Chernobyl area children to visit camps in Maine

HALLOWELL — Soviet children from areas affected by the Chernobyl nuclear accident were expected to be guests at 21 camps in Maine and New Hampshire for four weeks, beginning July 22, according to spokesmen at the Samantha Smith Center.

At the request of the Soviet Peace Committee, the Smith center arranged for 80 children, ages 11 to 13, to visit camps as part of the Soviet evacuation project for 90,000 children. Twenty adults were expected to accompany the children.

At about $1,400 per camper, each camp may incur expenses of up to $5,000, a center spokesman said. Each camper needs swim suits, beach towels, toiletries and spending money.

In Maine, the camps are Winona in Bridgton, O-At-Ka in East Sebago, West End House Camp in East Parsonfield, Friends Camp in East Vassalboro, Mechuwana Methodist Camp in Winthrop, Pondicherry Camp in Cape Elizabeth, Alford Lake Camp in Union, Tanglewood 4-H Camp in Lincolnville, Four Winds and Robin Hood camps in Sargentville, Camp Jordan in Ellsworth and Natarswi Camp in Millinocket.