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 of sibling owners Aida and Ferdinand Scarpati. And for those of us arriving from Maine, the mild, sunny weather was an added bonus.
Adding to the evening’s hands-on fun, Chewonki art educator Monique Boutin led a felting and weaving activity, inviting guests to tap into their creativity.
“It was such a joy to meet and hear from so many alumni—learning about what parts of Chewonki were special to them, their art experiences, and what those moments have meant in their lives,” Monique shared.
Meanwhile, August Orlowski (Boys Camp ’23, ’24) and Rosy Landrum (MCS 73) were the lucky winners of our Chewonki sheep pelt giveaway:
Another standout moment came early in the evening when former camper George Breece (Boys Camp ’67–’68) arrived, carrying a folder of beautifully preserved Camp Chewonki memorabilia. Inside were several treasures, including a certificate in riflery signed by Tim Ellis, photos and awards, and a well-loved Junior Maine Guide handbook.
Midway through the gathering, Chewonki President Nancy Kennedy climbed atop a dining chair to address the crowd, to share some heart(felt!) remarks about the importance of alumni to our ongoing mission:
“Our alumni are at the heart of Chewonki’s work—your experiences, your stories, and your continued support help give hope to the next generation of environmental stewards.”
Thank you to everyone who attended and made this event so special, and a big thank you from all of our staff who attended:
- Nancy Kennedy, Chewonki President
- Sarah Rebick, Director of Maine Coast Semester
- Katie Goodman, Director of Camp Chewonki
- Katie Malek, Associate Director, Camp Chewonki for Girls
- Jen Adams, Director of Outdoor Programs
- Elly Thomas, Outdoor Programs Manager
- Justin Fahey, Director of Admissions, Maine Coast Semester
- Peg Willauer-Tobey, Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations
- Alexis Grillo, Annual Fund and Alumni Manager
