Tips for Thriving at a Semester School

It feels like yesterday when I was dropped off. I remember applying for Chewonki, thinking to myself the whole time, How on earth am I going to do this? I couldn’t even do three weeks at sleepaway camp, how am I supposed to do four months at a semester school? Now, all I can think about is how fast these months have flown by. Time has never dragged here, the fun times sweep you along like the tide and spit you out at the end. I can still remember my first meal here, a ham and cheese wrap, sitting around a table with my soon-to-be best friends. I don’t regret a single second of this experience. The highs and lows bonded us equally, and we all took comfort in knowing that we were all equally nervous to do this.

If you are worried about surviving four months here, just think about me, the kid who cried himself to sleep every night of sleepaway camp, telling you this is the most fun you will ever have.

At Chewonki, we have a saying: There is no bad weather, only bad clothes. It can get cold here, really cold, but you learn to adapt faster than an owl hunting mice. Here are some tips on how to dress:

Step One: Layers
Never underestimate the power of thermal underwear. It will keep you warm even during those mornings at farm chores when you are up an hour before the sun. An extra sweater will go far under your jacket. Don’t overlook that rain jacket on the packing list, it will stop the wind and not overheat you, even when you are running around during field lab.

Step Two: Extras
This might sound obvious, but I have seen plenty of people make this mistake. When you are running around in the snow and mud, your socks, pants, and shirts are going to get soaked. Just yesterday, I was playing baseball, slipped in a wet patch, and had to change from head to toe. Make sure you bring so many socks you think, “There is no way I am going to use all these.” That’s when you know you have enough. Then throw one more in.

Step Three: Durability
When coming here, you really want one or two pairs of clothes that can get really dirty. Of course, you can bring your better shirts, most days you are not getting in the muck, but don’t forget the overalls!