Lori and Ephram Caflun
Camp Owners
Lori and Ephram Caflun always dreamt of having an avenue to help children create lifelong friendships and memories. They were able to turn that dream into a reality for the last 26 years at Camp Wekeela for Everyone in Hartford, Maine.
The Cafluns spend winters in Delray Beach but, come summer, they head to the tranquility of Maine where children ages 7-16 from all over the U.S. and world come to experience the magic of Wekeela.
Camp Wekeela offers a wide range of programs from water and land sports to outdoor adventure, as well as performing, creative and culinary arts activities.
“Summer camps are more than just a place for children to be during school vacation. They’re a safe place for children to learn social rules, acceptable behavior and leadership,” says Ephram.
At Wekeela, campers become part of something greater than themselves. “They get to connect with nature and friends. Children get to explore things they wouldn’t have otherwise,” says Lori. “Camp fosters their independence and builds their self-esteem, which is invaluable. When parents send their children to camp, they are allowing them to navigate social situations and peer relations. They better understand themselves and the world around them,” Ephram adds.
No electronics are allowed, so campers spend quality face time with other children and counselors, many of whom are former campers.
“Having so many former campers that come back and work here is really special. Camp is their home away from home, they treat it as such, and they instill that in the next generation of campers,” says Lori.
Lori and Ephram have advanced degrees in psychology. Prior to coming to Wekeela in 1997, Ephram ran New Jersey JCC youth programs. Lori spent 14 years as a middle school teacher and guidance counselor in New York City. “When the opportunity arose to work full time at summer camp, we jumped at it,” said Ephram. All three of their sons spent summers as campers and now work at Camp Wekeela. Jonathan and Matthew are full-time assistant directors. Jared, a Boston University student, is a counselor.
Camp Wekeela truly is a place where friends become family.
Camp Wekeela for Everyone, 1750 Bear Pond Road, Hartford, Maine, 201-612-5125, campwekeela.com
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