As for this summer, we have never had to close sessions this early but both of our intermediate sessions are full with long wait lists. It will be important that you pay your tuition promptly (or contact me to make arrangements) so you can save your space after May 15. We do still have a few spaces in our advanced and introductory sessions. We did add an extra intro session at the end of August (August 17-22) to accommodate the late school end dates with all of the snow days this year. That session is more than half full already.

I'm working on completing staffing and I'll be sending out the newsletter at the end of May, just before I head to Maine for the summer. We're all excited to head back up for another great summer!

September 12, 2007
We had another wonderful summer, with our highest numbers in 5 years!  And what a great group of intelligent, motivated and fun students! The summer just flew and I’m already taking calls from parents ready to register for 2008. The new registration is now available online and will be sent in the mail soon after. Sessions have been filling sooner each year so I highly recommend you register sooner rather than later. There has been a slight price increase this year due to much higher fuel costs and the subsequent increase in boat costs and utilities. The state of Maine is also seriously considering beginning to charge camps sales tax on tuition. This increase will cover most of those increases.

The website has been updated again this year with pictures from each session available.  We’re also working on creating a better network for the alumni of AIO.  I’m looking for former students who are interested in being “Featured Alumni” and we’d like to allow you to reach other students from your session… even if it was 25 years ago!

Our Belize registrations are coming in nicely but you’ll need to get your application to me soon if you’re planning on joining us. I will have to release extra seats soon from Houston to Belize City in order to not lose our deposit. I’m happy to e-mail the material if you need it… this is for those student who attended advanced sessions only. 

I’ve also already taken several registrations for next year’s Florida Career Seminar.  This is for students who have attended the program and will be at least 14 years of age by next November. 

Hope the school year has started off on the right foot.  For students from this summer, I’ll be sending the letters of attendance to your school as soon as I’ve got the registrations out.

June 4, 2007
It has been a busy spring and we find that several of the sessions are full or nearly full.  We do still have a few spaces in each of our advanced sessions (3 or 4 spaces in each) and some spaces in our first two-week basic session.  You can contact me in Maine at 207-276-9825 if your interested or just apply online.

I have just sent out the AIO newsletter along with the Belize information for your advanced session students.  This year, we will be taking our November Tropical program to the Tropical Research and Education Center in Ambergis Caye, Belize (near San Pedro).  I have already taken several applications from previous students and will save most of the rest for this summer's students. You can apply as soon as your session ends... some students will bring their applications and deposits to hand to me as they leave.  Admittance in this program is based on the quality of your work and your attitude during the session.

We will also hold an orientation meeting for our next Florida Career Seminar in November 2008.  I'll have registration material available during the session.  This program is for students who will be 14 years of age and who do well in the summer program.

For the rest of the summer, you can only reach me at the Maine address and phone number:  P.O. Box 285, Seal Harbor, Maine 04675 (207) 276-9825.

October 1, 2006
I can't believe the summer has ended and that we are already beginning to work on the 2007 summer. The new registration form is available online and they will also be in the mail soon to previous students and any general requests. We've begun taking registrations so it always wise to apply as early as possible to assure you get the dates you want. We are making other updates to the website so stay tuned... lots of pictures from the 2006 summer are coming!

2006 was a great summer... 183 great kids and a wonderful staff made my work pretty easy! Thanks to all of you. We are putting the finishing touches on plans for the upcoming Florida Career Seminar. We can still take 3 students so contact me if you have interest. We are also working on the next tropical trip in November 2007. Sadly, the Hofstra University is no longer running programs in Jamaica so we're in the process of firming up a new place... I'll let you know when the new information is available.

I had also planned our first ever AIO alumni reunion this fall but family issues got in the way so I needed to return to Florida as soon as I finished. I am thinking perhaps in the spring but I'll have to play things by ear at this point. We'll all get together soon.

March 15, 2006
Spring is nearly here and I've been quite busy taking registrations for the summer sessions as well as the Florida Career Seminar in November 2006.  Our summer sessions are filling fairly equally at this time so there is still room in every one though our June 25-July 8 basic session is a bit closer to full than the rest.  If you need a registration form you can contact me at info@acadiainstitute.com, download an application or apply right online. 

We have set the dates for our first Alumni Reunion: September 15, 16 and 17, 2006.  I will be sending information soon to those who have registered at the alumni registry online. I'd like this to be an opportunity to reconnect with some old friends and  spend a relaxing weekend in Maine during the fall. We will keep the organized activities to a minimum, leaving the time to hike, swim, kayak, snorkel, bike and generally enjoy the beauty of Maine. I will schedule a whale watch on Saturday afternoon for those who are interested. We can also house about 45 people for a nominal fee.

