Like every vibrant community, Camp Chewonki needs many hands to make it work. “There’s always lots that needs to be done,” says Evan Feinberg, a senior Boys Camp counselor in his 13th Chewonki summer. “People need help, and we can help.” Through the Osprey Service Projects Feinberg is leading this summer, the oldest campers, Ospreys…
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Natural History Mystery
Since 2007, “Doc Fred” Cichocki has been the pied piper of natural history for Camp Chewonki. A dignified cross between the eminent biologist E. O. Wilson and a rakish Shakespearian bard, Cichocki cuts a stately figure with a full white beard and mane of hair. On campus, he’s distinctive in his khaki vest (replete with…
I Made This Paddle
Just as they have done every summer for more than a century, Camp Chewonki boys are hard at work in the Wood Shop. A group of Ospreys (our oldest campers) bend over the paddles they are making, using spokeshaves and block planes to sculpt the wood. “They’ve put in about six hours to get to…
Challenge!
Tucked into the woods on either side of the Blueberry Hill Trail, beckoning all adventuresome souls, are the 18 wood and rope elements of Chewonki’s Challenge Course. Shelly Gibson, team development coordinator, knows each element like the back of her hand. She decides how to use them to help campers and staff learn about themselves…
Flashback: 1930’s
Chewonki founder Clarence Allen wrote about his young campers in the August 3, 1930, Camp Chronicle. His thoughts make clear that, despite many changes on Chewonki Neck, not the least of which is that girls, as well as boys, now enjoy Camp Chewonki, the camp’s essence is much the same as it was 89 years…
Camp Chewonki Opening Day – 2019
They burst on the scene with bags and backpacks, tennis racquets, musical instruments, bathing suits and rain gear, mothers, fathers, siblings, and grandparents in tow, and even a perky pooch or two to see them off. They had big smiles, butterflies in their stomachs, and unbound energy. And we were ready for them! We dream…
Teacups, Shark Mugs, Cats, and Flowers
I had the pleasure of joining the Counselor in Training program on Wednesday night for a campfire at the beautiful and scenic Hoyt’s Point, looking out over Montsweag Brook. The campfire was full of the silly and the sweet, the real and the raw. Each CIT had time to reflect and share hopes and fears,…
Turtles, Snakes, and a Blue-tongued Skink
A lot of preparation goes into making sure Camp Chewonki is ready for the summer. Cabins are cleaned, lawns mowed, counselors hired. One of the most important parts of our pre-camp preparation is developing our activity curriculum and training our staff to teach in their area of expertise. As opening day approaches, archers, sailors, and…
Welcome Emily Bell-Hoerth, Director of Camp Chewonki for Girls!
With the start of the summer camp season, we are excited to formally announce Emily Bell-Hoerth in her new role as the Director of Camp Chewonki for Girls. Emily had previously worked as the director of the 10-day girls’ program at Debsconeag Lake, and will now be overseeing all girls’ residential and wilderness trip programs…
River, Take Me Along
Today marks the summer solstice, the half-way point in the year with the longest day of sunshine. Thanks to the generosity of the Chewonki community we’re also more than half-way to our spring fundraising goal! Campus is absolutely a-buzz with counselors and staff getting ready for the opening day of Camp Chewonki, and next week we will…
