AUGUSTA – Maine State Grange Master Steven Verrill and members of the Maine State Youth Grange visited Camp Sunshine in Casco on Aug. 1 to present a check for more than $1,000 that will help sponsor a family attending the camp.

Founded in 1984, Camp Sunshine supports critically ill children and their families. The camp is run nearly entirely by volunteers, and sponsorships by individuals, civic groups, corporations and foundations allow families to spend a week at Camp Sunshine free. The sponsorship for one family to participate in the weeklong program is $1,500.

Three years ago, the Youth Department of the Maine State Grange chose Camp Sunshine as the beneficiary of its annual statewide community service event, Bowl Across Maine.

To reach this year’s goal, Grange youth from around the state sold “Sunshines” for $1 each. In addition, the Youth Grange designed, manufactured and sold a collectible pin that was available at the annual New England Youth Conference in Farmington. They can also be purchased from members of the Youth Grange for $4 each.

The Maine State Youth Grange was founded in April of 1989 under the supervision of the Maine State Grange. The goal is to teach youth how to conduct a meeting, learn the ritualism of the Grange, improve public speaking skills and interact with other youth across the state.

Subordinate Grange members between the ages of 14 and 35 are automatically members of the State Youth Grange.

Delegates to the 2003 Maine State Grange annual session voted to allow the Youth Grange a delegate vote in all future annual sessions.

Meetings of the Maine State Youth Grange will be held on Sept. 5, Oct. 3, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5. All meetings are held at 2 p.m. at State Headquarters, 146 State St.

Youth members will also attend the State Grange annual convention in Bangor from Oct. 28 to 30, and the annual convention of the National Grange in Rochester, N.Y., from Nov. 9 to 13.

For more information, contact Maine State Grange headquarters at 1-800-464-3421 or [email protected].