hop, slither, & swim

Mount Desert Island is home to several species of reptiles and amphibians. Join us for an adventurous week of catching frogs, identifying turtles, turning over logs to find salamanders, and searching for snakes. Snorkel in ponds and sift through leaf litter to learn about these ectothermic creatures and their habitats. Bring your nets, nature journals and sense of exploration!

June 24 – June 28
5-day session: $230 Local / $265 Non-Local

discovering the dawnland

Forage for natural materials to make everything from the edible to the artistic. Weave with found grasses and bark, forage for plants to make tasty tea and feel rhythms of drum and flute playing. Learn some of the ways of the Wabanaki tribe as you explore native Maine craft, cooking and traditions. Days are complete with swimming, exploring hiking and games!

July 1 – July 12 [No session on Thursday July4th]
2-week session: $390 Local / $420 Non-Local

farm to fork: Food systems fun at beech hill farm & beyond

To Beech Hill Farm we go! Get your hands dirty in the ground, harvest seasonal veggies, prepare farm-fresh lunches, and quack with the ducks, while getting a glimpse of our local food system through fun days spent at Beech Hill and other island farms. Learn about the natural history of many edible crops, play games, make vegetable art, enjoy a refreshing swim, and plant a seed of wonder this summer exploring how your food goes from farm to fork.

July 15 – July 18
4-day session: $195 Local / $230 Non-Local

nature's nourishment

Explore local and wild foods on MDI by harvesting wild edibles, sampling vegetables from the SFS garden, and meeting local fishermen. Explore the delicate desires of your palate by preparing and trying a variety of delicious treats. Learn about the natural history of foragable foods while finding out about how your body uses food so you can have fun. Swimming, hiking and games will round out the week.

July 22 – August 1
2-week session: $390 Local / $420 Non-Local

aquatic odyssey

Splash around the marine ecosystems of MDI while learning about the plants and animals that make their home there. Hunt for crabs and sea urchins in the tide pools, learn to identify and press sea weed, and discover hidden beaches and coves on MDI’s coastline. Enjoy fun games, scavenger hunts, and crafts too!

[Now Full]

August 5 – August 9
5-day session: $230 Local / $265 Non-Local 

animal abodes

Build forts, nests and boroughs while learning about how animals make their own unique homes. Visit active and abandoned beaver lodges and see how humans and other animals use the materials of the natural world to build their dwellings. From beehives to bird houses—come explore and construct the structures creatures call home. Games, art and songs, too!

August 12 - August 15
4-day session: $195 Local / $230 Non-Local