CAMDEN HARBOR — Approximately 30 brave souls ventured into the head of Camden Harbor Jan. 31 as part of the 8th Annual Polar Plunge, a fundraiser for Sundog Outdoor Leadership Initiative.

Some dashed in and out, while others tentatively tiptoed into the cold Atlantic, with water temperatures hovering around 34 degrees F. One resilient Mainer, Collin Cunning, of Belfast, leaned back into the water like it was a Lazy Boy recliner and chatted for almost 10 minutes with Camden Firefighter Derek Jay, who was in an ice water rescue suit, and likewise was easily bobbing around between the small icebergs.

Meanwhile, the air temperature was matching the frigid cold that had laid into Maine for most of January. At 10:30 a.m., Jan. 31, it was 9 degrees F. But the sun: It was magnificent.

The event is an annual fundraiser for the nonprofit whose mission is to provide, "after school programs that get kids outside, learning and practicing new skills, and being challenged to build the social and emotional resiliency needed to successfully navigate the teenage years."