It’s easy to get hooked on camping in Maine – specifically somewhere as memorable as Sebago Lake. It starts with a summer vacation. You rent a cabin at Point Sebago Resort (near Sebago Lake State Park).
Then, one Maine summer turns into five. Before you know it – you’re a regular. You’re hooked, and soon, you own a Maine cabin.
That’s how the story starts for many Point Sebago Resort residents.
They return each year, generation after generation, to enjoy the best of Sebago Lake from May to mid-October. They proudly wear “I Won It” t-shirts. They know the tricks to getting the best spots on the beach. They know the ins and outs of vacationing in Maine.
And for a special few, they spend their summer vacation making Point Sebago Resort better for neighbors and total strangers.
2025 Point Sebago Choice Award Winners
In honor of Point Sebago’s 55th anniversary, resort residents were asked to nominate Sebago Lake neighbors making a difference. An August award ceremony honored their incredible contributions to the Point Sebago community.
These are the winners and their stories.
Excellence Award – Dick Harding
If you’re a regular at Point Sebago Golf Course, you’ve likely met Dick Harding.
Although he’s not an employee at the 18-hole golf course, Dick has made a major impact on the Point Sebago golf community for the past 20 years, organizing golf leagues and encouraging others.
As one nomination read, “Dick’s leadership, unwavering dedication, and passion for the game have built lasting connections and traditions.”
Hospitality Award – Jane Chaplain
You’ve seen her name on the Point Sebago activities schedule all summer. And early risers know where to find her. It’s the woman affectionately known as “Java Jane” at Point Sebago.
She hosts the Java Jane Coffee Club, where good coffee meets good company in Sebago Square near the General Store.
Jane used her morning coffee outing to build something greater – community. The club brings residents and campground guests together, creating a welcoming and inclusive morning tradition.
Kindness Award – Furnell McGrath
Cottage owners at Point Sebago Resort feel like family thanks to Furnell McGrath. She’s the unofficial welcome committee. She makes new residents feel at home. She organizes get-togethers for Point Sebago regulars.
“She is a beacon of joy and generosity,” wrote one nomination. “Her smile and open heart are unforgettable.”
Passion Award – Lynne Harris
Guests, new and old, will recognize Lynne Harris. She runs Craft Cove, entertains kids, and leads the campground golf cart parades.
Lynne is a fixture at Point Sebago Resort. She’s a contracted employee who also calls the resort “home” each season. Her love for Point Sebago is palpable.
“She consistently steps up to lead, support, and inspire. Her ideas and dedication have helped build cherished programs and uphold treasured traditions,” reads her award-winning nomination.
Stewardship Award – Hilary Barlow
Stewardship is about caring for something greater than yourself — protecting, improving, and honoring the legacy left by others. So it’s a no-brainer for residents why Hilary Barlow was unanimously picked for this award.
“Hilary is a trusted leader and a passionate caretaker of our community,” reads one nomination. “She is the go-to person for ensuring quality and excellence. She uplifts everyone around her.”
Trustworthiness Award – Paul Deon
“Paul shows up — with heart and hard work,” according to neighbors who voted for Paul Deon.
Trust is the foundation of every strong community. The Point Sebago Trustworthiness Award honors someone who is dependable and always shows up when it matters most.
Paul is the first person to offer help at Point Sebago. Whether it’s lending a hand to new campers, supporting a neighbor, or volunteering for projects – Paul is THE guy.
Unsung Hero Award – Joey Fitts
Going the extra mile is natural for Joey Fitts. He is a friend to everyone at Point Sebago Resort. Fellow residents describe Joey as kind, welcoming, and a dedicated leader within the community.
Residents applaud Joey for always helping. However, it’s the nomination below that won him the Unsung Hero Award.
“Recently, a community member needed a ramp added to their cottage for their wheelchair-bound son. We approached Joey and asked if we could hire him to build the ramp.
He responded without hesitation and said, ‘We are a community. We will build it at no charge. This is what community does.’”
Unsung Hero Award – Margie O’Connor
Margie is a quiet yet powerful leader within the Point Sebago community.
She’s always involved. Neighbors praise Margie for always showing up for events, spreading kindness, and looking out for her neighbors.
Her nomination reads, “Margie offers a helping hand wherever it’s needed. Her thoughtful actions speak volumes.”
Point Sebago Resort Employee Awards
The 2025 Choice Awards also honored two Point Sebago Resort employees who consistently go above and beyond for residents and guests.
Spotlight Award – Guest HUB Manager Judy Engstrom
Judy is a longtime fixture and heart of the community at Point Sebago Resort. She keeps things running smoothly, leading with dedication and care.
Guests and residents likely know Judy if they’ve been to the Guest Hub, which serves as the Resort’s information booth. It’s also where guests sign up for activities. She’s your go-to gal for all information during a Point Sebago vacation.
Manager’s Choice Award – General Store Lead Linda Kelly
“She shows extraordinary kindness, teamwork, and heart.”
That’s how co-workers and neighbors see Linda Kelly, who helps run the Point Sebago General Store. As an employee and a resident, she inspires the Point Sebago community with her compassion and generosity of spirit.
Benefits of Owning a Cabin at Point Sebago Resort
Special resort events like the Choice Awards are reserved for Point Sebago residents. It’s one of the perks of owning a seasonal Maine cabin at the historic resort campground on one of Maine’s deepest lakes.
However, guests who rent glamping tents, RV sites, stargazer units, tiny homes, or lakefront cabins get more than a place to stay, too. Point Sebago guests can access exclusive resort amenities from the marina, the family competitions, and live entertainment. There are more than 270 activities a week during the height of summer.
Resort residents see extra perks. There are resident-only events, early access to ticketed events, neighborhood get-togethers, and discounts throughout the resort.
Plus, there’s no need to worry about reservations. Residents always have their own place during the Point Sebago season from May to mid-October. Unlike rental cabins, cottage owners can customize their space, making each Point Sebago vacation home unique.
Find Your Sebago Lake Vacation Home
Sebago Lake cabins (cottages) typically range from $75,000 to $190,000, depending on size, age, and proximity to the lake. You can explore Maine cabins for sale online or request a cabin tour.
Find your escape at Point Sebago Resort. And discover why one week at Sebago Lake isn’t enough for guests who make Sebago Lake their second home.