College of the Atlantic’s Summer Field Studies participants explore, play, and learn through a variety of hands-on, minds-on activities to increase their awareness and appreciation of the natural world.
Summer Field Studies (SFS) is a curricular-based day program designed for young people entering first through eighth grades. Participants explore, play, and learn through a variety of hands-on, minds-on activities to increase their awareness and appreciation of the natural world. Working in small groups lets us foster an atmosphere of community and cooperation. The leadership, experience, and knowledge of our staff create a safe, fun, caring, and rich space for learning. While making new friends and visiting beautiful areas, SFS participants develop both an understanding and sensitivity toward the natural world around them.
Each week will have an overarching focus area for all groups. Every day will include themed activities, nature exploration, field games, arts & crafts, and water play. Additional activities will be geared toward the age of the group. Older participants will have at least one outing per week including hiking, nature walks, and canoeing. Our youngest participants will stay on the College of the Atlantic Campus throughout the summer.
The 2023 program will run from June 19 - August 11. No programming is offered on Tuesday, July 4.
The hours of SFS are 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday. Before and after care will be offered from 7:30 - 9:00 AM and from 3:00 - 5:00 PM respectively.
Week 1 | June 19 - 23 | all about birds
Week 2 | june 26 - 30 | Flora (Plants)
Week 3 | july 03 - 07 | Bees & Bugs*Not in session on July 4
Week 4 | july 10 - 14 | fauna (animals)
Week 5 | july 17 - 21 | oceans deep
Week 6 | july 24 - 28 | fungi (& lichens!)
Week 7 | jul 31 - Aug 4 | teeming intertidal
Week 8 | august 7 - 11 | art & Stories of mainE
Summer Program
Resident (of Hancock County): $285/week
Non-Resident: $360/week
No programming is offered on July 4. Pricing during this week will be reflected with lower rates: $230/week for residents and $300/week for non-residents.
*A $50 deposit per session will be required at the time of registration unless you are applying for tuition assistance. Remaining payments will be automatically charged on June 1.
Before- and After-Care
Before-care: $15/day, regardless of residency
After-care: $15/day, regardless of residency
Tuition Assistance Program
Tuition Assistance is available and based on financial need. The amount of awards available vary annually due to the amount of yearly donations. Awards range between 10% and 75% of total program fees.
During registration, please select the “Tuition Assistance Application” fee for each session. No deposit will be required. Upon completion of registration, please complete the Tuition Assistance Application and email it to sfs@coa.edu
Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once we receive the completed application we will assess the need and contact you with further instructions.
Cancellations & Refunds:
Please submit written notice of cancellation via email to sfs@coa.edu. Refunds will be issued on the following schedule:
Cancellations received before April 1 will be entirely refunded.
Cancellations received between April 1 - May 15 will be entirely refunded, minus fees paid for the deposit.
Cancellations received after May 15 will be non-refundable.
Registration will be divided into four groups, based on the grade level your child will be entering during the 2023-2024 school year.
