September, 2005. Elderaction is SCEP's new initiative for 2005. We're told we are an aging population; the suggestion being that we folks who fall into the "seniors" category will somehow no longer be able to make significant contribution to our communities.

Well we at SCEP are here to tell you that some of SCEP's key folks are true "elders" who have the wisdom and experience of decades and that these folks bring their talents to a variety of activities at SCEP.  Working closely with younger staff, students, interns, and volunteers, we think that we are making significant contributions to our community. Elderaction is designed to bring more seniors together for the purpose of pursuing SCEP's goal of "fostering a healthy environment for future generations in the Quoddy Region".

There is room for everyone whether you are physically able or not. You can work at home, in the field, at our office, or at one of our camp or park sites. We require typists, designers, scientists, webmasters, teachers, monitors, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, managers, artists, general workers, fundraisers ... the list is long. Review the 2005 workplan for Elderaction and contact us if there is a match for you. You can reach Mary or Kim at 467-9905. Art can be reached there too or at 529-8676.


1. Ganong Nature and Marine Park. We will be moving into the second phase of development at the Park. We are hopeful that a proposal to ACOA will receive approval. If that occurs, there will be many Elderaction volunteer positions available.

Regardless, we will be undertaking the following initiatives:

• Assessment for a community forest project,
• New bike and hiking trails and trail clearing
• Development of interpretive signage
• Repairs to the Ganong Cottage and other buildings
• Demolition of  buildings and other structures that are in poor repair
• Development of educational programs for the summer of 2006
• Upgrading of gardens, fruit trees, bushes and other plants on site
• Outreach to physically limited seniors and others including development of special programs at the cottage
  

2. The Camp Waweig. The Camp is well know to almost everyone in Charlotte County and many beyond. The Camp and its property have been offered to SCEP by the Camp Waweig Board and this offer has been accepted by the SCEP Board of Directors. Subject to completion of the transfer, we anticipate the following activities and programs will be initiated almost at once at Camp Waweig. Elderaction participants figure largely in these plans that include:

• Renovations and repairs to buildings and grounds
  
• Connections 2005-2006. A program to bring seniors and youth together in a series of outdoor adventures along the St. Croix River and Passamaquoddy Bay. This program is partly funded at the present and participating organizations have been contacted.
  
• Contact Camp Waweig Alumni
• Plan and deliver a Camp Waweig Reunion
• Design and deliver appropriate seniors events and workshops
• Design and deliver a fundraising plan
• Participate in the development of long-term planning

3. Environmental Programs. Enjoy the outdoors? Like getting wet? This could be for you!

4. Education & Outreach. SCEP has always been actively involved in education and outreach. There are many ways you can help with these projects.