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 Wonder: Chewonki Through the Eyes of Children
For many children, a visit from Chewonki’s Traveling Natural History Program is more than just a presentation—it’s an unforgettable experience. They meet animals they’ve only read about, learn surprising facts, and find themselves immersed in hands-on learning that sparks curiosity and wonder.
This year, dozens of young participants shared their gratitude for these experiences with us through handwritten thank-you letters. Their words and drawings bring the magic of Chewonki to life in ways only children can.
Here’s a selection of these heartfelt letters, each offering a glimpse into the wonder and joy of discovering the natural world:
Emily’s rainbow-colored owl bursts with creativity and joy, perfectly capturing the sense of wonder she experienced when Chewonki visited her classroom. Inside, she adds a colorful thank-you to ‘Mr. Tyler’ for teaching her that ‘bears are omnivores,’ showcasing her enthusiasm for learning and discovery.
Liam’s note showcases a newfound fascination with wildlife, proudly sharing the fact that ‘beavers have webbed feet.’ His drawing captures a special moment with Chewonki educator, Tyler, showing him a loon skull—a moment Liam is sure to remember.
Adeline’s excitement shines through as she recalls highlights from her visit: exploring the music/art room, watching Tilly flick out his blue tongue, and hearing Woden screech. ‘Thank you for showing us EVERYTHING!’ she writes, capturing the joy of a day filled with discovery.
Vivienne’s thoughtful letter goes beyond gratitude, highlighting the lessons she learned about predators and the joy of meeting animals like Tilly, Ozzie, and Tula. Her words, ‘You are a wonderful person,’ remind us of the powerful connections formed at Chewonki.
Kristofer’s excitement shines through as he recalls touching the soft bear skin and marveling at the blue-tongued skink. His letter captures the awe and curiosity Chewonki inspires in young people.
Cynthia’s letter is a snapshot of unforgettable moments: feeling a snake’s shed skin, hearing the screech owl’s calls, and meeting Tula, the tarantula. Her vivid descriptions and sense of humor bring the magic of Chewonki to life.
This young learner discovered that saw-whet owls are the tiniest owls in the state and brought the fact to life with a vibrant drawing of an owl perched in a tree. Their creativity and excitement highlight the wonder of connecting with nature with Chewonki.
Read More Thank You's
The letters from Chewonki’s youngest visitors remind us that the gift of outdoor education is about more than just learning—it’s about sparking curiosity, building connections, and creating moments of joy that stay with children long after their visit.
“Chewonki isn’t just a place to see animals or learn facts,” one student wrote. “It’s a place to discover how amazing the world really is.”
Thank you to all the children who shared their words and drawings with us. Your experiences are a testament to the power of outdoor education. With your support, we can continue to provide these transformative opportunities for generations to come. Click here to donate today—your generosity makes all the difference.
Thank you for being part of the Chewonki family.