December 03, 2005
We have just returned from our last Jamaica program and it was a great success once again.  We had some rain at the end of the trip but the group of students didn't complain once.  What troopers!  Besides lots of fish, rays and octupus, we also saw a seahorse and a nurse shark!  It was a great trip.

Now, that I'm back from the Tropical trip I'm working on next summer and the next Florida Career Seminar.  I've already received several registrations for both.  I will stop taking registrations for the Florida program from previous students when I reach 12 in order to save spaces for this summer's students to register.

I am also working on finally getting photo files from the summer and Jamaica up on Snapfish.  I'm having to go through each photo and make it smaller so that they will download in a reasonable time but I'm going to dedicate some time to getting that done.

Finally, I'm working on setting the date for the alumni reunion.  I've heard from many past students but hope to hear from even more so that you will receive the information.  It's been nice to hear what you are all doing now and it will be even better to see you!

September 4, 2005
Welcome to the new AIO web site!  Please take a few minutes to browse around and I think you’ll find this site is easier to use and find information.  It is also more interactive so that you can get a better feel for what the AIO has to offer you.  A big “thanks” to Lelah Cole Design in Bar Harbor for her wonderful design!

Here are just a few things you’ll find now:

• schedules for the both the basic and advanced sessions along with examples of lessons offered during both.
• links to recommended books and sites of interest
• many more pictures
• an alumni register to get in touch with other past students
• the AIO shop is up and running
• the AIO video is now online
• easy to use registrations forms
• the forms are still available online along with directions to Seal Harbor

I’d love to get your feedback on the site and any suggestions for the future.

Jamaica
I’m taking the registration for the Jamaica program at this time.  Contact me with any questions or if you need another registration form.

New Summer Program
Due to the high interest for younger students, AIO will be offering a one week program in the summer of 2006 for students 10-12 years of age.  We are still offering our two-week basic and two-week advanced sessions as well.  The 2006 registration is available online now.

Alumni Reunion
After many requests, I’ve decided to organize an AIO reunion in September of 2006. We will offer housing and meals for at the schoolhouse in Seal Harbor for a minimal fee and also let you know about camping/hotel options on the island. If you’d like information sent to you, please register at the alumni register on the website (under “contact”) and I’ll be sure you get the mailer. Also, keep checking this Director’s page for updates.

Summer of 2006
Registration forms and brochures are going to be sent for the 2006 summer in mid-late September of this year.

May 30, 2005
I apologize for the long time between entries here... I have moved into a new house and it seemed like it took me forever to catch up. In the meantime, things have been rolling along as I continue to take registrations for the summer sessions that are still available and take registrations for the next (7th!) Jamaica program in November. I am sending the Jamaica information to last year's advanced session students and this year's upcoming advanced session students. This year's students are welcome to bring the registration and deposit with them to give to me since you can only apply following the session. We will have an informational meeting about both Jamaica and next year's Florida Career Seminar during your session.

The newsletters have just gone in the mail with reminders about the upcoming summer. Please read it carefully, especially the sections on travel. Any student 14 and under flying alone is considered an unaccompanied minor and will be required to pay an additional fee to the airline. Please check with the airline and be sure the return portion is paid in advance or be sure to leave the extra amount with me to give to the staff member who takes them to airport for check-in. The best thing is to pay it in advance and send the receipt along with the ticket.  Also, be sure to let me know when you arriving so I can have someone at the airport to meet you.

Tuitions are due now unless other arrangements have been made with me. I am about to send letters to the newspapers (for those of you who gave me a full address) about your attendance.  Be sure you have completed (and signed!) your health form and that you have either sent it or have it with you when you arrive. Some of you are also still missing recommendations which are essential for your acceptance into the program.

I am leaving for Maine now so all correspondence should be sent there. That address is P.O. Box 285, Seal Harbor, ME  04675. I am driving up so I won't be able to return phone calls until June 5 or 6.

January 6, 2005
Our 2nd Florida Career Seminar has come to an end and, once again, it was a great success. Twenty students canoed in the Everglades, swam with manatees in Homassassa Springs and spent three days at Sea World and Discovery Cove meeting the staff in front of and behind the scenes as well as mingling with the resident marine life. Below (left) is a group of students (Georgi, Laura, Chandra, Chelsea, Emma, Sam and Katie) getting ready to feed some manatees at Sea World. On the right, Liz is spending some quality time with a rock hopper penguin.

