FAQ

Is Camp Chewonki Accredited?

Camp Chewonki maintains accreditation with the American Camping Association (ACA). Camp Chewonki and the ACA work together to undergo a thorough peer review of all operations-from emergency management to staff qualifications and training.

The ACA works with the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth-serving agencies to assure that current practices at Chewonki reflect the most current, research-based standards in camp operation. ACA Accreditation is proof of our professional integrity and commitment to risk management. Accreditation is voluntary and assures families that Chewonki has made the commitment to a safe, nurturing environment for their children.

For more information, visit the ACA website

What are your Covid-19 Requirements?

How many kids per cabin in the Puffin program? AND What are the sizes of groups and overall size of the camp?

Our Puffin program is present on the Boys Camp and Non-Binary campus, and Girls Camp and Non-Binary campus. They do not do activities together, but may see each other in passing.
Boys Camp and Non-Binary campus has 2-4 cabins of Puffins, each with a ratio of 8:2 campers to Cabin Counselors. They will interact frequently with each other, and will go through similar experiences and camp traditions together! The rest of Boys Camp and Non-Binary has 9 other cabins, all with 8 campers in them.
Girls Camp and Non-Binary campus has 2 cabins of Puffins, with a ratio of 10:2 campers to Cabin Counselors with an additional support counselor. Like Boys Camp, they will interact frequently, take part of camp traditions together, and build friendships between the two cabins. The rest of Girls Camp is made up of 5 cabins, with 8 campers in each.

How many kids will I interact with every day? AND Do they always do everything with the kids from the cabin?

Our goal is to prepare you and your cabin to have a successful trip. We have designed our activities around team building, community, and teaching the cabin the skills they will need to go on trip. You will live, work, and go on trips with your cabin; while on Chewonki Neck, there is time to interact with other campers, and we like our campers to have some unstructured time so that they may interact with other cabins if they choose.

Do the Boys Camp and Girls Camp participants interact?

They do not interact. Boys camp and Girls camp have their own campuses on Chewonki Neck. They do the same activities, but not together. For siblings, we can arrange a meet up throughout camp, however mailing their sibling on the other campus is a popular option, especially since no postage is required!

Do camp participants need to have experience with hiking/camping/paddling?

Not at all! We encourage every camper, at every level, to challenge themselves and support their peers. Our curriculum focuses on teaching campers who have no experience while staying engaging for campers with experience.

Are the longer trips on the Chewonki Peninsula or elsewhere?

Our Puffin trips remain on Chewonki Neck, but all other age groups and our Leadership Expeditions venture away from our main campus and into various places across Maine and Quebec.

How long do campers spend at the camp before they go on their trip?

It varies depending on the cabin. Our first Puffin trips go out on day 4 and our first Heron/Owl/Osprey trips head out on day 5. The rest of the cabins have slightly staggered departure times for their trips after that.

How long do campers hike or canoe for at any one time (or how many miles)?

This is dependent on trip and age group. A typical paddling day for an Owl would be between 2-5 miles depending on conditions while our Ospreys could potentially paddle up to 15 miles on a river. For backpacking, our Bigelow trip generally keeps the mileage low due to the elevation gain involved in that area. Trip leaders will be able to adjust itineraries to fit their group needs.

How heavy are the packs they carry, etc.?

The weight of a camper’s backpack falls in a range depending on the individual. They usually end up weighing around 20% of their body weight.

Should I bring a knife or ax to do woodworking/chopping wood?

No. Chewonki will supply all axes/wood processing tools when needed.

Do I need to bring all of my own equipment for the trip?

Not necessarily! It will always be more comfortable to have your own equipment, however we do have equipment for you to use for your trip and throughout camp. If you have questions about what to bring, please see the packing list for more detailed information.

How does Chewonki handle dietary preferences, such as vegetarian/vegan?

Frequently, our meals are vegetarian. However, there is always a vegetarian/vegan option available. We get lots of fresh produce from our farm, and we love to cook healthy, delicious meals!

Are the horses on the farm workhorses or for horseback riding?

At Chewonki, we have two draft horses that work on the farm. We do most of our large farm-work with draft horses to be more sustainable, and they are very busy keeping up with the seasons! We do not offer horseback riding as an activity, but campers may get to help take care of the horses during their Farm and Food Systems activity period.

Will I be able to use my cell phone?

No, but we do have secure storage for camper’s valuables. We will collect all electronics, money, passports, etc. at the beginning of the program and these items will be returned to them at the end of the program.

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