Meet the Director

Katie Goodman
Director of Camp Chewonki
kgoodman@chewonki.org
(207) 656-1164
She, Her, Hers
The Puffin Program is an introductory program exposing campers to camp life and preparing them for a full session experience. The Puffin Program provides campers with all of the laughter and learning, fun and friendship of Camp Chewonki, concentrated into 10 amazing days!
Dates:
Puffins live in cabin groups of 8-10 with two cabin leaders, who help campers get to know each other and feel at home at camp. Puffins take part in daily camp activities such as outdoor living skills, farm and food systems, natural history, watercraft, and visual arts, along with opportunity for free choice and general swim.
Please note: The specific trip itinerary for each cabin will vary based on weather conditions, river water levels, site availability, and the overall skill level and age range of the group. Here are some example cabin trip adventures:
Puffins get their first taste of outdoor living as we venture out of the cabin and set up tents for a 3-day canoe trip around Chewonki Neck peninsula. Each campsite is situated on a point of land with beautiful views of the saltwater estuary surrounding the Chewonki peninsula. Birdsongs, lapping waves, and a sense of high adventure make this first-time campout perfect for young children.
Let’s go Canoeing!
To get to our campsite, Puffins and their cabin leaders load their gear into canoes at our waterfront and paddle down Montsweag Creek and around the peninsula until they reach their campsite. We learn the basic paddling strokes, water safety, and play games along the way as we explore the beautiful estuary ecosystem.
New Skills with a Focus on Outdoor Living
While on our trip, campers learn the basics of outdoor living including fire building, tent set-up, and campfire cooking. We finish each day gathered around the campfire, sharing songs, stories, and reflections of our day.
Some campers return for a full session after participating in the Puffin Program, and some return for another summer as a Puffin. The program has been designed to increase rigor for each age group, ensuring that campers feel prepared for the next step in their Camp Chewonki journey.
A fully completed registration form, director approval, and a deposit is required to hold a program space. Deposits are non-refundable.
We reserve the right to cancel, delay, substitute, or revise any program itinerary due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If we are forced to cancel camp programming due to COVID-19, families will be given a full refund, including their deposit.