Since 1992
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By Bill Van Tassel
TURNER — Brady and Sharon Gates recently became the new owners of the former Kid’s Camp Learning Center on Center Bridge Road. They have renamed it The Great Adventure Daycare Center. The business will remain relatively the same, operating in the successful manner established by Heidi Naylor, who owned the business or 19 years.
Staffing has remained relatively unchanged, with the employee sharing many years of experience taking care of children. The goal is to continue building a great team to care for children from the surrounding communities. Gates said she is planning curriculum enhancements, adding programs involving the arts, music and sports. Also, she plans to continue the summer program with educational and fun field trips. The daycare will continue to have a presence in Turner’s popular Independence Day parade.
The Gates family is known locally. Sharon grew up in Greene, and Brady in Turner. She has had a passion for working with children for many years, gaining invaluable experience when she and her mother volunteered to run a “Children’s Church” at their place of worship.
Gates has had additional experience volunteering at Turner Primary School.
She has held fundraising benefits for the March of Dimes and, in her position at Mechanic’s Savings Bank, she worked solicited donations for items displayed beneath the bank’s tree at the annual FEZtival of Trees that supports the efforts of Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Though working with children was always in the back of her mind, Gates spent many years in the banking field, most recently as vice president and controller at Maine Community Bancorp.
The couple has four children of their own. Sharon attributes the ability to take on this “great adventure” to the many people who have helped her along the way. “There’s nothing like seeing a smile on a child’s face and having them come up to you for a hug,” she added.
PHOTO: Formerly Kid’s Camp, the new sign at the Turner Day Care Center reads Great Adventure Day Care. Former owner Heidi Naylor turned the business over to Sharon and Brady Gates in February. The center is at the intersection of North Parrish Road and Mathews Way in Turner Center. (Submitted photo)
Reflecting on her years as a day care owner
For 19 years, I’ve been blessed to meet hundreds of children and their families at Kid’s Camp and Learning Center. I was also raising my own children there and, more recently, watching my grandchildren develop. It’s been a month since completing the transition from owner/director to semi-retirement. My new roles — spending more time with the grandchildren, travel and working on our home.
When we returned to Turner 20 years ago, it was apparent there was a need for childcare. Having worked in childcare for eight years in Indiana and then at Disney’s Thousand Oaks, in California, it was not my intent to continue that path, but I concluded this was the role meant for me in my hometown. My background gave me the experience to start the business. The venture became very rewarding as Kid’s Camp turned into a family.
I remember the pride of one particular year when I saw six of Leavitt (Area High School’s) Top Ten graduates had attended Kid’s Camp. Seeing their eventual accomplishments that included college graduates, teachers, parents, business owners, physical therapists, medical school students, etc. was something to celebrate.
I must thank all the wonderful, caring staff I had at Kid’s Camp. Their dedication was second to none, helping create positive memories for our young people as they grew. Many life-long friendships were formed.
I hope the Gates family enjoys the journey as much a I. Thanks to everyone who contributed in some way to the success of Kid’s Camp.
Please stay in touch.
Heidi Naylor
