{"id":11329,"date":"2023-03-16T22:16:53","date_gmt":"2023-03-17T02:16:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/bryantpond\/?page_id=11329"},"modified":"2026-06-18T11:36:57","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T15:36:57","slug":"building-our-future","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/bryantpond\/support\/building-our-future\/","title":{"rendered":"Preserving Our Legacy, Building our Future"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bryant Pond has always evolved to meet the needs of new generations while remaining true to its mission of conservation, education, and experiential learning.<\/p>\n

Today, through the shared commitment of the Bryant Pond Learning Center and the University of Maine 4-H Camp and Learning Center, we are thoughtfully investing in the future of this remarkable place. By preserving our historic campus while creating spaces that support modern programs and community needs, we are ensuring that Bryant Pond continues to inspire discovery and lifelong learning for generations to come.<\/p>\n

Our vision is simple: honor our legacy while building for tomorrow.<\/p>\n

At the heart of that vision is the creation of a new multi-purpose campus hub designed to better serve campers, students, families, staff, and visitors throughout the year. This thoughtfully planned facility will bring together many of the essential functions of campus life, including a welcoming arrival center, modern dining space, health center, administrative offices, and flexible spaces that support year-round educational programs and community gatherings.<\/p>\n

Alongside this new campus hub, Bryant Pond remains committed to preserving the historic places that tell the story of this remarkable campus. The thoughtful restoration and stewardship of Stonehouse will honor its rich history while supporting Bryant Pond’s evolving educational mission.<\/p>\n

Together, these investments reflect our commitment to preserving the character of Bryant Pond while creating welcoming, functional spaces that will continue to inspire discovery, community, and lifelong learning for generations to come.<\/p>\n

Bringing the Vision to Life<\/h2>\n

For more than seventy years, Bryant Pond has adapted to meet the changing needs of the young people, families, educators, and communities it serves. Today’s vision continues that tradition by thoughtfully investing in the campus while preserving the special character that has defined Bryant Pond for generations.<\/p>\n

The projects outlined below represent important steps in that journey. Together, they will strengthen Bryant Pond’s ability to provide exceptional educational experiences, support year-round programming, preserve historic resources, and ensure that this remarkable place continues to serve future generations.<\/p>\n

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The Heart of Bryant Pond’s Future<\/h3>\n

Creating a Multi-Purpose Campus Hub<\/h3>\n

Campaign Goal: $7,000,000<\/strong><\/p>\n

At the heart of Bryant Pond’s future is the creation of a new multi-purpose campus hub designed to better serve campers, students, families, staff, and visitors throughout the year.<\/p>\n

More than a dining hall, this welcoming facility will become the center of campus life, bringing together many of the essential functions that support Bryant Pond’s educational mission. The new building will include a welcoming arrival center, modern dining facilities, a dedicated health center, administrative offices, and flexible gathering spaces that support year-round educational programs and community use.<\/p>\n

This investment reflects Bryant Pond’s long tradition of adapting to meet the changing needs of the communities it serves. As opportunities for outdoor education continue to grow across Maine, including initiatives such as Outdoor School for All, the new campus hub will strengthen Bryant Pond’s ability to welcome more students, provide high-quality educational experiences, and support healthy, connected campus life throughout the year.<\/p>\n

More than a building, this new campus hub will create a place where friendships are formed, ideas are shared, communities gather, and future generations develop a lifelong connection to Maine’s outdoors.<\/p>\n

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Conceptual rendering of Bryant Pond’s future multi-purpose campus hub. Final design elements will continue to evolve as planning progresses.<\/p>\n

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The multi-purpose campus hub will:<\/h4>\n

\u2022 Create welcoming and accessible spaces for year-round use.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Support educational programming, camper wellness, and community gatherings.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Provide modern dining, health, and administrative facilities.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Strengthen Bryant Pond’s ability to serve future generations.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Reflect the natural beauty and conservation mission of the campus.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Incorporate thoughtful and sustainable design principles.<\/p>\n

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Phase II: Preserving Our Heritage<\/h3>\n

Restoring Stonehouse<\/h3>\n

Campaign Goal: $1,200,000<\/strong><\/p>\n

Alongside the creation of a new multi-purpose campus hub, Bryant Pond remains committed to preserving the historic places that tell the story of this remarkable campus.<\/p>\n

Stonehouse stands as one of Bryant Pond’s most recognizable landmarks. Originally the summer home of Lillian Rogers Waterhouse, whose extraordinary generosity helped establish conservation education at Bryant Pond, the building has played an important role in the campus’s history for generations.<\/p>\n

Today, Stonehouse continues to support Bryant Pond’s educational mission as the year-round home for camp and learning center operations, connecting its historic legacy with the daily work of serving Maine’s youth and communities. .<\/p>\n

Like many historic buildings, however, Stonehouse faces the challenges that come with age. Constructed without a traditional foundation, the building requires thoughtful restoration and structural improvements to ensure that it remains safe, functional, and true to its historic character.<\/p>\n

Our restoration efforts will:<\/p>\n

\u2022 Strengthen the building’s foundation and structural supports.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Preserve significant architectural and historic features.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Improve functionality for year-round staff and program use.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Protect an important part of Bryant Pond’s history for future generations.<\/p>\n

By investing in the preservation of Stonehouse, we are honoring the vision of those who came before us while ensuring that this historic landmark continues to serve the Bryant Pond community for many years to come.<\/p>\n

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Looking Beyond Phase One<\/h3>\n

The projects highlighted here represent important steps in Bryant Pond’s ongoing stewardship journey, but they are only part of a larger vision for the future.<\/p>\n

As the campus continues to evolve, future investments will focus on preserving historic resources, strengthening educational opportunities, improving accessibility, enhancing campus infrastructure, and caring for the natural landscapes that make Bryant Pond such a special place.<\/p>\n

Just as previous generations thoughtfully adapted Bryant Pond to meet the needs of their time, today’s stewardship efforts are guided by a commitment to ensure that future generations can continue to learn, explore, and connect with Maine’s outdoors.<\/p>\n

Our work is never simply about buildings. It is about caring for a place that has inspired young people and communities for more than seventy years and preparing it to serve generations yet to come.<\/p>\n

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Be Part of Our Story: Give Today<\/strong><\/h3>\n

As part of our capital campaign, we\u2019re proud to showcase the strong partnership between the Bryant Pond Learning Center non-profit board and the University of Maine. Donors have two ways to contribute to this important initiative, ensuring flexibility and alignment with your giving preferences. To give directly to the Bryant Pond Learning Center via Donorbox, supporting the efforts of our dedicated non-profit board, click the link to your left under “Bryant Pond Learning Center.” Alternatively, to donate through the University of Maine Foundation, supporting the Bryant Pond 4-H Camp Facilities Gift Account, click the “Your Gift Matters” link also located to your left. Both options play a crucial role in advancing our shared mission. Learn more about\u00a0the Bryant Pond Learning Center<\/a> by visiting their webpage.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Our initial goal is to:<\/h3>\n
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  • Strengthen the building\u2019s foundation and supports.<\/li>\n
  • Restore key architectural features to preserve its historic character.<\/li>\n
  • Upgrade facilities to ensure the building remains functional for staff and programming needs year-round.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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