Let’s Create Presents
Eco-Explorer Camps for kids ages 9-12
Weekly over night camps on 2 of Maine’s beautiful College Campuses
Sustainability means using natural resources in a way that we could keep for a long time, in other words, reducing our use of natural resources so they last longer. The natural resources that come from the environment include food, water, plants, and minerals. Sustainability is the idea that humans must interact with the environment in a way that ensures there will be enough resources left for future generations. Our children are the future and their involvement is crucial.
Mission Statement:
Our mission is to inspire children through engaging hands on experiences and activities to ignite curiosity and encourage responsible actions so they and future generations can enjoy our beautiful planet. We believe that empowering our children with the knowledge, tools, lifelong skills and values to reduce the use of natural resources will create a positive “footprint” for all to follow. Join us in this mission, together we will make a difference.
University of New England, Biddeford, ME Campus
July 21-26/2025
Monday 8:00 am through Friday 5:00 pm
Fee: $1900/week per child
Fee includes daily exciting hands on activities and projects centered around helping our natural environment, fun fieldtrips to local hiking trails and beaches, supervised overnight accommodations in dorms, food, projects, games, and activities.
Items to bring: Back pack, Sleeping bag, pillow, water bottle, changes of clothes for the week, lightweight summer clothing as well as clothing for chilly days, sneakers for walking and hiking, beach shoes, hat, sunglasses, bathing suit and beach towel, jacket/fleece, rain coat, rain boots, head lamp, pajamas, sun screen, bug spray, bathing items for the showers ie shampoo, conditioner, body wash/soap, hygiene products ie toothe brush, toothe paste, deodorant, hair comb or brush, bath towel, any specific medications needed (please be sure to let staff know in advance, a medication administrations form must be filled out to accompany the medication-we will provide you with one.
As a camper, your environmental fieldwork days will be spent participating in fun, engaging, interactive projects and activities led by Science Professor Ericka Poppell, Art Teacher Debi Buxton, and Environmental Enthusiast, Co-producer and Host of “Greenlight Maine” Julene Gervais, as you explore the natural environment around us.
Twice weekly, you’ll join your group of peers on adventurous and fun filled fieldtrips to local beaches, parks, and trails for some good old fashion summertime fun!
Thomas College, Waterville, ME Campus
August 4-8/2025
Monday 8:00 am through Friday 5:00 pm
Fee: $1900/week per child
Fee includes daily exciting hands on activities and projects centered around helping our natural environment, fun fieldtrips to local hiking trails and beaches, supervised overnight accommodations in dorms, food, projects, games, and activities.
Items to bring: Back pack, Sleeping bag, pillow, water bottle, changes of clothes for the week, lightweight summer clothing as well as clothing for chilly days, sneakers for walking and hiking, beach shoes, hat, sunglasses, bathing suit and beach towel, jacket/fleece, rain coat, rain boots, head lamp, pajamas, sun screen, bug spray, bathing items for the showers ie shampoo, conditioner, body wash/soap, hygiene products ie toothe brush, toothe paste, deodorant, hair comb or brush, bath towel, any specific medications needed (please be sure to let staff know in advance, a medication administrations form must be filled out to accompany the medication-we will provide you with one.
As a camper, your environmental fieldwork days will be spent participating in fun, engaging, interactive projects and activities led by Science Professor Ericka Poppell, Art Teacher Debi Buxton, and Environmental Enthusiast, Co-producer and Host of “Greenlight Maine” Julene Gervais, as you explore the natural environment around us.
Twice weekly, you’ll join your group of peers on adventurous and fun filled fieldtrips to local beaches, parks, and trails for some good old fashion summertime fun!
Meet Our Instructors
Debi Buxton
Co-Director and Lead Art Teacher
Hello, my name is Debi Buxton, and I am one of the co-founders and lead camp counselors here at our camps. I am a mother of two beautiful daughters, they have been a huge part of my career and life journey. Spending time with them—especially enjoying the outdoors together—is one of my greatest joys.
I grew up here in the beautiful state of Maine, and later studied art education at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA. It was there that my passion for creativity and teaching truly blossomed. After graduating, I ventured to New Orleans, LA, where I opened my first business, a juggling company. I not only manufactured and retailed juggling equipment but also taught the art of juggling to children and adults of all ages. This experience introduced me to schools, summer camps, and various children’s art programs, which ignited my deep passion for working with kids and fostering their creativity.
For over 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching the arts to children. Eight years ago, I took a leap and opened Let’s Create, Children’s Creative Arts Studio, in North Yarmouth, Maine. Our after-school arts program and summer arts camp provide children with a space to explore their creative potential, develop new skills, and, most importantly, have fun in an encouraging and supportive environment.
I believe that every child has the ability to express themselves artistically, and I am so lucky to be able to help guide them on that journey. My experience as a mom, educator, and business owner has taught me the importance of creating safe, inclusive spaces for children to discover their passions, and I’m proud to be part of a team that offers that experience every day.
Julene Gervais
Co-Director and Fieldtrip Coordinator
path much younger. Many of their ideas solve problems, protect our environment and look to create a better future for all of us. In fact, “Good Balnce” from Colby College, the winner of this season’s Greenlight Maine is selling sustainable clothing all made from recycled products. NY Fashion Week heard about them and invited them to show off their wearables on the runway. Huge success story!
