Introducing The Growing Table: Rooted in Community, Growing with Purpose
- thomaswswider
- Nov 12
- 3 min read
Hello Campers!
By now, you’ve probably caught wind of The Growing Table—so let’s talk about how this project is growing roots at Twin Ponds Lodge. The Growing Table, our new nonprofit adventure that’s all about growing food, growing friendships, and growing our impact right here in Central Maine. As part of the Twin Ponds Lodge community, a unique New England gay campground, we know how special it is to have a space where everyone belongs, and we’re always looking for ways to make our corner of the world even better.
Why start The Growing Table? Honestly, it comes down to gratitude and a sense of responsibility. We’re incredibly lucky to call this beautiful property home, a place with a rich farming history, wide open fields, and a community bursting with talented, generous people. With all those opportunities, it just feels right to give back. There’s a big difference between hoarding what you have and sharing it. We want to be contributors, not just takers—as we work to grow this into a sustainable business, we also want to grow in how we give back—making sure our efforts lift up others, too.
Yes, it’s a lot of work, we already have plenty on our plates, but that’s where the magic of community comes in. Many hands really do make lighter work. When we pitch in together—whether it’s planting seeds, tending gardens, or just cheering each other on—suddenly, the impossible feels possible. And it’s a whole lot more fun, too.
We’re also excited to share that we have two fundraisers underway to help The Growing Table grow: our matching donation campaign (where your gift is doubled for Winslow Community Cupboard), and our Pot Luck Cookbook, collecting your favorite recipes and stories for a cookbook that celebrates the spirit of gay camping in Maine. Both are linked on our website, so check them out and join in!
For us, The Growing Table isn’t just a project—it’s a chance to give back, to welcome new faces, and to show our neighbors what the TPL spirit is all about. It’s a way for us to put down roots (literally), create something lasting, and be the kind of good neighbors we all want to have. Whether you’re into planting seeds, sharing recipes, or just cheering us on, there’s a spot for you at The Growing Table.
We hope this farm becomes a place where laughter is as common as dirt under your fingernails, and where every harvest is a reason to celebrate. Together, we can make a real difference, not just for ourselves, but for the whole community. So come join us! Let’s grow something amazing, build a sense of purpose, and show the world just how much heart this little corner of Maine really has.
And if you’re wondering what this all looks like in real life, here’s the vision: We’ll start in the southeast field behind the lodge, with rows of vegetables and a greenhouse to get our seedlings off to a strong start. Down the line, we dream of a big red barn—livestock on one side, kitchen and processing space on the other, for packaging, canning, and sharing the harvest. We’ll grow mushrooms in the woods, and have chickens and ducks giving us fresh eggs (and keeping the bugs in check). Dairy goats and pigs will be rooting around behind the tree line, living their best lives. Oh! and bees! we plan to have a few apiaries as well. And because we believe in sustainability, we’re also launching a composting program that all our members can contribute to—turning food scraps and garden waste into rich soil for future harvests. It’s ambitious, it’s a little wild, but with this community, we know it’s possible.
Stay tuned for ways to get involved, and let’s make The Growing Table a place where everyone has a seat—and maybe a shovel, too. If you’re looking for a gay campground in New England that’s as much about giving back as it is about having fun, you’ve found your spot at Twin Ponds Lodge.
