SUSAN L CURTIS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

The mission of the Susan L. Curtis Charitable Foundation and Camp Susan Curtis is to ensure that economically disadvantaged Maine youth develop the individual character, self-confidence, and skills essential to becoming independent, contributing citizens. We accomplish this by: •Building trusting relationships with Maine youth and their families through the provision of tuition-free, high quality, camping, educational and social experiences that bolster education attainment, promote health and well-being, and support the development of life and workplace skills. •Maximizing collaborative relationships with organizations and individuals to help the youth we serve secure the tools and connections they need to complete their education, prepare for careers and contribute to Maine’s economic future. MISSION STORY: Makenzie shared the following memory from when she was ~5 years old: “She’s lying on the floor gripping the thin needle, a rubber band tight around her upper arm, dust from a thin white line of powder still visible. Next to it is a rolled-up $5 bill; the same $5 bill I’d be using to get a gallon of milk from the store later that night for me and my little brother. I’ve just spent over an hour looking for her. It wasn’t a surprise this was where I’d find her; the real surprise is that she’s still breathing. My small trembling hands gently shake her, begging her to wake up. This has become a nightly occurrence.” •“At Camp [Susan Curtis], I’ve not only learned leadership, I’ve learned behavior management, trust, & friendship” (Makenzie, CSC Leader-in-Training 9th-10th Grade)