This week, 53 Carver Middle School students and 10 chaperones boarded a bus this morning bound for Saco, Maine, marking the start of the 2025 Summer Ecology Academy at The Ecology School. Nestled at River Bend Farm, this beloved summer tradition combines hands-on environmental science, outdoor adventure, and personal growth in an immersive, week-long experience unlike any other.
Now in its fourth year, The Ecology School program has become a cornerstone of Carver’s summer offerings. This summer is especially meaningful: our first full cohort of students is graduating from the program, having participated every summer since rising 6th grade. For others who joined later, as rising 7th graders, this trip marks their third year and their turn as well to graduate. These students will return to Norwalk with a deeper understanding of ecology, strengthened leadership skills, and memories that will last a lifetime.
On Sunday, the next generation of environmental explorers—our newest cohort of rising 6th graders—will head to Maine alongside four chaperones, marking the beginning of their own four-year journey. As is tradition, Carver CEO Novelette Peterkin will join all our students in Maine on Monday to celebrate both the graduates and the new arrivals.
Thanks to the continued generosity of The Grossman Family Foundation, this multi-year learning experience has expanded and evolved while staying grounded in its mission: to help students engage all five senses as they explore Maine’s ecosystems—its forests, rivers, farms, and coastline. Students will spend their days hiking, canoeing, exploring nature through science and art, competing in the Nature Olympics, and preparing fresh meals with herbs they’ve foraged themselves. Nights conclude around the campfire with group reflection and storytelling.
As always, our seasoned students are eager to mentor the younger group, guiding them through their first week in Maine and passing on the knowledge, confidence, and joy they’ve gained along the way.
Carver is proud to continue this tradition of learning, leadership, and love of the natural world, and we’re excited to share updates throughout the week from River Bend Farm. Stay tuned for stories, photos, and student reflections as we celebrate our graduates and welcome a new generation of Carver ecology scholars!