Ready for summer at Camp Mummichog

Camp Mummichog staff, from left to right: Camp Director Angela DesVeaux, Camp Counselors Jonas Stepanauskas, Jaiya Valentin-Chase, Kendra Gladu, and Elliott Chapman, and Camp Instructor Jake Galluzzo.

Coastal Rivers’ Camp Mummichog kicked off on July 5, but the work of preparing for a summer of camp began much sooner. Four new camp counselors and one returning camp instructor benefitted from a full week of training last week as they learned the ins and outs of supporting campers in nature exploration.

New counselors include high school students Elliott Chapman of Newcastle, Kendra Gladu of Waldoboro, Jonas Stepanauskas of Nobleboro, and Jaya Valentin-Chase of Newcastle and Massachusetts. All four attended Camp Mummichog as campers. Jake Galluzzo, of South Bristol and South Carolina, and who is a teacher during the school year, is returning to Camp Mummichog this year as a camp instructor.

Coastal Rivers Education Assistant Angela DesVeaux is now Camp Director, taking over leadership this year from Education Director Sarah Gladu, who first launched Camp Mummichog in 2006.

According to Angela, the counselors spent the week learning “the art of teaching.” In addition to gaining familiarity with ecological concepts and commonly encountered plant and animal species, they learned to lead nature walks and encourage safe exploration. They practiced developing their own lesson plans and curriculum, and going over how to handle any emergencies that may arise. In May, counselors participated in a full weekend of Wilderness First Aid training along with other Coastal Rivers staff.

Camp Mummichog offers nature education in many forms: hands-on exploration, physical activity, art, music, writing, games, field trips, and more. Campers explore the forests, marshes and fields of Coastal Rivers Salt Bay Farm and take field trips to nearby preserves.

Offered from July 5 through August 19, camp sessions are either four or five days long. Each week focuses on a different theme and is geared toward a specific age group. There is also a Counselor-in-Training program for youth ages 12 and over. More information about Camp Mummichog may be found online at coastalrivers.org/events-programs/camp-mummichog.