Maine news, sports, weather from Waterville Morning Sentinel

March 13

Camp Kirkwold vandalized, police seek public's help

By Craig Crosby ccrosby@centralmaine.com
Staff Writer

READFIELD — Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying those responsible for vandalizing buildings at Camp Kirkwold.

Sgt. Aaron Hayden of the Maine State Police said every building at the campground off North Wayne Road, which is owned by the Girl Scouts of Maine, was damaged.

Windows and doors were broken throughout the camps, and camp supplies were strewn throughout the property, he said.

“Each building was broken into and vandalized,” Hayden said. “In the building with plumbing, all of the copper was stripped out.”

The vandalism, which was discovered during a routine property check on March 4, occurred sometime between the first of the year and early February.

“The suspects were using canoes to transport stolen property up the hill to the road prior to the heavy snowfall in February,” Hayden said. “This was evident as several canoes were observed sitting out in the open, buried in the snow with property still in them.”

France Shea, communications manager of the Girl Scouts of Maine, said in a prepared statement that the property is insured. Shea said repairs are expected in time for normal operation this summer.

“Full damage estimates will have to wait until spring, when we will be able to fully assess the situation,” Shea said.

Camp Kirkwold is on 100 acres, including a beachfront on Lovejoy Pond, according to the Girl Scouts website. The seasonal camp has a lodge that was built in the 1920s and five campsites. There is also a picnic shelter, flush toilets, an archery range and a sports field.

The camp hosts several weekend family and troop outings each year. It is open from May through October.

Hayden said police still are investigating, and he encouraged anyone who might have noticed suspicious activity in the area to call state police at 624-7076.

Craig Crosby — 621-5642
ccrosby@centralmaine.com

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