"No matter how you get there, or where you end up, human beings have this miraculous gift to make that place home." - Creed Bratton, "The Office" When I came here four months ago, I was ready to make lifelong friends, enjoy nature, and learn through the land. While I have done all of these things, Chewonki has done much more for me than I ever expected. In the beginning of the semester, we all exchanged small talk, learned about our respective homes, and learned the ropes together. Slowly, we Read More

Last Friday, Semester 63 students welcomed their parents to Chewonki for Family Weekend, a showcase of their experiences so far here at Maine Coast Semester. It was a non-stop celebration featuring student-led activities, discussions, performances, art, and even a "Polar Bear Dip" at the waterfront! For many parents, Family Weekend was the first time they had seen their child since the start of the semester, 3 long months ago. We were curious to know what changes they observed, so we asked Read More

A few fragile flakes broke the anticipation in the air. All of a sudden, our semester’s first snow came fluttering down from the sky! Although we got only an inch or two of light snow, everything changed. Many students experienced their first real snow right here at Maine Coast Semester, and not just a dusting, but a tangible, cold, liberating snow.  With the snow came a few new additions to Chewonki life. Along with the everyday excitement that has almost become a norm (who would have Read More

Even though Maine Coast Semester doesn’t have any official sports teams, students still find ample time to pursue their interests. My friend James is very serious about basketball, and in our free time, I help him practice. We sometimes arrange games with other students. In fact, some of my best memories are playing basketball here. Personally, my favorite sport is fishing. I brought my fishing rod, my fly rod, and a net. Towards the beginning of the semester, when it was warm, I frequently Read More

Growing up in Maine means the landscape here is familiar. The ocean and pine trees are a part of my home. It's what I know. Attending Maine Coast Semester as a student from Maine means my relationship with this place is a little different than those of my fellow classmates. Although I spent my childhood exploring the intertidal and working in the blueberry fields, I never could have imagined all I would learn and experience here at Maine Coast Semester. What a great opportunity I have to learn Read More

I look forward to every weekend. School is engaging and interesting, but you can’t beat the amazing activities Maine Coast Semester has planned for the weekends. Every Friday night we have a guest speaker. Speakers vary from authors to photographers to musicians. Contrary to the name, many speakers share interesting pictures and initiate fun activities. On Saturdays, we have an activity before lunch. We usually learn outdoor skills, like how to use a compass, or discuss our next adventure into Read More

I hurry in, backpack slung over one shoulder, and sit down at my usual spot close to the door. The Fishbowl classroom is filled with students; I’m the last to arrive at our small Literature and the Land class today. Today’s prompt author is already writing their opening assignment on the whiteboard opposite the large windows. I take a deep breath and grab my writing utensil and journal out of my bag, ready to write.  The prompts for these five-minute warm-ups at the beginning of each Read More

Each semester, our students venture into Maine’s woods and waters for a 5-day wilderness trip. After weeks of preparation, students split into small groups to embark on a unique expedition alongside their classmates and faculty. The experience is a highlight of the Maine Coast Semester. Immersed in some of Maine’s most inspiring landscapes, students challenge themselves in new ways and discover just how much they can accomplish. This past fall, wilderness trips included backpacking in the Read More