2024 Spring Programs

F I N A N C I A L A I D I S A V A I L A B L E

When enrolling, enter codes: SCHOLARSHIP15 or SCHOLARSHIP30 and that percentage will be taken off tuition.

Please email info@sundogoe.com for information on more financial aid or full scholarships.

Hiking the Hills & Campcraft

4th, 5th and 6th Grades

There are so many trails, hills, preserves and paths to explore in the Midcoast. Having confidence to take to the woods is what this course is all about. Participants will learn the basics of hiking with a group which will build up to a Saturday expedition where they will take the lead.

The 4 hands on training sessions taught in the field will focus on foundational skills of route planning, risk management, group dynamics, and problem solving. Included in the sessions will be group initiatives to build bonds and have fun.

To facilitate a safe and happy trip the course will build upon environmental awareness, leave no trace ethics, ecology, and other essential skills important for safety and fun on a multi-hour day trip. This is invaluable knowledge that can be applied to any trip into the Maine wilderness.

Led by MountainSea Expedition Guides

Tuition: $175, all equipment included

Week of June 3rd: Monday-Thursday 3:45-6:15pm; Saturday 10-4pm

Fishing: Spin & Fly

5th, 6th, 7th & 8th grade

Patience, precision, luck, knowledge and more patience are all qualities that lead to the catch.  Join seasoned Maine Sport guides to practice the art of fishing as you venture to different local hot spots to cast and cast and cast. Casting from shore and canoe will be part of this course which will begin with the fundamentals of spin fishing and have one session dedicated to learning about fly fishing including tying knots, equipment and casting practice led by the veterans of Trout’s Unlimited.  

Participants will build skills and hopefully friendship as the small group sets out on four afternoons to see what's biting.  Along with fishing tactics, you will learn camp craft including fire building and wilderness survival.  If successful in catching fish, the group will learn how to clean, prepare and cook over an outdoor fire.  Sunday’s expedition will go further afield to learn more strategies and allow participants to showcase the skills learned.  Whether you are a seasoned fisher-kid or looking to pick up a new skill, this course is for you!

Course skills

Skills that will be learned while on course are spot selection, proper bait, casting, fish identification, reeling, catch-and-release, leave no trace ethics, fire building, and camp craft.

Led by Maine Sport Outfitters Guides

Tuition: $175, all equipment included

Week of May 13th: Monday - Thursday 3:45-6:15pm and May 19th, Sunday 8-2pm

Outdoor Art Exploration

5th, 6th, 7th and 8th

We are surrounded by beauty, by light, by scenes that draw thousands of visitors each year; this is our studio. Each afternoon the group will explore a different place and a different medium with a different local artist.

Students will first work with Michelle O’Dwyer using found objects for ink drawing on Monday and exploring metal and jewelry making Tuesday. Wednesday will be spent exploring and using natural materials to sculpt ephemeral art on the coast with Kathie Gass. Thursday will be with CMCA. The final day is a partnership with Leaps of Imagination artist Susan Bebee, who will introduce the group to Wheeler Bay Wildlife Sanctuary where participants will learn about the restoration & ecology of the site and spend the day foraging for printmaking material to create a multilayered print using nature to express the layers of themselves.

The focus of the week will be exploration and experimentation, with process being more important than the finished product.

Led by a Sundog Staff, accompanied by a different artist each day

Tuition: $175, materials provided

Week of May 6th: Monday-Thursday 3:45-6:15pm; Saturday 11-2pm

Kayaking: Lake & Ocean

6th, 7th, and 8th grade

Travel by kayak protects one from the cold water in case of capsize. Starting with the Inuit of present-day Alaska, kayaking has been a source of commerce, sustenance and recreation for over 10,000 years. This course is designed to teach the basics of kayaking on both flat water and ocean. Our program is provided in partnership Maine Sport Outfitters.

Each afternoon session will prepare students with technical skills, preparedness and basic knowledge of kayaking. The training sessions will start with foundational skills such as paddle strokes, steering and how to communicate with your paddle partner and progress to more advanced skills and techniques.

To facilitate a safe and happy trip the course will build upon environmental awareness, leave no trace ethics, ecology, route navigation, and other essential skills important for safety and fun on the water. This is invaluable knowledge that can be applied to any trip into the Maine wilderness.

Led by Maine Sport Outfitters Guides

Tuition: $175, all equipment included

Week of May 27th: Tuesday-Friday 3:45-6:15 pm; Sunday, June 2nd Expedition 9-1pm

HIGH SCHOOL Girls Adventure Group

Leadership Course for 9-12th graders

Navigating issues of identity is a crucial task of adolescence.  As peer influence via technology applies pressure on developing teens and societal rites of passage erode, guidance through this time of life is diminishing.  By creating gender-specific courses, we hope to provide a space for young people to experience, discuss, reflect upon their emerging identity and values with trusted adults through the metaphors ever-present in outdoor challenges and service.

Each week’s session will focus on a different physical challenge and have a different local expert to lead discussions on topics related to self care, resilience, confidence, craftsmanship and integrity. The guide, Emily Morong, will lead each sessions and provide continuity and initiatives to build a trusting group which allows for openness, support and connection with peers and the weekly mentors.

The activities will include hiking, ocean kayaking, yoga, meditation, contrast therapy (cold water/sauna) and a service project with Habitat for Humanity. Guest experts will include: Amy Carpenter of Be Wise, Be Strong; Colleen Duggan of Camden Maine Yoga, Beth Goodman of Native Sauna, Cynthia Thone of Symmetry and Tia Andersen director of Habitat for Humanity.

The rationale for separating groups based on gender identity rests in the reality that different parts of one’s self present different privileges and challenges. Identifying those with adults who have a broader life experience and with peers who can affirm one’s experience can be a powerful force in developing one’s “voice” and thereby leadership ability…We hope to offer a boys group and a non-binary/queer group in the future.

Led by Emily Morong, a registered Maine Guide who is currently studying acupuncture.

Tuition: $100, all equipment included

Session Dates: April 21 & 28; May 5 & 12.

The first three Sundays 1-5pm; May 12 will meet from 11-3pm.

This course is subsidized by a generous grant from the Quinby Foundation; and additional scholarship funds are available. Use promo codes, or email info@sundogoe.com.

F I N A N C I A L A I D I S A V A I L A B L E

When registering enter: SCHOLARSHIP15, SCHOLARSHIP30, SCHOLARSHIP50 and that percentage will be taken off tuition.