High Peaks Alliance Raises Funds for Junior Guides Camp
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Oquossoc – At its most recent monthly potluck supper, RRG&SA welcomed representatives from the High Peaks Alliance, who presented a check for $1,070 in support of the Association’s Junior Maine Guides Camp. The funds were raised during the High Peaks Outdoor Heritage Festival through the crowd-favorite dunk tank fundraiser.
The dunk tank, held from 9 AM to 1 PM during the festival, featured an all-star lineup of local “hotshots” and public officials who volunteered to take the plunge for a good cause, including Kris MacCabe, Maine Game Warden; Richard Caton, Rangeley Police Chief; Ken Charles, Farmington Police Chief; and Judy Camuso, Maine IFW Commissioner. Festival-goers lined up for the chance to dunk these brave volunteers, making for a lively and very wet morning.
The Junior Maine Guides program, now in its 29th year, is essential for teaching young people about Rangeley’s outdoor heritage. The program’s core curriculum covers Maine mammals and insects, fly fishing, and watercraft safety through hands-on activities and expert instruction. Participants aged 9 to 10 join the basic program, which prepares them for advanced training in areas like law enforcement, shooting sports, and nature photography for ages 11 to 13. With a limited number of spots, the program maintains a high-quality experience and has graduated over 200 students who carry their knowledge forward, fostering a deep connection to the region’s natural resources.
This year, the program welcomed nine Junior Guides in the basic group and seven in the advanced group. Leading the basic group were Ashley Greene and Karon Noyes, supported behind the scenes by Elaine Holcombe. Adding to the team was new volunteer Tanya Baron, a retired teacher with an extensive background in team-building exercises and expertise in orienteering. The program also benefited from the guidance of three Junior Counselors, Natalie, Dakota, and Tess, each a former Junior Guide.
Above: Mt Blue Middle School Principal James Black gets dunked.
“We are deeply grateful for the generous support from the High Peaks Alliance and the community’s enthusiastic participation in the dunk tank fundraiser,” said Sonny Pierce, President of RRG&SA. “These funds will help to continue our Junior Maine Guides Camp, where we teach youth outdoor skills.”
“The High Peaks region’s outdoor legacy depends on programs like the Junior Guides Camp. We’re honored to support the next generation stewards who will carry forward Maine’s outdoor traditions,” stated Amanda Laliberte, director of engagement of the Alliance. “This dunk tank fundraiser was a fantastic way for our community to come together and make a real impact in getting our children outside.”
“This is a great way to give youngsters hands-on experiences as they are introduced to the diversified mammals that exist here,” said Elaine Holcombe, Junior Maine Guides coordinator. “By studying particularly unique aspects of these mammals and insects, the youngsters can develop a better understanding of adaptation and survival.”
The Alliance & RRG&SA also extend a heartfelt thank you to all the dunk tank volunteers.