This session is for creative young people aged 14-17 who want to be inspired by the beautiful surroundings of Hog Island. With a special focus on nature journaling, this session is all about the intersection between art, nature, and science. Campers will document the variety of birds, landscapes, and wildlife of Muscongus Bay through sketching and painting while learning about ecology and conservation.
Throughout the week, campers will explore all that Hog Island has to offer. You will sketch intertidal creatures and learn about their ecology, explore the spruce-fir forests full of tiny lichen and moss worlds and venture out to sea to spot stunning landscapes and birds. Your instructors will guide you through a variety of nature journaling exercises and skills workshops to improve your technique. Teen campers will also have the amazing opportunity to overlap with the adult arts and nature session which will share some instructional staff.
Participants will be asked to bring some of their own art supplies. Participants will be provided with a required materials list prior to the session. This list will include basic supplies (a nature journal, drawing pencils and pens, watercolors).
Note: 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.
Pricing: $1,625
Maine residents are eligible for a $150 in-state discount for this session! After you register, contact hogisland@audubon.org to confirm your residency and the discount will be applied to your account.
The base registration fee includes meals, housing, instruction, and all field trips. Campers will be assigned a shared room with a roommate of the same gender identity.
Transportation: If you are driving your teen to camp, drop off and pick up will be at the Hog Island dock located at 12 Audubon Rd in Bremen Maine. Please plan to drop your child off between 1-3 PM on Sunday and pick them up at 8 am on Friday.
For an additional $100 we can transport teen campers who are flying in for camp to and from the Portland International Jetport. Please be aware that 14-year-olds are required to use the unaccompanied minor services by most airlines. For the shuttle service, please book flights that arrive in Portland between 11:30am-1pm on Sunday and depart no earlier than 11am on Friday. Pickup will occur in the baggage claim at the Portland International Jetport between 12pm-1pm on Sunday, and drop off will be at 9:30am on Friday.
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 session is open to teens (age 14-17) of all skill levels, but a genuine interest in nature-journaling and art is required!
Instructors: Claire Loon Baldwin, Santi Tabares Erices
Claire Loon Baldwin is an illustrator, designer, and storyteller inspired by the intricate beauty of nature. She specializes in natural science illustration with watercolor and ink, and draws inspiration from her experience working as an environmental educator and interpretive ranger in Grand Canyon National Park, and the redwood forests of California. She strives to spark climate action and hope through her art. In 2018, Claire created Grand Canyon National Park's official centennial poster series. Since then, she's worked with clients including DK Publishing, the Boston Globe, and Down East Magazine. She’s taught workshops with the Harpswell Heritage Land Trust, the Rhode Island School of Design, and arts organizations throughout Maine.
Santi Tabares Erices has always been fascinated with the outdoors, and started birding at the age of four. Growing up in Colorado, he spent his time searching for birds by whatever means possible. As a teen, he found ways to connect people and nature through bird banding, hawkwatching, and as a nature camp counselor. Currently a senior at Cornell University, Santi hopes to pursue a PhD and continue studying birds while encouraging others to explore the outdoors. Whenever not searching for birds, reptiles, and amphibians, Santi spends his time baking and rock climbing. Santi first attended Hog Island as a camper in 2018, and is excited to be returning as an instructor!
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.
Testimonials:
“Our staff were amazing. They really connected with all of us and taught us with respect.” - 2025 Camper
“I love this place. I can be myself here and be confident in the staff when I need help. The community here is like no other. You feel welcome from the first step on the island. It draws you back for more. Hog Island is my favorite place on earth everyone should go!” - 2025 Camper
“[My instructors] were wonderful and knowledgeable about art and birds. If I take this camp again I’d love to have them teach me again!” - 2025 Camper
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