Every moment at Chewonki offers a chance for growth, connection, and discovery. From polar bear plunges to caring for farm animals, our students and campers take away meaningful gifts—curiosity, resilience, and inspiration—that last a lifetime.
This November and December, we’re celebrating the gifts of outdoor education with stories from our community. Want to share yours? Email Alexis Grillo at agrillo@chewonki.org.
The Gift of Personal Growth
At Chewonki, we’ve seen time and time again how with the right support, the limits we face can become milestones of growth.
On a crisp September morning, Anna, a Semester Teaching Fellow, and Gabe, a skilled Outdoor Instructor, guided Madelin to the Oxbow waterfront for a practice session. They began with the basics—floating in a PFD—before progressing to Madelin’s biggest challenge: the water exit. After a calm, reassuring demonstration, it was Madelin’s turn. As Anna and Gabe steadied her kayak, tears welled up in her eyes. But she was determined.
1… 2… 3…
Madelin, pictured above, faced her fears and doubts head-on, triumphantly completing her Maine Coast Semester experience
Growing up in the landlocked south, Madelin hadn’t spent a lot of time around water. So a sea kayaking trip would be a big challenge. But she had traveled all the way to Maine, learned to live in a wood-heated cabin and was now taking advanced placement courses alongside talented students from around the country. She was ready to take on anything. Feeling determined, Madelin approached Anna, a semester teaching fellow, and one of the sea kayaking expedition leaders, about achieving her dream.
Fast forward to Madelin, Anna, and Gabe at the Oxbow Waterfront. Following Anna and Gabe’s clear instructions—”Grab the straps of your PFD, move your hands down to the edges of the kayak skirt, find the strap at the front, pull forward, up, and release”—Madelin plunged her kayak into the cool water. “It felt cold, yet cozy,” she reflected later. Staying calm, she reached for the skirt, gave it a firm tug, and freed herself from the cockpit. Success! She pushed away from the kayak and floated back to the surface, greeted by cheers from her instructors, who beamed with pride.
A few days later, Madelin headed out on her sea kayaking expedition.
“Without Anna and Gabe, I couldn’t have experienced the amazing Backcountry Trip I had. I saw so many seals and loons and camped with friends under the stars.”
Madelin’s journey wasn’t just about kayaking—it was about discovering strength, resilience, and confidence she didn’t know she had. It’s a testament to the transformative experiences Chewonki fosters every single day.
A Chewonki participant practices flipping their kayak to master the water exit technique.
“Sometimes, adapting to new environments is hard, but it’s so worth it,” she said. “I’m so grateful for the people who believed in my abilities.”
Madelin’s story expresses the heart of Chewonki’s mission—empowering young people to confront challenges, discover inner strength, and forge lasting connections with mentors, peers, and the natural world. Your support brings these transformative experiences to life. Please donate today—your generosity makes all the difference.
Thank you for being part of the Chewonki community.
Above: Madelin’s expedition group navigates the islands around Stonington, ME. She credits her instructors, Anna and Gabe, for making her journey possible.
Above: Madelin (left) and a Semester 73 friend exit their boats and pose for a quick photo before heading to an island campsite.
Above: Madelin (left) with Maine Coast Semester 73 at MOFGA’s Common Ground Fair in September.
Maine Coast Semester 73 students and faculty. Together, we foster a supportive community that empowers every member to overcome fears and push beyond their limitations.
