West Branch Explorers (ages 13-15)
Three-Week
Spend three weeks hiking and canoeing in the heart of Maine’s North Woods, exploring the majestic landscape of this renowned region. The trip begins by backpacking along the Barren Chairback Range of the Appalachian Trail, from Monson to Gulf Hagas. The group will then be transported north of Moosehead Lake to Roll Dam on the West Branch of the Penobscot. Here they will begin 11 days of canoeing along a historic route that includes both lake and river paddling. Participants will focus on building confidence in their wilderness and backcountry travel skills, gaining the experience to live and travel responsibly in the outdoors.

Maine Island Camp (ages 14-17)
Ten-Day
This group will split their time between two of Chewonki’s newly acquired coastal islands! Russ Island off Stonington, with high bluffs, rocky edges, and a sandy beach, has been heralded by many as one of the natural gems of Penobscot Bay. Hungry Island, situated in Muscongus Bay, is equally beautiful. Both are uninhabited and part of the 325-mile-long Maine Island Trail. This pioneering ten-day program will consist of a balance between recreational activities and service projects. Participants and their leaders will live on the islands, exploring neighboring islands by kayak and learning about the Maine Coast. Emphasis will be placed on trail building, service projects, low-impact camping skills, and campsite design. This program offers a unique opportunity to help shape Chewonki’s future use of these islands.

Click here for One-Week Adventures

Look for this trip in 2009

New! Nova Scotia Hike/Paddle/Surf (ages 15-17)
Three-Week
Surf, sea kayak, and hike Cape Breton Island and the coast of Nova Scotia this summer! After leaving Chewonki Neck, the group and their leaders will embark on a two-day road trip, traveling downeast through the Bay of Fundy and north to Highlands National Parc. There, the group will spend several days hiking, ending with a day on the Franey Trail and spending a night at the Ingonish campground, home to a beautiful ribbon-like beach that separates open ocean and protected estuary. The van then travels south along the famed Cabot Trail toward the town of Lunenburg where they'll switch to sea kayaks and spend five days paddling down the southern coast of Nova Scotia. The last leg of the adventure will be spent surfing the legendary waves of Kejimikujik National Park. Mornings will consist of 3 hour surf lessons with Jeff Norman, owner of Rossignol Surf Shop. After lunch and a siesta they’ll hit the water again to practice everything they’ve learned! As the van heads south again, the group will spend a night at Cobscook Bay before returning to Chewonki Neck.