There is great joy in the outdoors, and no one knows this better than Karen Wilson and Todd Papianou. This energetic Rumford duo has a long history of engaging with nature, from skiing and mountain biking to camping and canoeing. For the past three summers, they have led a unique camping experience known as Falcon Camp for Mountain Valley High School students, incorporating all these outdoor activities that they love so much.
Karen and Todd’s love for the outdoors started after they met at a ski resort in 1993 and quickly became an integral part of their lives. Todd, a master rock climber, showed Karen the ropes, and soon, they began exploring a new adventure – whitewater paddling. For over two decades, they ran a canoe and kayak school at Northern Waters Outfitters in New Hampshire, where they also offered scenic boat tours and managed camping sites. This proved to be an incredible way to put their passion for nature to maximum use.
With the change of every season, so did their activities. During the winters, they would focus on skiing. This trans-state outdoor life went on until they deemed it was time to move closer to their future objectives. This decision led them back to school, at least for Todd, who graduated with a teaching certificate in physical education from the University of Vermont.
After his graduation, they moved to Maine in 2001 and became teachers, conveniently settling 40 minutes away from their special place in Errol. Todd got a position as a PE teacher at Mountain Valley High School, while Karen contributed as a math coach at Meroby Elementary School since 2016.
Falcon Camp, a brainchild of the couple, emerged to echo their earlier outdoor life, extending this lifetime experience to the Mountain Valley students. Here, novice campers learn from the experts and progress to become proficient outdoor people. Emphasis is placed on outdoor skills, planning, respect for nature, proper sport techniques, and responsible behavior.
For Karen and Todd, running Falcon Camp smoothly involves setting expectations and maintaining an open discussion about acceptable behavior. Impressively, in the three years they’ve run the camp, only one student has been sent home for poor behavior – a testament to their leadership.
For the young campers, the Falcon Camp is a great opportunity that may not have been available without the couple’s passionate initiative. Here, they learn essential skills that make them competent outdoor individuals, with some advancing to mentor new students.
Todd and Karen’s goal for Falcon Camp is to encourage as many students as possible to experience outdoor activities. They note that this year has seen the highest attendance, with 20 students joining the camp.
Todd recently added a commendable feather to his cap, having been recognized with the High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year award in 2023, showing his steadfast commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of the students.
Believing in the value of outdoor education, Todd and Karen continue to chart new territories with their outdoor adventures. From Falcon Camp to teaching, they are clearly making a significant impact in their community, inspiring a new generation to embrace the beauty of the great outdoors. While this journey comes with its challenges, their love for the outdoors fosters resilience, reinforcing their commitment to nurturing the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.
