Why is the area around Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park called Downeast Maine? In 2015 you will have the opportunity to not only learn the meaning of "Downeast," but also experience firsthand the wonders and beauty of this area where the "waters meet the forests." From September 11-20 Camp Swatara is sponsoring a trip to Acadia National Park and the surrounding area. Ray and Judy Powell, who have co-led this trip for the past eight years, have more than 30 years of experience exploring the Park. Activities will include nature discovery walks and boat rides, as well as a carriage ride through the Park. Park Ranger presentations will be included on several of these discoveries. Sightings of deer, eagles, seals and beaver are common. (Sorry, no moose, but you never know.)
There will also be a stop at the famous Jordan Pond House to eat popovers and time to explore the shops of Bar Harbor. Housing accommodations while in Maine are in modern 2-3 bedroom cottages located on the water's edge outside of Bar Harbor (www.seasidemaine.com). Each cottage is comfortably furnished and includes private bedrooms (double occupancy), as well as a shared bath, kitchen and living room. Travel to and from Acadia is done in two Camp vans and overnight accommodations while traveling are in three star hotels included in the cost of the trip. The estimated cost is $900 per person (dependent upon final accommodation costs). This cost includes all housing accommodations, transportation, tickets, all breakfasts and the dinner/supper meal while in Maine. Similar trips with commercial vendors cost more than $3,000. Space is limited to no more than 18 persons.
Past trips have included participants from various COB congregations such as Chiques, Palmyra, Myerstown, Lancaster, Phoenixville, Indian Valley, Spring Creek and Elizabethtown.
If you wish to register for this trip you may contact Camp directly.