Children of all ages find excitement in new outdoor adventures, and often it is during these experiences and challenges that they gain confidence and learn the most about themselves. Individual growth is a primary goal of Camp K's Baldwin Center as it challenges campers through the use of ropes courses, a gravity-fed zip line, and twelve low ropes that promote teamwork. The site also has shore front with a dock on Knickerbocker Lake.

This year, the Baldwin Center has become available for use by other community organizations that share a similar philosophy of offering adventure and social experiences to build self-esteem in young people. Hearty Roots, a local non-profit nature-based program, was among the first to sign on for a week-long course.

Hearty Roots operates throughout Lincoln County on accessible land. Their activities center around the power of relationships, the benefits of nature, and a practice of mindfulness. Their young participants gain experiences that strengthen resilience, connections with others, and personal growth.

Nine adventurous Hearty Roots campers along with three dedicated professional leaders participated in the weeklong camp experience at the Baldwin Center. The campers built self- confidence as they learned paddle boarding skills and also swam for the first time this summer in beautiful Knickerbocker Lake. They also spent peaceful, reflective time in the woods observing and writing in their journals. The low ropes course offered challenges and opportunities to use communication and problem-solving skills among the group members. All in all, the campers had a chance “to explore both outwardly and inwardly at the Baldwin Center,” said Haley Bezon, Hearty Roots Director.

“We were happy to have Hearty Roots use the Baldwin Center for a weeklong camp. The YMCA is all about Youth Development, and any way we can help another organization achieve its goals of providing new experiences for area youth is a win for us” - Erin Gray, Camp K director

“How do we teach kids the power of cultivating meaningful connections? This is a life skill necessary for thriving and wellness on many different levels. We start with meeting each child where they are, embracing their strengths, and modeling how identifying feelings, assertively communicating, and practicing empathy can make a 'good' relationship even stronger. It takes a village; not just a village to raise kids, but to support a tiny non-profit with big dreams. Thank you, Boothbay Region YMCA and Camp K for sharing our vision, your land, and the ever-spectacular Baldwin Center with us!” – Haley Bezon, Hearty Roots, founder and director