Coastal Maine Bird Studies for Teens

Observe Audubon’s seabird conservation field research in action.

We really appreciate your interest in Hog Island Audubon Camp, but in order to keep our campers, volunteers and staff safe during the COVID-19 pandemic we’ve decided to cancel our summer camp programming for 2020. Thank you for your care and commitment as we work together to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

Tentative 2021 dates:
Session One: June 13-18, 2021
Session Two: June 20-25, 2021

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: $1445 for individual enrollment, and $1395 for organizations (bird clubs, Audubon chapters, etc.) that are sponsoring a teen in the program. 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 (843) 340-8673, 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 (843) 340-8673. 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 14-20, 2020:

2019 Leaders
Joshua Potter, Teen Leader
Torri Withrow, Teen Leader
Mik Oyler, Teen Leader
Raymond VanBuskirk, Birding Instructor, Owner and Guide of BRANT Tours

Guest Lecturer
Eric Snyder, Facilities Manager, Hog Island Audubon Camp

Session 2 - June 21-26, 2020:

Director
Scott Weidensaul, Author and ornithologist

2019 Leaders
Joshua Potter, Teen Leader
Emma Rhodes, Teen Leader
Raymond VanBuskirk, Birding Instructor, Owner and Guide of BRANT Tours

Guest Lecturer
Eric Snyder, Facilities Manager, Hog Island Audubon Camp