Year: 2024

Honoring a Champion of Women at Chewonki

In this special tribute, Sue West highlights Tim Ellis’ support for women during his tenure as our first president in the 1970s and 80s, paving the way for leaders like Nancy Kennedy. Last week, we announced that Nancy has become the first woman to hold the position of Chewonki President. Women have long held leadership roles at Chewonki, from leading backcountry trips to developing environmental education programs and managing our farm. Read on to learn about some of Chewonki’s early female leaders and how Tim championed them.

Remember When… Chewonki Through the Decades

Last Sunday, we welcomed dozens of campers for the opening day of Camp Chewonki. This inspired us to reflect on Chewonki’s earlier decades. Founded in 1915 by Clarence E. Allen as a saltwater camp for boys, Chewonki has evolved significantly over the years, even as our core values remain steadfast. Explore historic photos with us and spot the similarities and differences in the Chewonki landscape of yesterday and today. 

A State-Funded All-Access Backcountry Pass for Maine Teens

It’s 4:30 am, and dawn has barely cracked over Chewonki Neck, but the buzz of metal zippers and the swish-swish of nylon-on-nylon has already woken Iz, a Chewonki trip leader. A zealous thwack on the side of their tent seals the deal; Iz is fully awake, along with the seven teenage members of the two-week Maine Northwoods Canoe Backcountry expedition. Funded through the Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative, these Maine teens are eager to enjoy every minute of…

Photos: Summer Alumni & Friends Days

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our recent Summer Alumni & Friends Days—they were a resounding success! Dozens of alumni and neighbors gathered on July 16 and 17 for two “intersession” days, rare downtime between camp sessions. It was the perfect opportunity to reminisce and explore our serene 400-acre campus without any participants on-site. The special reception with Chewonki leaders was a highlight, fostering wonderful connections and conversations.

We are excited to share some photos capturing the beauty and camaraderie of these special days!

Livin’ on a Wing and a Prayer (Flag) in the Backcountry

Wiscasset, Maine. As students returned to school last week, organizations large and small across Maine breathed a happy, yet tired, sigh of relief as they wrapped up their summer programs for the year, reflecting on the outcomes for students and staff. One group of programs in particular has a lot to consider: the sixty-six non-profit …

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The Coast is Clear – at Seawall Beach!

Last week we were delighted when several members of Maine Coast Semester 73, including students and staff, volunteered to help with the annual “Maine Coastal Cleanup” project, and headed off to Seawall Beach in Phippsburg.  Seawall Beach, which is accessed through the Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area, has long been a popular destination for Chewonki programs …

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One Summer In Maine… A Conversation With Griffin Davey and Katie Malek

Editor’s note: We sat down this week with Griffin Davey, Associate Director of Boys Camp and Katie Malek, Associate Director of Girls Camp for a post-season wrap-up on all things Camp Chewonki to get a few highlights from the summer. Griffen Davey is originally from southeastern Pennsylvania, where he grew up involved in local 4-H clubs …

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