The Carrabassett Valley Outdoor Association has been holding outdoor target shooting events for the Stratton Summer Program.

The program is based out of Stratton, with kids coming from other towns including Carrabassett, Kingfield, Rangeley and several other communities to attend camp for about eight weeks during summer vacation.

“We take K through ninth graders and have counselors in training to help out as well,” said Cheryl Heikkinen, Director of the program.

The program specializes in outdoor activities that include hiking, biking, swimming, outdoor survival and compass courses. The camp is free to Stratton residents. There is a small charge for non-residents.

“We do a lot of camping geared towards the motto “leave no trace,” Heikkinen said. “We have grown from roughly 30 to 40 kids to 50 to 70 kids and have gone from a five-week program to eight weeks.”

Joshlyn Stevens, of Coplin (top), gets instructions from Alan Burnell, while Maya Caron of Stratton gets instructions from a counselor before shooting their 20 gauge shotguns at clay pigeons. (Dan Cassidy photo) Heikkinen said that she plans to hire eight counselors to work on the program. “The counselors go to Mt. Abram High School and as part of their graduation requirements, must complete 40 hours of community service.”

A group of about 60 kids were on hand at the shooting range recently to participate in trap shooting, .22 rifle and archery. Rick Rogers and Emily Jones, of the State of Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and Alan Burnell of the CVOA were on hand to teach kids the safety of firearms and archery and how to shoot at targets.

“The last time we ran the program it was a lot of fun,” said Neal Trask, CVOA shooting range manager.

“The kids go on week-long canoeing trips with Adventure Bound, white water rafting, hike the Maine Hut to Hut trails system, ride bikes on the Narrow Gauge Pathway, along with the shooting and archery target practice. They also take ATV courses,” said Heikkinen.

For additional information on the program contact Heikkinen by e-mail at cherylheikkinen@roadrunner.com or call the Stratton Town Office at 246-4401.