free to reach out to Ronald Fournier, state coordinator at  ronald.fournier@maine.edu .

4-H Tech Wizards \ STEM

Bryant Pond has been a recipient of funding from the National Mentoring Program 4-H "Tech Wizards" grant program for eight years. Recently Tech Wizards participants from Telstar Middle School, finished up and launched their custom made Estes Rockets! These rockets were designed by each student using various materials such as printer paper, Elmer's glue, straws, cardboard and hot glue. Students also had the option to print various parts, like the fins and nose cone from the classroom 3D printer. Three students specifically set out to print an entire rocket on the 3D printer. When all was completed the group headed outside to launch them into space. Through all their successful flights and unique designs they are all well known throughout the school as rocket scientists! 

Telstar Freshman Academy

"Pay it Forward" is the title of one of six interdisciplinary academic units that make up the Telstar Freshman Academy program.

On Friday November 30, the Telstar Freshman Academy invited representatives from many Bethel Area non-profit organizations to a Pay It Forward Project Community Partner Exposition. Students were organized into groups depending on the type of service work they value the most, and each group met with representatives from groups that exemplify that type of work. Mahoosuc Pathways , Mahoosuc Land Trust , Woodstock Conservation Commission , Age Friendly Communities Initiative, Bethel Library , Bethel Area Arts and Music , Western Hills Access Television , Mahoosuc Heart and Soul , Edible Bethel , Hailey's Hugs and the Bryant Pond 4H Camp and Learning Center all sent staff to TFA for the Expo.

Representatives shared the projects their groups hope to accomplish between now and June; students asked questions and took notes. Students will divide into smaller groups, undertake additional research, and write proposals for three projects. The group that submits the best proposal for a particular project will be awarded that project, and they will commence planning and implementing the project in close collaboration with the community partner. Projects should be finished by the end of school in June. To keep track of this process and these projects, you can visit the TFA website at  www.telstarfreshmanacademy.org   

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