All students participate in our Outdoor Living Skills program, which is woven into the curriculum in weekend programming and trips throughout the semester. Our program emphasizes leadership skills in the outdoors including: communication, decision making, minding the weather and dressing appropriately, following safety protocols, and learning about and respecting places, wildlife, and people. Specific skills taught throughout the semester include: wood processing with an axe and saw, baking over a fire, tying knots, setting up and sleeping under a tarp, and navigating with a map and compass.
Throughout the semester, we dive into mastering the skills necessary to stay safe, warm, and dry in remote wilderness locations. Classes are led by Maine Coast Semester faculty and Chewonki’s experienced backcountry trip guides. Whether you are a seasoned adventurer or an absolute beginner, Outdoor Skills class will make sure you’re prepared to not just survive–but thrive in the outdoors, whatever the conditions.
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Backcountry Expeditions
Extending Our Classroom to the Outdoors Backcountry Expeditions are a highlight of the Maine Coast Semester experience, allowing students to connect with nature and each other in a deep and ...
Solos
The culminating peak of the Outdoor Living Skills program is the 48-hour Solo on Chewonki Neck. Solos are an opportunity for students to reflect on their personal growth throughout the ...
Outdoor Leadership Weekend
This next level of outdoor education also includes a two-day Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course, taught by Wilderness Medical Associates International, which certifies each student is trained in the basics of ...
