SANFORD — Camp Waban was one of a long list of places participating in Great Maine Outdoor Weekend, a statewide event this past Saturday encouraging people to get out of hibernation and brave the cold for some winter fun.

Situated at Bauneg Beg Lake, Waban has for many years served as a summer camp for people with disabilities. The facility has in recent years broadened its services with the TREE Experiential Education Center, providing year-round educational and outdoor activities for people of all abilities.

The camp provided plenty of activities Saturday. Some put on a pair of snowshoes and took to the trails, some tried their hand at archery. Some trekked out on the frozen Bauneg Beg Lake to do some ice fishing, and others stayed closer to shore and skated on cleared out area.

“It’s a lovely day. A little cold,” said George Rideout of Wellesley, Massachusetts. Rideout, a volunteer with International Students, Inc., a Christian organization that ministers to international students, was one of a large number of students and volunteers who had come up for Maine for the day from Massachusetts. Rideout was among those warming up at a camp fire, roasting a hot dog.

Haowei Wang, a University of Massachusetts student, was roasting marshmallows. She said this was her first time in Maine, and she was enjoying the event.

“It’s great,” she said. “I caught two fish.”

Camp Waban and Tree Director Ann Rossignol said this was the third year the camp had participated in the Great Maine Outdoor Weekend. “We have a long winter here in Maine,” she said, and the event is an opportunity to get people active.

This year’s event had an extra amenity. The new TREE Experiential Education Center building was open, providing a lodge atmosphere for people to warm up, enjoy some refreshments and listen to live music.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext.325 or egotthelf@journaltribunecom.