Ericka Poppell
Lead Science Teacher
Hello, my name is Ericka Poppell, I live in Cumberland, Maine with my 3 wonderful children and Fiance. I have 2 school-aged boys and a new baby girl. I absolutely love spending time with all of them, they keep me very active!
I am delighted to be working with your children this summer at the Eco-Explorer camps at both The University of New England, Biddeford Campus and the Thomas College Campus in Waterville. I am very excited to be working with my good friends Debi & Julene to create these wonderfully active and engaging earth conscious fun and educational camps for kids. I love teaching and igniting the spark of curiosity and wonder in children through the sciences, and I look forward to meeting you all!
I was raised in both Maine and Virginia. I pursued my undergraduate studies at Virginia Commonwealth University where I obtained a Bachelor Degree in Biology and Global Studies. Subsequently, I attended the University of Richmond for Graduate school, earning a Master’s of Science in Biology. My research during this period concentrated on coral reef ecology in the Florida Keys. From there, I participated in environmental research and ecology studies in Bermuda. I truly enjoyed my experiences in both places. Following my graduate studies, I relocated to Oahu, Hawaii where I began teaching at Hawaii Pacific University.
This experience in Hawaii provided me with a wealth of educational and research opportunities for students. After 2 years in Hawaii, I moved back to Maine and have been actively teaching the sciences to students of all ages at various academic institutions including Bates College, the University of Southern Maine, and the University of New England. I have been teaching the sciences for over 15 years now. I am currently teaching Biological and Environmental Sciences at both York County Community College and Bates College.
Ericka Poppell
Lead Science Teacher
Hello, my name is Ericka Poppell, I live in Cumberland, Maine with my 3 wonderful children and Fiance. I have 2 school-aged boys and a new baby girl. I absolutely love spending time with all of them, they keep me very active!
I am delighted to be working with your children this summer at the Eco-Explorer camps at both The University of New England, Biddeford Campus and the Thomas College Campus in Waterville. I am very excited to be working with my good friends Debi & Julene to create these wonderfully active and engaging earth conscious fun and educational camps for kids. I love teaching and igniting the spark of curiosity and wonder in children through the sciences, and I look forward to meeting you all!
I was raised in both Maine and Virginia. I pursued my undergraduate studies at Virginia Commonwealth University where I obtained a Bachelor Degree in Biology and Global Studies. Subsequently, I attended the University of Richmond for Graduate school, earning a Master’s of Science in Biology. My research during this period concentrated on coral reef ecology in the Florida Keys. From there, I participated in environmental research and ecology studies in Bermuda. I truly enjoyed my experiences in both places. Following my graduate studies, I relocated to Oahu, Hawaii where I began teaching at Hawaii Pacific University.
This experience in Hawaii provided me with a wealth of educational and research opportunities for students. After 2 years in Hawaii, I moved back to Maine and have been actively teaching the sciences to students of all ages at various academic institutions including Bates College, the University of Southern Maine, and the University of New England. I have been teaching the sciences for over 15 years now. I am currently teaching Biological and Environmental Sciences at both York County Community College and Bates College.
Payton Hatch
Hi! I am Payton Hatch, an overnight counselor who will be chaperoning and supervising your children for some of their nights here. By day, I am a counselor at Let’s Create summer camp, where I have worked for the past few years helping lead the aftercare and summer program. Summer camp is my favorite part of the year! I have so much fun taking the children on adventures and creating lifelong memories. I am originally from North Yarmouth Maine, and now live in Portland Maine. I just earned my Bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Southern Maine which I am so excited about! Outside of working with children, I enjoy the beach, the outdoors, being active, and spending time with my friends and family. With over four years of experience working with children, I’m passionate about creating positive, lasting impacts in their lives. I look forward to meeting your children and sharing this inspiring experience with them! After dinner, there will be time for campers to unwind and debrief the day’s adventures. They’ll have the chance to share their favorite moments and highlights. In the evenings, campers can enjoy a variety of fun activities like camp games, storytelling, making s’mores, creating friendship bracelets, singing songs, and writing postcards home. As one of the overnight counselors, I’ll be available throughout the night to help and ensure everyone is comfortable and safe.
Eco-Explorer Camp: Where Adventure Meets Sustainability!
Ignite Curiosity. Inspire Action. Have a Blast!
At Eco-Explorer Camp, your child will:
Discover the wonders of nature through hiking, wildlife tracking, and water exploration.
Build cool, eco-friendly projects like solar ovens, recycled art, and mini-gardens.
Compete in exciting sustainability challenges that turn learning into an adventure.
Camp under the stars, share stories by the fire, and bond with fellow explorers.
Become an “Eco-Explorer”, joining a community of young leaders shaping a greener future!
Why Choose Eco-Explorer Camp?
In today’s world, kids spend more time indoors and less time connecting with nature. Eco-Explorer Camp provides a screen-free, hands-on experience that sparks curiosity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills—all while having the best summer ever!
Our mission is simple: Empower kids with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to make a difference. Through fun activities and unforgettable adventures, they’ll leave camp feeling inspired to take care of the planet while creating lifelong memories.
Spots are limited—secure your child’s place today!
Join the Eco-Explorers and embark on the adventure of a lifetime!
Let's Create is located between North Yarmouth Variety and the Fire Station in the Village Center, North Yarmouth, Maine.
Let's Create, LLC
4 Walnut Hill Commons
North Yarmouth, ME 04097
MAILING ADDRESS:
PO Box 486
Cumberland ME 04021
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