Week #3, Woolwich 8th Graders

The last week of 2018's FLOW trips was another success, despite the weather's lack of cooperation. It rained every day but one, and the temperature didn't rise much above 50º. But you know what? The kids not only endured it, but actually thrived. I've always said that the trips with the worst weather make for some of the best memories. After dealing with days of rain, one has a deep appreciation for the sun once it comes out.

Ms. Devin and Ms. Johnson, the art teachers at Woolwich Central School and Bath Middle School respectively, made sure they taught similar lessons on landscape painting during FLOW this year. Ms. Johnson developed the plein air art curriculum for the 2017 trips for BMS, and was eager to help get Woolwich kids on the same program. While out on Beale Island, students learn about foreground, middle ground, background, horizon line and atmospheric perspective. Once back at school, the work continues as students spend weeks revising and improving their paintings until they are ready to be displayed. This year the student artwork will be hung in the community room at the Patten Free Library with an opening set for Thursday, December 6th.

It's great to see the excitement in the kids' faces when they see their art teacher waiting for them on the island, two or three days into their wilderness experience. I think the feelings generated by seeing a familiar face along with a new appreciation for the beauty of this place inspires the kids to produce authentic, high quality art.

Look for more information soon about the art opening on December 6th. It promises to be a great night.

Week #2 Acadia House

The big story for week #2 of FLOW was the weather, and more specifically the wind. It was blowing a gale for most of the time the kids were on the trip, so traveling out to the islands was out of the question. Itineraries were shifted, and contingency plans were made. Each of the groups was relocated to one of the campsites on Chewonki Neck, which, while less remote, offer some distinct creature comforts. 

For starters, there are lovely, clean outhouses at each of the sites. After enduring hours of pep talks from adults on how they would have to use the WAG Bag system for going to the bathroom, the kids now had the use of state-of-the-art privies. Then there is the fact that the views at these sites are spectacular. And obviously, the paddle to the sites on the neck is a fraction of the distance to even the closest island site. They all have sturdy tent platforms and an established fire ring complete with a supply of firewood at each site. Basically, thanks to the inclement weather, this week's groups got to go "glamping" instead of camping.

Art lessons shifted from Beal Island to the Eden Farm peninsula, a short paddle from Chewonki Neck. Thankfully, there were enough breaks in the weather at just the right times to allow Ms. Johnson to instruct the students without having to seek shelter. 

Being close to the mainland also meant there were ample opportunities to swim and practice rescuing swamped canoes. 

When I met up with the chaperones for our quick debrief on day 4, one of them had painted her face with the mud that is in such ample supply in the Sheepscot watershed. One of my favorite aspects of FLOW is the equalizing aspect of the mud. At school, teenagers tend to be focused on every minute detail of their appearance. Likewise, on day #1 of FLOW, they can be seen tiptoeing lightly from rock rock while moving canoes and gear by the shore, trying to keep themselves clean.Usually by day #2 they submit, trudging  through the mud like it's no big deal because, really, there is work to be done! By day #3, the kids aren't enduring the mud as much as they are celebrating it.

Woolwich students are out on FLOW as I write this, culminating our 5th year of trips. Look for a write up about their experiences coming soon.