Here abounds the health and happiness of growing things.
Here are built sound roads from adolescence to adulthood, from the individual to society.

This is ...

Agassiz Village

- Harry E. Burroughs, Founder

say: AG・uh・see

Our History

Agassiz Village was founded in 1935 at its present lakeside location in Poland Maine by Mr. & Mrs. Harry E. Burroughs. Then, as now, Agassiz gave children the opportunity to escape the hardship of their daily lives. Originally the camp served boys who worked as newsboys, bootblacks, or other street vendors. The boys learned basic job skills, practiced school subjects, experienced outdoor living, and developed many life skills.

The camp opened its doors to an adaptive program for physically disabled campers in the late 1950's, and girls joined the camp in 1973 when it became coed. Campers come from all over the New England area to experience this unique program.

Today, Agassiz Village serves nearly 500 children a summer. While we welcome all children ages 8–17, our focus is reaching children in Maine and Massachusetts from under-resourced communities.

- Harry E. Burroughs, Founder

Our mission is to prepare kids for life's journey

We offer children the opportunity, in a summer camp environment, to develop and practice leadership and life skills that will impact their future in education, family, career, and in their communities. Our programs are an investment in the future, to inspire and enable all children, especially those who need our support the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible leaders.

OUR VISION: Children from Maine to Massachusetts, regardless of economic opportunity, experience Agassiz Village’s joyful, welcoming, and diverse community that inspires and enables them to explore new experiences and create the futures they envision.

OUR VALUES: Have Fun, Collaborate, Explore and Thrive!

Meet the Board

Theresa M. O'Bryant - Board President, Dean of Student Success and Engagement at MA College of Liberal Arts

Ben Kern - Board Vice President, Partner at PwC

Jonathan Gillim - Board Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer at Randolph

Arnie Stewart - Board Clerk - Managing Director, Committee for Public Counsel Services

Allison Burroughs - Director, U.S. District Judge of the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts

Davis Clayson, Director - Director of Business Strategy at Boston Partners Global Investors

Ellen Corbett - Director, Realtor, Hillman Homes

Cheryl Dalrymple - Director, Chief People Officer and Head of Corporate Development at Confluent

Che Elwell - Director - AVP, John Hancock Data and Integration Services

Wendy Horn, Director - Managing Director at Raymond James Financial

Leslie Hoyt, Director - Chief Operating Officer at Naveris

Amanda Karomba, Director - CEO, Happy Haven

Jon Levy - Director, CEO & Founder, American Holt

Nimish Shah, Director - Founder and CEO Tele-Therapeutics

Kelly Swaney, Director

Thomas Thrasher, Director - Owner, Canyon Springs Landscaping

Sean Toland, Director - Vice President of Emerging Investors at Fidelity Investments

Year-Round Staff

Lisa Carter

Executive Director

Lisa has over 20 years of experience working at and leading nonprofit organizations. She joined Agassiz Village in 2020 and wants to give the greatest number of children the amazing opportunity to participate in the fun and formative experience of Agassiz.

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Susannah Benn

Development Coordinator

Susannah graduated from Smith College in 2020 and has been working in the nonprofit sector ever since. She joined Agassiz Village in 2021 and is excited to support AV and its fundraising goals as a former summer camper herself.

Camp Director

Jaime O'Connor

Jaime has 20 years experience in both day and overnight camps. She enjoys bringing a fun, safe camp program for campers and staff. Before coming to Agassiz Village, she has worked mostly at YMCA camps in New England. She lives in Auburn with her husband, two kids, and a cat named Joey. In her spare time, Jaime enjoys skiing, camping with her family in Maine and traveling abroad.

Program Director

Camille Ridge

Camille is passionate about helping youth. She has much experience working with kids as a preschool teacher. Camille was an Agassiz camper at the age of 8 and has held almost every position at camp from counselor to Village Leader and now Program Director.

Facilities Manager

Chris Robichaud

Chris has over 25 years of construction, carpentry, plumbing and electrical experience. Prior to joining AV, he was the owner of his own carpentry and custom cabinet company. Chris is a true Mainer and outdoorsman, and loves camping, fishing, and spending time with his daughter.