Summer Field Studies for Children

Black snail on a surface

rooted in curiosity, inspired by the coast

A nature-based summer camp for children

Summer Field Studies is a day camp offering young people entering first through sixth grade the opportunity to explore, play, and learn about the ecology of Mount Desert Island. Every session fosters a fun, safe, cooperative space for creativity, learning, and exploration. 

Each day includes a mix of activities, nature exploration, field games, and arts & crafts related to the session theme. Groups will go on multiple off-campus excursions each week that may include nature walks and exploration, swimming, or canoeing/kayaking depending on the age group and session. Our program staff are CPR, first-aid, and lifeguard certified. 

Kids playing near the water.

Hours & Rates

Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday

2026 rates:

  • Local resident rate: $295 per session
  • Non-resident rate: $375 per session

Extended care options: We are pleased to offer extra flexibility for families this summer. You can add these options to your registration at checkout:

  • Before rare: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ($10 per day)
  • After care: 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. ($15 per day)
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2026 sessions

Arc 1: The Saltwater odyssey

  • Barnacles (rising 1st and 2nd grade): Discover the magic of the intertidal zone as we learn the art of sticking together. Campers will search for hidden treasures revealed by the falling tide and explore how little creatures stay put in a splashing world.
  • Hermits (rising 3rd and 4th grade): Join us as we scour the shoreline for the perfect habitat. Campers will investigate the crags and crevices of the coast to see how animals find their homes while trekking across the rocky terrain of Bar Island.
  • Krakens (rising 5th and 6th grade): Unleash your curiosity on the rugged edge of the ocean. These older explorers will study the complex life of the intertidal zones and master the secrets of the shoreline during adventurous coastal expeditions.

  • Barnacles (rising 1st and 2nd grade): Set sail for fun as we learn about the friendly animals living in Frenchman Bay. Young explorers will experiment with natural materials to see what floats and watch how the currents carry treasures along the shore.
  • Hermits (rising 3rd and 4th grade): Navigate the local waters to meet the mysterious residents of the bay. Campers will practice their spotting skills and learn how to find their way across the waves during an exciting boat based adventure.
  • Krakens (rising 5th and 6th grade): Become a master of the bay while studying the science of the sea. This week features deep dives into marine navigation and visits to local experts to see exactly what lives at the bottom of the deep blue water.

  • Barnacles (rising 1st and 2nd grade): Dive into a world of giants and glowing lights. Campers will learn about the big whales that call our ocean home and find ways that art can mimic the beautiful bioluminescence of the deep.
  • Hermits (rising 3rd and 4th grade): Uncover the secrets of the abyss and the massive creatures that live there. We will visit local skeletons and exhibits to understand the scale of the ocean before a massive camp wide splash down celebration.
  • Krakens (rising 5th and 6th grade): Explore the furthest reaches of the ocean from the safety of the shore. Our oldest group will investigate deep sea biology and celebrate the end of our saltwater odyssey with a daring jump into the local waters.
Arc 2: The island’s backbone

  • Barnacles (rising 1st and 2nd grade): Peer beneath the leaves to find a hidden universe thriving on the forest floor. Campers will use tools to look at the forest around them during micro hikes and see if they can track tiny travelers and study the fascinating mosses that carpet the woods.
  • Hermits (rising 3rd and 4th grade): Explore the networks that connect the entire forest. This week focuses on the mysterious world of fungi and hidden trails as we trek through the lush and mossy paths of the island interior.
  • Krakens (rising 5th and 6th grade): Investigate the foundation of our local ecosystem from the soil up. Campers will work with experts to understand forest health and lead the way on hikes to discover the secrets of the island’s understory.

  • Barnacles (rising 1st and 2nd grade): Look up and get ready to reach new heights. Our youngest campers will explore the world of rocks and peaks while learning how animals like the osprey build their homes high above the ground.
  • Hermits (rising 3rd and 4th grade): Master the skills of the mountainside during this high energy week. Campers will dive into all the different kinds of climbing and practice essential knot tying skills used by real explorers on the granite cliffs of Acadia.
  • Krakens (rising 5th and 6th grade): Challenge yourself against the vertical landscapes of Mount Desert Island. We will study the ancient geology of our peaks and work with local climbing enthusiasts to experience the island from a brand new perspective.

  • Barnacles (rising 1st and 2nd grade): Learn how to thrive in the wild by learning how to build tiny forts and shelters. Campers will use natural materials like fallen branches and sticky sap to create their own magical woodland village.
  • Hermits (rising 3rd and 4th grade): Discover the ancient art of land stewardship and survival. Campers will learn how people have lived in harmony with this island for centuries before competing in our epic Mountain Olympics.
  • Krakens (rising 5th and 6th grade): Take a deep dive into human ecology and the skills of the wilderness. This week features shelter building and visits to cultural sites to learn how to respect and protect our beautiful island home.
Arc 3: Curiosities and creations

  • Barnacles (rising 1st and 2nd grade): Use the outdoors as your canvas as we forage for natural colors. Campers will learn to make paints from what they find in the natural world to create beautiful masterpieces inspired by the textures of the woods.
  • Hermits (rising 3rd and 4th grade): Capture the beauty of the coast through sketching and sculpture. We will take our art supplies on the road to draw the waves and collaborate with local artists and try our hands at some giant outdoor murals.
  • Krakens (rising 5th and 6th grade): Explore the intersection of nature and creativity. Our oldest artists will practice different art mediums and sketching along the ocean path while learning how to use recycled materials to make a statement.

  • Barnacles (rising 1st and 2nd grade): Get your hands in the soil and discover where our food comes from. Campers will visit local fields to see how tiny seeds turn into delicious snacks during a week filled with farm fun.
  • Hermits (rising 3rd and 4th grade): Learn the secrets of sustainable living and healthy earth. From sorting compost to harvesting vegetables, we will explore how we can all be better neighbors to the plants and animals around us.
  • Krakens (rising 5th and 6th grade): Become a leader in the future of food and ecology. This final week explores sustainable living with potential visits to local fields for a community harvest and a creative celebration featuring recycled designs on the green.

contact us

Email: sfs@coa.edu

Summer Field Studies Director: Megan Rivera-Hughes
Director of Summer Programs: Jenna Horton