Wiscasset, Maine. As students returned to school last week, organizations large and small across Maine breathed a happy, yet tired, sigh of relief as they
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.
We’ve embarked on an exhilarating journey across Maine’s coastlines, lakes, rivers, mountain peaks, and backcountry forests – forging unforgettable memories along the way. And lucky for us, our fantastic trip leaders are sending back regular photo updates. Enjoy the latest images fresh off the trail!
One of the truly great summer adventures that Chewonki offers each year is the chance to leave the human-built spaces behind and journey access the
Resupplying our backcountry expeditions is most definitely my favorite summer work task. The process begins when I open the door to Packout, our on-campus trip coordination hub, and I’m hit by the smells of garlic powder, cheddar cheese, plastic bags, white gas, and humans working in the hot sun. Adventure is afoot, and excitement bubbles.
Katie Goodman, M.Ed., Camp Chewonki Director, writes, “first, I’ll state the obvious. I’m a camp person. I loved my childhood sleepaway camp so much that I decided to make camp my career. Now, I’ll tell you a secret. Camp people like me don’t always find a workplace that captures their heart as their childhood camp did. We care about our camps and the people involved. We love our careers. But it’s exceedingly rare to find that special feeling of “I’m home” a second time.”
Fly fishing for landlocked salmon at Chewonki’s Big Eddy Campground on the West Branch of the Penobscot River. Fly fishing for brook trout on a remote pond near Big Pleasant Lake in the Allagash Region. Paddling the St. John River when a late spring storm dropped a foot of snow on our group. Canoeing the St. Croix and the Allagash. These are just a few memories I’ve made with Gordon “Gordy” Hall, III, an avid outdoorsman, Chewonki’s longest-serving trustee, and my dear friend. I will deeply miss Gordy, who died on October 9, 2022, at age 92.
One of the most interesting summer opportunities we offer at Chewonki is the Boatbuilders Saguenay Sea Kayak program, where campers join us for five weeks
“Kids these days,” says boatbuilding instructor Bill Thomas, referring to the oft-used lament about youth. “Adults wouldn’t say that if they got to work with
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