EUSTIS – Maine’s oldest continuously operating set of sporting camps, Tim Pond Camps, has been chosen to host the very first “Sporting Camp First Steps Outdoors Program.” The program is designed to help people get started in the outdoor activities known as Maine’s “Sporting Heritage.”

The program will be held during a two-night stay at Tim Pond Camps, from Friday, Aug. 3, through Sunday, Aug. 5. Tim Pond Camps is located just north of Sugarloaf Ski Area.

“We created the Sporting Camp First Steps Outdoors Program so people can share their first steps into Maine’s sporting traditions and create lifetime memories together,” said John Rust, president of the Maine Sporting Camp Heritage Foundation. “Sporting camps are ideal places to ‘Step Outdoors’ and share the experience with others. After all, that is what traditional sporting camps like Tim Pond Camps have been doing for over 150 years.”

Studies about outdoor recreation by the National Shooting Sports Foundation and others have shown that the support and involvement of family and friends contributes a major part of the satisfaction people enjoy from outdoor activities, and are especially important for traditional activities like hunting and fishing.

The “First Steps” theme includes expert introductory instruction in firearms safety, fly fishing, motor boating, wildlife, conservation, woods-craft and others. Everyone gets to take their “First Steps” at shooting a rifle, handgun and shotgun, casting a fly, running a motorboat and maybe even seeing a moose up close.

Children, couples and single adults are all welcome. The instructional program is free. Lodging in private cabins with all meals and use of boats is $342 per adult. Special children’s rates are $171 for ages 5 to 15, but free for one child age 5 to 9 per each adult; all children age 4 and under are free. Pets are $10 per visit. Reservations and deposit are required. Private cabins sleep from two to six people and each has a full bath. State sales tax and gratuities are extra.

For additional information and a detailed activity schedule, visit  www.sportingcampfoundation.org or contact John Rust, president of Maine Sporting Camp Heritage Foundation, at 337-5858 or info@sportingcampfoundation.org.

Space is limited. To sign up and reserve lodging, call 243-2947 or email info@timpond.com.