PaCO: Enjoying the day at Bumstock Field for Beltane, 2007.

Pagan Campus Organization

at the University of Maine, Orono
~ since 1997 ~

Welcome to PaCO!
Welcome everyone! We hope to see you at UMaine's Summer Orientation.
Please come visit us in the fall!

Beltane bonfire 2007.

Group Overview

We are a group for all those who are interested in alternative religions. Our members range from Solitary Eclectics to Wiccans, to Atheists, and Christians. We are people with many different beliefs, who share common interests and enjoy spirituality. We celebrate the bigger Pagan holidays by holding gatherings with bonfires, cookouts, and outdoor fun. We hold creative activities throughout the year, including candle-making sessions, craft nights, magick study workshops, Full Moon rituals, movie nights, and general parties. Any rituals held are always optional to members, and are done only by the request of those who wish to participate in them; non-participating observers are welcome.

There are more pagans on campus here at the University of Maine and in the surrounding communities than others realize, and we serve as an outlet where either pagans, pagan allies, or those questioning their path can gain support and strength in an open yet secure forum where their opinions concerning their path/faith are always respected.

As attendance at UMaine continues to rise, the number of pagans will grow as well, and we hope to leave for them an established group that, rather then judges, embraces their own individual paths and reminds them of the great worth that is staying true to their own heart when it comes to their faith.

The Pagan Campus Organization at the University of Maine in Orono was first established in 1997.
The name "Pagan Campus Organization" was chosen by the group as opposed to any name worded such as "Student Organization" in order to keep the group open to grad students, alumni, faculty, and non-students, as well as undergrad students. PaCO's first Vice President was a grad student, and the group has a long tradition of welcoming non-student friends. Some members of PaCO have remained active participants long after leaving the University of Maine academically.

The Pagan Campus Organization was founded on the principles that any adult person could become a member, and that all members shall be counted as equals, including officers, who shall hold no power above that of other members. PaCO is first and foremost whatever its current members want it to be. Members need not rely on officers, whose titles generally mean nothing to the group, but can achieve any activity they wish by being willing to help out. We hope that future generations of the Pagan Campus Organization will make of PaCO whatever they need it to be, and that it will continue to be a supportive, helpful, and fun group for people for years to come.