Alexis Grillo, Author at Chewonki

Emanuel & Pauline A. Lerner Foundation Highlights Chewonki Waypoint

This video was filmed and produced in 2019 by MEDIA LOMA in partnership with the Emanuel and Pauline A. Lerner Foundation. It is part of a long-term documentary project profiling the six unique youth-development programs within the Lerner Foundation’s Aspirations Incubator. This production spanned the entire state of Maine, documenting and advocating for long-term mentorship and post-secondary aspirations.

Chewonki Waypoint works with the local school district to support youth within the community via outdoor education and relationship-focused mentoring.

Director’s Cut | 2021

Chewonki Educator Rescues, Rehabilitates Stranded Seals

Traveling Natural History Programs / By Alexis Grillo

On a cold, windy day earlier this year a small crowd watched curiously as Chewonki Science Educator Jessica Woodend, along with her husband, struggled to lift a seventy-pound harp seal into a large crate. Earlier, a passerby had noticed the seal alone and dehydrated, prompting a call to the Marine Mammals of Maine (MMoME) response …

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Remote Semester: Alumna Turns College into Expedition

Alumni & Friends, Camp Chewonki for Girls, Camp Chewonki Leadership Expeditions, Maine Coast Semester at Chewonki, Staff News / By Alexis Grillo

“The first day, I needed to drive from Walla Walla, Washington to Boise, Idaho, and I also had to complete eighty pages of reading for class the next day,” recalls Semolina Schillberg, (Semester 57, George River Trip ‘17, Camp Staff ‘18-’19). “I ended up making myself stop every hour and read twenty pages.” She spent …

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Corbin Percy Hacks Games for Accessibility

Alumni & Friends, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Staff News / By Alexis Grillo

Our alumni go on to all kinds of careers, and most often, we highlight those working in ecology and the outdoors. So, our ears perked up when we heard that former staff member and Maine Coast Semester at Chewonki alumnus Corbin Percy recently won a PlayStation hack-a-thon that makes video games more accessible to users …

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Welcome New Trustees and Advisors

Board and Trustees / By Alexis Grillo

We are pleased to announce that Kyo Bannai, Ponch Membreño, and Steph Tipton have joined our board of directors as new trustees and are also excited to welcome Anna Howell, Becca Kosakowski, and Devon Liddell as advisors. Kyo Bannai, Trustee A long time cheerleader of the arts, education, and other good ideas, Kyo has served on …

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Congratulations to our Graduating 8th Graders!

Chewonki Elementary and Middle School, Foundation / By Alexis Grillo

Lila Drewes Lila Drewes, Newcastle Lila Drewes lives in Newcastle, Maine, and is 14 years old. For the past five years, she has attended school at Chewonki. Throughout the time Lila has been at Chewonki, she has loved going on remote trips, having a creative license, as well as learning and exploring the land. Her …

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Write a Farewell Message to Departing Faculty Members

Maine Coast Semester at Chewonki / By Alexis Grillo

As we close another school year, many of our faculty depart from Chewonki Neck in pursuit of travel, adventure, restoration, rest, and much-needed time with family & friends. For some, this departure will also mark the end of their time as a faculty member as they shift to new homes, new jobs, and even retirement. …

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Photos: Staff Get Psyched for Summer!

Camp Chewonki for Boys, Camp Chewonki for Girls, Camp Chewonki Leadership Expeditions, Foundation, Staff News / By Alexis Grillo

Camp Chewonki Staff have been arriving in droves over the past few weeks, and it’s been amazing to see our campus light up with the energy and enthusiasm of new staff members – especially after our year-long hiatus from in-person programs. Despite the rigorous training program (wilderness first aid one minute to “how to encourage …

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Alumnus, Booth McGowan, to Make Chewonki-Inspired Indie Film

Alumni & Friends, Maine Coast Semester at Chewonki / By Alexis Grillo

Inspired by the deep friendships fostered at Chewonki, alumnus Booth McGowan (Semester 60) is making a feature-length film, Boys at Twenty, about closeness, masculinity, and growing up. “With the omnipresence of screens, reaching a true connection feels harder today than ever before,” says McGowan, “Chewonki was my introduction to how vulnerable and close friends can …

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Marking a Milestone (with Songs, Skits and S’mores!)

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

We are delighted to announce that two hundred and fourteen campers arrived this Sunday for a landmark Opening Day celebration of Camp Chewonki. After a year-long hiatus from in-person programs, our campus is once again overflowing with energy and joyful laughter. And, if one milestone wasn’t enough, we also welcomed our very first on-campus girls …

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