FRYEBURG - MORE THAN “THE ACADEMY” AND “THE FAIR” INDIAN ACRES & FOREST ACRES - SUMMER CAMPS
The Totem Poles at the entrance to Indian Acres Summer Camp, Fryeburg, Maine
For many of us travelling the Fryeburg roads in winter, “Indian Acres Hill” can provide a particular challenge. Even in summer it’s best to slow down. It gives us all time to review the totem poles leading into Indian Acres Summer Camp at the base of the hill. Forest Acres and Indian Acres are about two miles apart in Fryeburg and are owned by Neal and Julie Waldman of Needham, MA. They provide an old world, traditional Maine summer camp experience for children between the ages of seven and 16. Each year they have approximately 290 campers (www.indianacres.com). Campers participate in water sports (Indian Acres sits on the Saco River), archery, horseback riding, tennis, baseball, martial arts, dance, drama and lots more. The camps are non-denominational. Friendships are forged for a lifetime. The result: Self-esteem, confidence and independence. Indian Acres and Forest Acres were established in 1924 by Abraham and Gertrude Krasker of Fryeburg. In 1962, their son, Dick, became the owner. In 1969 Dick married Sandy DeBoom, an Indian Acres staff member. Dick travelled all over the world recruiting interested campers, while Sandy maintained the camp operations. “Mostly we succeeded by word-of-mouth. At camp, and through recreation, kids learn lots of values and life lessons. Being away from mom and dad helps children learn to make decisions and form relationships. All sorts of wonderful things come out of the experience.” Dick, a lifelong advocate for the camps, even after he sold to the Newmans, and then they sold it to the Waldmans in 2005, adds, “The camps are good for the Maine economy. We’re in the export business. We’re exporting an experience.” Dick says of the Waldmans, “Neal and Julie met at camp and Neal’s brother and sister were former campers as well. They all have lots of love for the tradition of Indian Acres and Forest Acres. The Waldmans’ two daughters were campers and counselors.”
Dick & Sandy Krasker, former owners of Indian Acres & Forest Acres
Neal Waldman says, “The relationship between our camps and Fryeburg Academy is extremely strong. In 1976, Pinky True (who would go on to become Headmaster at FA) was the head counselor. When he became the Headmaster at MCI in Pittsfield, Maine, my friend,
Neal & Julie Waldman, the current owners of Indian Acres & Forest Acres with daughters, Sarah & Johanna
-11Fryeburg Academy, 745 Main Street, Fryeburg, Maine 04037, (207) 935-2001 x 3137, www.fryeburgacademy.org, e-mail-alumni@fryeburgacademy.org