Here is what participants and parents have been saying about our girls' programs. 

Our daughter's participation in the Canoe Expedition for Maine Girls could not have been more enriching or supportive of her development as a young woman. She returned from the arduous and challenging 3-week trip on the Allagash with the best parts of her intellect and soul shining. The trip seemed to focus on her strengths ( a tribute in large measure to the trip leaders) and to draw out the very best she has to offer. The experience provided our daughter with a revealing picture of her own strengths and capabilities, and an awareness of areas in which she is challenged. Overall, the trip will stand as one of the outstanding experiences of our daughter's life, a measure of her own potential and her unique relationship to the world. – Parent 2007

The trip helped me understand that I can accomplish anything if I try. – Participant 2007

As you are aware, we had reservations when we sent our daughter to Chewonki whether she would fit in or like it, since as a 15-year-old teenager she had become enamored with boys, clothes, jewelry, her cell phone, Myspace, and instant messaging on her computer. A three-week trip in the wilderness white water kayaking (session II) seemed as far from her interests as possible. Yet, she not only survived, but returned with new confidence in her own abilities, new friends, a new found respect for the world beyond our small home-town, and a more positive attitude. That is a lot to accomplish in just three weeks. We are amazed. Thanks to you, to the great guides she worked with on her trip, and to Chewonki for providing such an experience. – Parent 2007

I've never really been a leader at home, but at Chewonki I felt like I was a whole new person. I felt like I was more confidant, helpful, efficient, and just a lot more free than I was at home. – Participant 2007

This last summer, our daugther attended the Chewonki Wilderness AT camp – her first sleep-away camp. It was a transformational experience for Julia. She came home with a much clearer understanding of herself – her character strengths and defects. She developed an awareness of group dynamics and how each individual has an impact on the group's success. Her self-confidence and self-esteem skyrocketed as she realized that she can accomplish her goals – IF she commits to it and stays focused on the goals. As her mom, I am not reporting on my impressions – I am reporting what she herself articulated. I am so grateful that we found Chewonki. – Parent 2007

This has been the best, most successful, and most exciting thing so far in my life. – Participant 2007

I wanted to tell you that I had a parent/teachers conference yesterday, and ALL of my daughter’s teachers expressed that they are seeing a whole new person this year. She's a full participant, not combative or complaining, showing leadership – in other words, a great report! When I asked her what caused such a change, she didn't hesitate: "It's Chewonki. It changed my whole life." – Parent 2007