ABOUT
Ocean Explorers Maine is a certified LLC business and has been running successfully since 2010.
MISSION STATEMENT
Ocean Explorers' mission is to educate through adventure and exploration on the ocean and Maine islands. As we teach about the fragility of the coastal ecosystem and develop seamanship skills, we ignite the passion for being on the ocean which in turn creates a deep respect for our climate, our earth, and each other. This experience fully engages the hands, hearts, and minds of our students and makes a lifelong imprint.
It is never too early to find the power within. The most helpful skills we can learn, discover, and practice are resiliency, grit, self-reliance, and the knowledge that power stems from emotional and physical strength. Being outdoors and learning how to take care of ourselves and our community may be the best way to develop these skills. Fully immersing individuals in a nature-based expedition is the most exciting way for them to realize how powerful they truly are! For kids, one of the best times to do this is middle school/high school age when they are facing the world of rapid change - navigating increasingly more complicated social and moral interactions, physical changes in their body, a stronger influence from peer groups, and the newly forming need for more independence.
A typical day at Ocean Explorers may include:
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Meal prep and clean up
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Weather and tide check
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Chart reading and route planning
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Sailing to a new island
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Learning point of sail, steering, sail trim, and navigating
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Learning to anchor
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Leaning small boat handling
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Island exploration
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An intertidal zone walk
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Marine Ecology
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An island clean up
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Games
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Swimming
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Solo time
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Journaling
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Debrief of the day’s activities
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Star gazing
Throughout our daily travels and learnings, we will pause and reflect on our
communication, continue to build healthy group dynamics and enjoy simple play.
With the exception of my personal cell phone (for safety and documenting our adventure)
there will be no screens allowed on our trip.
WE AIM TO
1. Teach skill-building in sail theory, navigation, seamanship, and marine ecology/science
2. Learn to sail with a focus on group communication, team building, and boosting self-esteem.
3. Strengthen of body and mind.
photo gallery
SUMMER SCHEDULE
Ocean Explorers - Maine sailing/island experience; 6 people/trip;
OVERNIGHT CAMPS: 3 day/2 night sessions or 5 day/4 night sessions.
Session 1: Island Camping. . 4 days. June 17-20.. Remote Island. FULL
Session 2: Youth Maine Coast expedition. ages 13-15 years old. 4 days. July 18-21 FULL
Session 3: Youth Island Camping. ages 11-13. 4 days. August 26-29
Session 4: Women's Weekend. Remote Maine Island. September 12-14.
Sessions 1: Join Jeni Conover, Larry Turner, and Skye Folger David for a fun 4 days of island camping, navigation, rowing, games, motorboat skills, and some adventure rock climbing with Equinox Guiding Services.
Sessions 2 and 3: The ocean is our teacher. Learning about tides, navigating, marine ecology, seamanship skills, building fires, all on a remote island.
Session 4: Come recharge yourself by camping on a private Maine Island in beautiful Merchant Row. We will wake to the sounds of seagulls and lobster boats and relax to the tides. This trip will offer journaling, yoga, Wim Hof, solo time, core strengthening, basic chart reading, cold water soaks, knot tying, rowing, and more. Join us for a relaxing 3 days on a remote Maine Island.
For questions or to sign up, please send an email to Jeni Conover at:
Please include Which session you want to reserve, the participants' age(s), and how you heard about OEM. We will then send you a form to fill out.
Alexa Young, CA
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Karen Wagner; Womens 2024 course
I had the good fortune of being on the adult Women's course. The trip was absolutely incredible! From stunning landscapes to fun educational activities -- every moment was filled with adventure, beauty and growth. Our guide Jeni was magical and knowledgable. It was the perfect balance of learning, beauty, and unforgettable moments. I'd like to keep this gem a secret but I would be doing the world a disservice. I highly recommend OceanExplorersMaine to anyone looking to reconnect with nature, embrace a new experience, and make lifelong friends!
Lisa Driver, MI
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About Me.
I am a mom to three wonderful children, a resident of Maine, and a committed teacher. I presently work in Telluride Colorado. My professional life has held the common thread of working with kids in the outdoors. I find tremendous value and growth when I am stripped of distractions and allow myself to focus on the here and now. Working in the outdoors gives me this focus and allows me to dive fully into my work.
My professional outdoor work has been varied and includes teaching sailing, leading Outward Bound courses, owning and managing a nature-based preschool, as well as coaching at a few astute alpine ski racing facilities (Carrabassett Valley Academy, Telluride Ski Club, and Ski and Snowboard Club Vail). I was the director and coach for the Camden Snow Bowl ski racing program for ten years. I have also coached camps in Montana, Colorado, Chile, and Mt. Hood. I was the manager of the Carrabassett Valley Academy Alpine weekend program, and currently coach the Alpine Team in Telluride.
Additionally, I am trained in Wilderness First Responder and hold current CPR and First Aid certificates. I hold a Merchant Marine license from the USCG. I have sailed transatlantic, throughout the Scandinavian countries (which included above the Arctic Circle into the Lofoten Islands), through the Mediterranean Sea and into the Caribbean, and up the Eastern coast of the US and Canada.
Lastly, and most importantly, I love the people I work with, teach, and coach. I hold tremendous value in identifying strengths in kids, encouraging them to see these strengths and build on them, as well as giving a platform to practice healthy and productive communication. I care deeply for the well-being of humankind and diligently do my part to encourage positive growth with the kids I take into an outdoor experience.
Jeni Conover
