Coastal Studies

Spend your Orientation Trip on the stunning shores of Harpswell Sound, camping at Bowdoin’s own Schiller Coastal Studies Center. This trip experience blends outdoor exploration with creative activities—from sailing and hiking to yoga and watercolor painting. Each day offers a new way to engage with Maine’s coastline: paddle calm waters, hike the preserves, learn to sail, or just soak up the late-summer sun. Evenings are spent around the campfire and in tents with access to outhouses. 

No prior sailing experience is needed!

Other activities that students may participate in include yoga with Assistant Director of Student Wellness Kate Nicholson, and capturing the beautiful scenery with watercolors. In the evenings, students will return to their campsite and spend time getting to know each other and other groups, cooking hearty dinners, and relaxing and roasting marshmallows around a campfire.​ 

If there is anything in the trip description or equipment list that you have questions about, please do not hesitate to contact us at (207) 725-4292 or bocOtrips@bowdoin.edu.

See Coastal Studies Equipment List. Items you can borrow or purchase from the BOC are marked on the packing list. 

Sample Itinerary

Wednesday

• Depart Bowdoin and head to a local river for a canoeing outing!
• Arrive at Schiller, set up camp, eat lunch, and get started with an intro to sailing session.
• Explore the trails, swim, or try your hand at watercolor painting.

Thursday

• Go sailing after breakfast!
• Lunch at camp.
• Walk local hiking trails and do some watercolor painting

Friday, August 29

• Hike Morse Mountain Preserve to Seawall Beach (~2 miles one way). 
• Return to Schiller for lunch and unwind with yoga. 

Saturday, August 30

• Local hike before returning to campus and clean up gear and return all equipment before heading back to dorms.