Alexis Grillo, Author at Chewonki

Celebrating 50 Years of Chewonki Outdoor Classroom

Alumni & Friends, Chewonki Outdoor Classroom, Foundation / By Alexis Grillo

Today, we’re marking a significant occasion: Outdoor Classroom’s 50th year. This special anniversary is more than a milestone in time; it’s a testament to Outdoor Classroom’s enduring relevance, effectiveness, and transformative impact. As we reflect on five decades of teaching, it’s evident that Outdoor Classroom’s mission to foster a deep connection with nature and peers, build essential outdoor living skills, and instill a sense of stewardship for the natural world is as vital today as it was fifty years ago.

A Full Bag and Empty Journal

Alumni & Friends, Camp Chewonki, Camp Chewonki for Boys, Camp Chewonki for Girls, Camp Chewonki Leadership Expeditions, Foundation / By Alexis Grillo

In learning to become a Chewonki leader, I’ve tried many different teaching methods amongst the woods and waters of the Neck and beyond. In all these experiences, two things stand out as simple essentials: an empty journal and a full bag.

Find Friends on our Updated Alumni Map

Alumni & Friends, Foundation / By Alexis Grillo

Ewes flash: we’re giving away 12 warm, fuzzy Chewonki sheep pelts to our alumni & friends on Wednesday, November 30. Wool you enter? We’ll sheep, oops, we mean “ship” pelts to winners, free of charge, anywhere in North America.

Alumni & Friends Sheep Pelt 2024 Giveaway

Alumni & Friends, Foundation / By Alexis Grillo

Every Moment Teaching

Foundation / By Alexis Grillo

A short essay by guest author Scott Andrews honoring Tim Ellis

Reflections on Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Foundation / By Alexis Grillo

Greg Shute, Director of Northwoods and Coastal Properties, and Jen Adams, Director of Outdoor Programs, share their reflections on Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Tim Ellis and the Legacy of Maine Reach

Alumni & Friends, Foundation / By Alexis Grillo

A personal reflection by Rebecca Marvil.

Join us in Wishing Tim Ellis a Happy Birthday!

Alumni & Friends, Board and Trustees, Foundation, Staff News / By Alexis Grillo

From 1970 through 1991, Chewonki experienced a profound transformation, and in honor of his 86th birthday on October 1, we are honoring the man who steered these monumental changes: Chewonki’s First President, Harwood “Tim” Ellis Jr., by publishing guest-written blogs about Tim over the next few weeks.

He Ignited a New Chewonki Era

Alumni & Friends, Board and Trustees, Foundation / By Alexis Grillo

Tim Ellis’ lifelong connection to Chewonki began in 1937. He arrived in a bassinet when his father, Harwood “Hardy” Ellis, Assistant Head at the Rivers School, was recruited by Chewonki founder Clarence Allen as head counselor. Tim spent every childhood summer at Chewonki, eventually becoming a counselor. After college, he ventured abroad and met his wife, Margaret Ellis, while teaching in Switzerland in the early 1960s.

Summer Update from Acting President Nancy Kennedy

Foundation / By Alexis Grillo

Have you met Acting President Nancy Kennedy yet? Nancy joined our staff eight years ago and has served as the Director of Girls Camp, Director of Camp Chewonki, and Executive Vice President before stepping into her current role.