The state of Maine is unlike any place on earth. Imagine a magical land where forests filled with ancient trees stretch as far as the eye can see, and a coastline dotted with so many lighthouses, you'd swear you were in a fairy tale. And if you're really quiet, you might even spot Maine's most elusive resident, Larry the Lobster, strolling around wearing his favorite seaweed scarf. In this enchanting state, there's a rambunctious group of kids known as the "Salty Sea Squirts." These aren't your average youngsters; they're Maine's finest sailors! Each day they race their sailboats on the crystal-clear waters, guided by the whispering winds and the cheerful cries of seagulls overhead. They zigzag around buoys, navigate through foggy mornings, and even occasionally dodge Larry, who is usually too busy practicing his backstroke to notice the approaching boats. And oh, the stories they have! There's Lighthouse Lucy, who once sailed her boat in such a perfect circle around a lighthouse that she made a rainbow appear in the spray. Or Windy Will, who can predict the wind direction just by sniffing. Then, there's Foggy Fred, who claims he can sail blindfolded in the thickest fog because he follows the sound of Larry's underwater singing. Their laughter echoes across the waves as they share tales of their exploits, and the ocean seems to chuckle along with them. The Salty Sea Squirts, with their billowing sails and adventurous spirits, are the heart of Maine, a testament to this magical place where even lobsters wear scarves, and rainbows can be summoned by a little girl with a big heart and a nimble sailboat.
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The Happy Hive is an inclusive play space designed to spark joy and connection for every child. With a special focus on comfort and accessibility for neurodivergent kids, our environment welcomes children of all abilities to explore, move, and create at their own pace. From climbing walls, swings, and zip lines to dedicated zones for pretend play and art, The Happy Hive offers both high-energy fun and creative outlets. While we cater to children ages 1-13 for neurotypical kids, we have no age limit when it comes to kids with special needs—because play should have no boundaries. At The Happy Hive, we believe every child deserves a space where they can feel safe, included, and free to be themselves.
Abraham and Gertrude Krasker, a professor and teacher from Essex College, had a dream to own a summer camp of their own. They found the perfect spot, a farm nestled in Fryeburg, ME and opened the doors of Indian Acres Camp for Boys in 1924. Two years later, Forest Acres Camp for Girls opened two miles down the road. When Abraham passed in 1962, their son Dick took over ownership and management of both camps. With his wife Sandy, Dick ran camp until 1998 when it was purchased by Lisa and Geoff Newman. The Newmans were determined to keep the Krasker's legacy alive and with the help of Neal and Julie Waldman, their dream became a reality. Today, Indian and Forest Acres is a thriving summer camp thanks to the hard work of the Newman family. Almost 100 years after its founding, the camp continues to honor the traditions and vision of its founders, Abe and Gertrude Krasker.