Every moment at Chewonki offers a chance for growth, connection, and discovery. From polar bear plunges to caring for farm animals, our students and campers take away meaningful gifts—curiosity, resilience, and inspiration—that last a lifetime.
This November and December, we’re celebrating the gifts of outdoor education with stories from our community. Want to share yours? Email Alexis Grillo at agrillo@chewonki.org.
The Gift of Courage
For Maya, starting her Chewonki experience with a polar bear plunge was the ultimate leap into the unknown. On a 20°F January day, she took her first-ever plunge into Montsweag Brook, clasping hands with a cabin mate and diving into the freezing water.
“The long walk to the waterfront, across ice and through the trees, gave me perhaps too much time to rethink my decision,” Maya admitted. “But I wanted to start the semester strong—by taking a risk and going outside my comfort zone.”
When the moment arrived, she took one last look at the frozen brook, then silenced her hesitation. “On the count of three, we dipped under the freezing cold water together. When I surfaced, I felt the rush of cold air on my skin and struggled to catch my breath. Nevertheless, I did it.”
From the first plunge onward, she embraced each dip as a reminder to face the unknown with confidence. At Chewonki, moments like these foster courage, resilience, and joy. Participants discover strength within themselves and a deeper connection to the natural world.
“The hours leading up to the plunge are often nerve-racking, and yet I have never left a plunge regretful about starting my day off with a dip in Montsweag Brook,” she shared.Over time, Maya found a rhythm in this weekly ritual.
“There is a unique power to completing the plunge,” she said. “Moments after dipping into freezing cold Maine water, I find myself radiating with joy and anticipation for the wondrous day to come.”
More than a physical act, the plunge became a metaphor for Maya’s journey at Chewonki—a practice of embracing challenges to uncover her strengths. “With each plunge, I am reminded that I can find warmth even in the coldest moments,” she reflected.
Moments like Maya’s are at the heart of Chewonki’s mission. Through small acts of bravery, our students build courage and resilience. They discover strength, joy, and a deeper connection to themselves and the natural world
This holiday season, you can give students the chance to experience the gift of outdoor education. If you’ve already donated, thank you—your generosity helps make these opportunities happen. If you haven’t, please click here to donate today—your generosity makes all the difference.
Thank you for being part of the Chewonki family.
