10-year-old Soren Gaskin Bennett and his sister, 9-year-old Saskia, after Soren made a donation to Friends of Acadia at the membership table at Jordan Pond House this summer. (Photo courtesy Mary Galperin)

BY JOANNE WOOD

This summer at the Friends of Acadia membership table, we had many wonderful encounters with visitors. A special one that stands out to us is 10-year-old Soren Gaskin Bennett, visiting from Syracuse, New York with his parents and little sister, Saskia.

When Soren approached the membership table, he chatted with our volunteers Phil and Mary Galperin about the work we do to preserve and protect Acadia National Park. That was all he needed to hear to then tell his parents that he wanted to become a member.

Like many kids, Soren and his 9-year-old sister are given an allowance. They’re also encouraged to set some money aside for savings as well as for giving to causes they think are important.

The family has always enjoyed their visits to the park, and with Soren’s love of the outdoors and natural places, he knew
that becoming a Friends of Acadia member was the right decision for him.

His mother Leah said, “Like a lot of families, we just want our kids to appreciate that, even though they are young, what they do in the world matters, and they can make a difference through their actions and words. We do our best to involve them in volunteer activities to give some of their time to others and their community.”

As well as a love for the outdoors, Soren enjoys camping, soccer, playing violin, and has helped organize school food drives, as well as gathering hats, mittens, and gloves instead of gifts at his birthday parties to donate to kids at a local
homeless shelter.

Soren, it was an honor meeting you this summer and making us realize that giving and compassion comes in all shapes, sizes—and ages!

JOANNE WOOD is Friends of Acadia’s Development Manager.