BRIDGTON – The 2003 Maine Canoe Symposium will attract scores of canoe enthusiasts to Winona Camps, Moose Pond, on June 6 to 8.

The annual event began in 1986 and features hands-on lessons, demonstrations and slide shows led by professionals and experts of the North American canoeing world. No experience is necessary to attend and families are welcome.

A wide variety of paddling styles will be taught in on-water workshops. Sessions on paddle making, wilderness trip skills and gear, camp cooking, river reading, weather, map and compass, canoe repair, safety and rescue will be offered. Artistic pro-staff will teach painting and photography. Musician Matthew Heintz, the “Northwoods Balladeer,” will be on hand to entertain.

Many families attend the symposium and a variety of children’s activities such as crafts, games, hikes, paddling and outdoor skills instruction are scheduled during the weekend.

A special Friday evening welcome gathering will feature Canadian canoeist Becky Mason with her slide presentation, “Views from My Canoe and a Film in the Making.” On Saturday night, Rob Center and Kay Henry will speak about the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, a 740-mile paddling route that links communities and watersheds across four northeastern states.

Meals will be served cafeteria-style in the camp dining hall.

Registration is $8 an adult. Children age 12 and under can register for $40. Cost of meals and accommodations at Winona are additional and vary according to type of lodging and number of meals.

For more information visit the Web site at www.mainecanoesymposium.org or call 892-3121. For reservations contact Winona Camps at RR 1 Box 868, Bridgton, ME 04009 or 647-3721.

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