Programs

Mountains to Sea Birding for Teens

June 29 – July 4, 2025

Teen campers at the Borestone Mountain summit
Teen campers at the Borestone Mountain summit. Photo: Amanda Leemann

In this exciting and unique session, campers will have the opportunity to bird their way across the state of Maine. This intensive 5-night program will spend half the week on Hog Island and the other half at Maine Audubon’s Borestone Mountain Sanctuary. Throughout the week we will explore the rocky coastline, marsh, grasslands, mature northern spruce-fir forest, and offshore islands in search of nesting bird species. Teens will develop their bird identification skills and learn more about the ecosystems that support birds and global conservation projects. Hog Island will serve as our base for coastal adventures like a boat trip to Eastern Egg Rock and tide-pooling, and at Borestone we will explore the crystalline lakes surrounding the lodge and summit Borestone mountain.  

This rugged experience is perfect for teens who are ready to unplug and connect to nature. Phone reception on Hog Island and Borestone is limited and there will be no internet available at either camp. To limit screen time and promote a community where we are present with ourselves and others, teens will turn in their cell phones to instructors each night before bed.  

Instructors: TBA

Atlantic Puffins
Atlantic Puffins. Photo: Jean Hall

Pricing: $1725 

The base registration fee includes meals, housing, instruction, and all field trips. This price is based on a standard shared room (with 2 twin beds) a shared bathroom.  

Transportation: For this session, all campers will be picked up and dropped off at the Portland International Jetport by Audubon staff. 14 years olds are required to be unaccompanied minors by most airlines. If your child is flying to camp, please book a flight that arrives between 11am-1pm on Sunday, June 29 and departs no earlier than 11 am on Friday July 4. If you are driving your child to camp, you can drop them off at the baggage claim of Portland airport between 11am-1pm on Sunday, June 29 and pick them up at 10am on Friday, July 4.  

There are several different scholarship opportunities available to help participants attend Hog Island sessions! Please see our scholarships page for more information about Hog Island Scholarships. You should also check with your local Audubon chapter or bird club for additional opportunities. 

Requirements: This program requires emotional maturity and physical stamina. Campers must be able to hike 3 miles and be able to travel independently. Campers must also be okay with the limited screen time and contact when we have poor cell reception throughout the trip.  

Registration:

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER (coming soon)

NOTE: Audubon reserves the right to alter itineraries, instructors and particular arrangements, or to substitute similar itineraries or arrangements, at no penalty. If Audubon cancels a session, it will issue full refunds of all deposits or payments to the paid participants.

Teen Campers in a motorboat at Borestone Mountain
Teen Campers in a motorboat at Borestone Mountain. Photo: Amanda Leemann

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