Cullen McGough

Cullen is the director of communications at Chewonki.

Tim Ellis, Visionary Leader in Outdoor Education, Dies at 87

We are sad to share that former Chewonki Executive Director, Harwood Ellis, Jr., known as Tim, died on May 18, 2025, in Missoula, Montana. Tim was an innovative educator who influenced thousands of people through his leadership and love of the natural world. He believed individuals grow fully in community, living, learning, and working in …

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Screens Off, Hands On: How Science Field Labs Reboot A Love of Learning

Cullen: I’m talking today with Robbin Dilley, our Natural History and Ecology Teacher at Maine Coast Semester. Robbin, can we start out with a 30-second life story? How did you become a science teacher? Robbin: Sure! I studied biology at Columbia and originally wanted to go into environmental law. But the more I spoke with …

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Seas the Moment! An Interview with Trip Leader Hank Bruininks

This week we talked with Hank Bruininks, a Chewonki Trip Leader and sea kayaking guide, about the ebb and flow of a Chewonki trip experience.   “What first drew you to sea kayaking, and how did that initial spark shape your passion for guiding trips?” To be honest, I kind of became a sea kayaker by …

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Knit Happens

Thanks to the sheep on our farm, the fiber arts have have always had a warm, snuggly, place here at Chewonki. With the wool grown, shorn, carded, spun, and dyed right on site, many students and campers have their first lesson in knitting, crocheting, felting, and/or weaving while attending a program here, and it’s not …

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A Heart-felt Alumni Gathering

This past Saturday, the NYC All-Chewonki Gathering brought together 60 alumni and friends from across generations for an afternoon filled with connection, creativity, and Chewonki spirit. The setting could not have been more perfect—Ferdi, a warm and inviting West Village restaurant, showered us with charm, impeccable service, and a spread of mouthwatering Italian treats courtesy …

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