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Friendship, Challenge, Fun

What are you doing this summer? We want to take you outside!

Kayaking
Hiking

Chewonki has expedition-based leadership programs – for all genders and skill levels.
Join us to celebrate the power of unplugging from ordinary life and plunging into the rivers, lakes, mountains, woods, and coastline of Maine and eastern Canada.

We will average 4-12 miles per day, exploring beautiful lakes and ponds and breathtaking views along the way. There is a great chance of seeing moose, bear, beaver, eagles, deer, and other wildlife. Ages 14-16

Camp on pristine spruce-covered islands, explore busy working waterfronts, and commune with seabirds, seals and, perhaps, whales. Ages 14-16

Explore the historically important canoe routes that Henry David Thoreau and the Wabanaki guides traveled during their treks to Maine in 1857. Hone your camping and whitewater canoeing skills in magnificent settings. Ages 14-16

This 5-week experience offers you the opportunity to learn a skill, be creative, develop leadership skills, have an amazing adventure, and take your kayak home with you as a keepsake. Ages 15-17

September 9: Predators

Explore attitudes toward predators and reasons for their decline throughout history because of habitat loss and human interference. Discussion of current events emphasizes the importance of predators in maintaining the world’s ecological balance. Participants have the opportunity to study mounted animals and see three live, non-releasable predators. Hosted by the the Rumford Public Library.

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August 28: Mammals of Maine

Drop in and visit our display to learn about our native warm-blooded vertebrates: Maine mammals. See samples from our collection of skulls, study skins, and other specimens and learn how an animal’s characteristics, such as their teeth, feet, and fur serve as clues to understanding each mammal’s adaptations, niche, habitat, and the role it plays in the food web. Hosted by Shaw Public Library in Greenville, ME.

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August 26: Fur, Feathers & Feet

A great program for children from pre-school through 2nd grade. Discover the differences and similarities between birds and mammals as we encourage active learning by dressing two students in our bear and bird costumes. Hosted by the Bridgton Public Library.

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Animal Adaptations

August 22: Animal Adaptations

Come see us at the Maine Book Festival at the Thomaston Public Library and learn about adaptations, try on fun costumes, and see firsthand how three of our live, non-releasable animals have adaptations that help them thrive in their specific habitats, including our local marine habitat. Hosted by Maine Authors Publishing.

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August 19: Insects & Invertebrates

Is a bug an insect? Is a spider a bug? Chewonki brings the world of arthropods—insects and their relatives—to you, using models, costumes, and live specimens, we explain the unique characteristics of four major groups of arthropods. Our live specimens will introduce you to some of the fascinating adaptations essential for survival, such as mimicry, camouflage, armor, and the use of venom.

Hosted by the Topsham Public Library.

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Animal Adaptations

August 17: Animal Adaptations

Learn about adaptations, try on fun costumes, and see firsthand how three of our live, non-releasable animals have adaptations that help them thrive in their specific habitats, including our local marine habitat. Hosted by the Readfield Community Library.

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Homecoming Weekend!

August 21-23, 2026.  Join us at Chewonki for a fun-fulled weekend of connection and activities. Cabins and camping available.