Maine
2025–26 ENROLLMENT INFORMATION
Congratulations on being selected to travel on the Coastal Maine Sea Kayaking Expedition travel program! On this trip, you will explore Maine’s coast and watersheds to gain new insights about how human communities and natural ecosystems are impacted by and responding to the challenges of the 21st century.
Make sure to keep checking this page for Updates
General Program Information:
- Program Dates: June 3 – June 11, 2026
- Trip Leader: Ben Gulla
- Updated Itinerary: *This itinerary is subject to change
This program begins on June 3 with a drive from Bradley International Airport to Portland, and an afternoon visit to the Chewonki Foundation. The next day continues with orientation before heading north to Baxter State Park, where students will stay at Abol Campground. On June 5, the group will hike Mount Katahdin via the Abol Trail and explore Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, returning to the same accommodations. The adventure continues June 6 with a day trip rafting on the Penobscot River.
On June 7, students will engage with Indigenous communities on Indian Island and learn about dam removal and river restoration in the Bangor area, before traveling to Coastal Maine. The following days focus on marine and coastal ecology, including sea kayaking, visits to the Island Institute, an organic farm, and aquaculture initiatives such as Ellsworth Seaweed. These coastal explorations continue through June 9 and 10, before the group departs on June 11, arriving back at Bradley International Airport by mid-afternoon.
- Program Notes:
- On June 3, Students will have the option of meeting the Program leader at the Deerfield Academy Campus or at Bradley International Airport, and will travel together via van to Portland, Maine on June 3rd, 2026.
- Cell Phone Policy: This is an “unplugged” program, so students will not have access to cell phones or the internet for the duration of their time on the program. Faculty leaders will have cell phones and access to WiFi.
- Other Important Information about the program: Most of the trip accommodations are at cabins and campsites, and Deerfield students will be sharing accommodations with students from the other two schools in the program.
Documents & Forms
All forms will come in a DocuSign email.
Health & Safety:
1. Travel Medicine Advisory Letter
A letter from Dr. Bryant Benson provides important guidance on health preparations for travel. View Letter
2. Vaccination Information:
- No vaccinations are required for this program.
3. Insurance Information:
- Deerfield Academy provides students with International SOS Travel Insurance during the program.
- CLICK HERE for general information about International SOS Travel Insurance, the service they offer and HERE for information on how to get in touch with them pre-travel.
Deerfield Academy also encourages Students and Parents to consider purchasing additional “cancel for any reason” insurance as available.
PACKING LIST
Group Flight Information:
More information coming soon.
Pre and Post Trip Plans and Travel:
Pre- Trip Information: On June 3, Students will have the option of meeting the Program leader at the Deerfield Academy Campus or at Bradley International Airport, and will travel together via van to Portland, Maine on June 3rd, 2026.
Post Trip Information: The trip ends when the group returns via van to Bradley International Airport, CT on June 11, 2026.
Payment Information:
All payment information, including non-refundable deposit amount, comes via email through a DocuSign envelope.
The remaining balance of the program fee will be billed to your student account on December 12, 2025 and due in full by January 1, 2026.
Please contact the Finance Office at [email protected] with any questions or the Center for Service and Global Citizenship via email [email protected] or phone: 413-774-1435.
This page contains enrollment information for students who have been selected for one of our 2026 trips. If you are interested in other Global Studies programs or future travel opportunities, please contact The Center for Service and Global Citizenship.