At Chewonki, we strive for a relaxed atmosphere where campers and trippers may grow to know themselves better and realize that they have much to contribute to the happiness of others. A Chewonki summer offers the opportunity to develop new skills and interests. Each participant will return home having gained new experiences and substantial personal growth. We feel that values such as a genuine concern for others, an understanding of the power of integrity, the courage to confront oneself and seek improvement, and a generous curiosity about the natural world are of great importance. These values become especially meaningful in an atmosphere that takes advantage of the outdoors. 

Since the days in the 1930s when counselors like the famed ornithologist Roger Tory Peterson led Chewonki campers on tramps through marshes and over hills in search of birds, an interest in natural history has been the fabric of all our programs. We are dedicated to teaching young people the value of their heritage of wildlife and unspoiled natural areas. Many Chewonki campers and trippers develop a lifelong interest in stewardship and environmental ethics that lasts a lifetime.