My Nonprofit Reviews
John Medford
Review for Chewonki Foundation Inc, Wiscasset, ME, USA
I attended the camp and participated in two summer long wilderness trips in the early 1970's. I subsequently worked there for 2 summers both in Wiscasset and in the field. Those experiences formed the foundation for my appreciation of the natural world and the communities which depend on it. Chewonki also demontrates on a continuous basis how a nuturing and focused community can drive innovation - especially in the area of sustainability. Chewonki has remained steadfast in its commitment to the original and core values established by its founder and the Board while at the same time it has continued to develop new ways of teaching old lessons through expanded program offerings and outreach far beyond its origins as a summer camp. I believe that it is this history of commitment and innovation that attracts a very talented and motivated staff year after year. It is exciting to me that society is beginning to catch up to and respond to issues of sustainability and the interdependancy of human and natural ecosystems that I was exposed to 30 years ago at Chewonki. I am proud to be a part of the Chewonki community and to offer it my support.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Public Policy advocacy in Sustainability, green building, local and regional food systems, alternative energy, natural history programs, experiential education, etc.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Continue the effort to develop educational offerings that serve the needs of their many stakeholders.
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Over the many years since I was actively involved I have continued to be impressed by the sustained energy around issues of change and the innovative approaches to extending its educational reach.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Talented, skilled and compassionate. The environment was very supportive and respectful of students and staff. The administartive heads did a great job putting together the team year after year.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Address issues of plant and infrastructure and also expand its reach and influence to a larger audience (see challenges response).
Ways to make it better...
I can't think of anything. At the time i had little to compare it to.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
How to maintain the quality of programs and how to provide access to a broader audience (i.e. financial aid issues). The Foundation has been very effective in leveraging its resources through cooperative partnerships and land management etc.
One thing I'd also say is that...
The Chewonki Foundation is an absolutely fantastic, multi-faceted organization that really does change lives. You will see that I'm sure from other respondants.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
