Coastal Maine Bird Studies for Teens

Observe Audubon’s seabird conservation field research in action.

All participants must agree to the COVID-19 Camp Guidelines - please read before registering.

Register for CMBS Session One: June 11–16, 2023
Register for CMBS Session Two: June 18–23, 2023

Registration opens October 25, 2022!

Designed for ages 14-17 only
(14 years olds CANNOT fly independently to camp - call if you have questions), this intensive 6-day, 5-night program on Hog Island allows enthusiastic young birders to work with some of the country's best-known birders and ornithologists on field identification, bird ecology and conservation. Occurring concurrently with the adult Field Ornithology and Hands-on Bird Science sessions, and sharing many of the same instructors, this program includes the unique opportunity to see Audubon's seabird restoration work in action, and is the only Hog Island program that lands participants on Eastern Egg Rock during the puffin breeding season (weather and sea conditions permitting).

"I just want to say that I can highly recommend this camp to everyone, especially to teens. It's a really inspirational week... Plus, the food is incredible." - Benjamin Van Doren, White Plains, NY

Price: $1690 for individual enrollment
Registration cost includes all meals, housing, instruction and boat trips. Teens must arrange transportation to and from the Audubon dock in Bremen at the start and end of the session (see directions page). Participants can be picked up and dropped off at the Portland airport by Audubon staff for an additional fee of $100 but 14 year olds must not fly alone. Must be able to be an independent minor on an aircraft to be picked up and dropped off.

Coastal Maine Bird Studies is for teens ages 14 to 17 with an avid interest in birds. Limit of 16 participants per session. This program requires physical and emotional maturity. After reserving your place in the session, additional registration materials will be sent to applicants. Final acceptance in the program is contigent upon staff review of application materials, which include recommendation letters and a series of questions to be completed by the teen.

Prices include: Meals, housing, instruction and all boat trips. Participants must arrange transportation to and from the Audubon dock in Bremen at the start and end of the session (see directions page). Check with your local Audubon chapter or bird club for scholarship availability.

Wait list
If the session you prefer is sold out, it is a good idea to add your name to the wait list. There are usually a few cancellations, and the first people on the wait list are almost always able to enroll. You can also email hogisland@audubon.org or call (207) 360-7733, for updates on the wait list status.

Questions: For questions regarding the program, registration, lodging or meals, contact the Audubon Camp program director at hogisland@audubon.org or (207) 360-7733. Additional information about accommodations can be found on the lodging and frequently asked questions pages. For campers that are 14 years olds - due to airline restrictions you CANNOT fly independently to camp - call if you have questions.

Session 1 - June 12-17, 2022:

2022 Leaders
Emma Rhodes, Avaian Biologist and Master Bander; Founding Director of Banding Coalition of the Americas
Drew Weber, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Justine Weber, Ecologist
Isaiah Scott, Junior Instructor

Guest Lecturer
Eva Matthews Lark, Senior Manager of Public Programs, Seabird Institute and Hog Island
Eric Snyder, Facilities Manager, Hog Island Audubon Camp

Session 2 - June 19-24, 2022:

2022 Leaders
Mik Oyler, Teen Leader
Torri Withrow, Teen Leader
Katelyn Shelton, Junior Instructor

Guest Lecturers
Eric Snyder, Facilities Manager, Hog Island Audubon Camp
Scott Weidensaul, Author and ornithologist - Session Two ONLY