I'll now begin working on our next Jamaica program to take place over Thanksgiving week this year.  Brochures will go out shortly. Registrations for the upcoming summer have been pouring in as well... remember that you must have completed the advanced session to apply for the Jamaica program.

On a more serious note, everyone has been riveted by the events surrounding the underwater earthquake and resulting tsunami. After all these years of teaching about tsunamis it is incredible to be witnesses to this historical event. Now we are seeing, first hand, the devastation they can cause. PLEASE if you only give to one charity this year, make it one that will benefit those affected by the tsunami and it's aftermath. Not only did they lose their families, friends and possessions, they now have to contend with trying to find food and clean water.  Disease will continue to be a problem. And we hear stories daily of children who have lost their parents and now have no place to go. Though we feel helpless on this side of the world, we're not. We can do our part. If everyone gave just a little bit, it would go a long way.

October 20, 2004
Well, we survived the latest hurricane with minor power outages and only a few trees down.  Once again, however, we were spared the worst of it so I'm thinking about those in other areas who were hit hard. We're now back to working getting the new brochure ready for 2005 and finalizing the itinerary for the Florida Career Seminar this winter. We do have a couple of spaces still available for that trip so contact me if you are interested.

For those who are registered, please send me your travel arrangements as soon as you have them.  I want to send out a list of participants with their flight plans (so that students can see if someone else is traveling with them) and so you can make roommate selections.

I'll be updating the online registration and putting 2005 dates on the webpage in the near future.

September 25, 2004
I am continuing to work on the Florida program and find that I will have room for 3-4 more students.  If you are planning on applying, I would recommend you do so soon.    I recently sent out registration materials for those students who have recently registered... sorry for the delay but my travelling and the hurricanes have slowed things down.  For registered participants, you should be making travel plans now.  If it isn't possible (financially or otherwise) to arrive prior to 6 pm into the Miami airport on Dec. 26, that's fine.  Just let me know and try to arrive as early in the evening as you can.  The travel agent number I gave you seems to be out of order so you are best off speaking with your own travel agent or making reservations on the internet.

We (once again!) have another hurricane bearing down on us. Jeanne is threatening to hit hard and travel up the coast towards St. Augustine. They have warned us that if we lose power again, it could take much longer for the power to return. We lost power during Hurricane Frances for 5 days so it means that I won't have access to the internet if that happens again. I will (hopefully) still have telephone service. We did the last time. We're hoping that all of the forecasts are wrong and that we won't be hit hard but we have to prepare for the worst.  Also realize that the mail may be slowed down by the hurricane as well. I'll keep you posted.

September 12, 2004
I'm heading home now but wanted to touch base to let you know that we still have a few spaces available for the Florida Career Seminar. Due to the hurricane, the mail has been very slow being forwarded to me so, if you sent the registration to Florida, it might be taking a bit longer. I did get two recently that I will respond to when I return home (next week).  Otherwise, please send all correspondence to the Florida address now. My family didn't have power until Thursday (6 days without power) and the kids have been out of school for more than a week... we had it easy in St. Augustine so my thoughts go out to those students and their families who were harder hit.

I'm working on a next year's program (already!) and will have information out to you later this fall. Drop me a line when you get a minute!

July 31, 2004
Once again the time has slipped away and it's already the end of July! We're into our 3rd session and having a great time (even if it has been a bit foggy and wet this summer--the students have maintained their sense of humor through it all which is greatly appreciated!). If you're interested in seeing some pictures from this summer you can go to http://www.snapfish.com/share/p=975111089576107882/l=29937611/

We are currently taking registrations for both our Florida and Jamaica programs. Obviously, the Florida trip is taking precedent since it's coming up this winter. I expect the program will be mostly filled by September. Contact me if you have any questions.

A reminder for those parents who have their students flying into or out of Bangor or Bar Harbor: if the student is 14 or under they must travel as an unaccompanied minor and each airline has a fee for this service. PLEASE be sure the fee is either paid up front or that you send the additional amount so that we can pay it at the airport when they depart.

May 22, 2004
The summer registrations are still coming in steadily and I wanted to update you on spaces still available. At this time, the first session basic session has 6 spaces left (June 27-July 10) while the second basic session (July 25-Aug. 7) is full. The first advanced session (July 11-24) has 10 spaces and the last advanced session (Aug. 8-21) has 18 spaces. If you have not gotten your teacher recommendation in to me (you will receive a letter of acceptance when I receive it), you will need to remind your teacher before school ends.

I've also been taking registrations for our Florida Career Seminar but I'll be sure to save spaces for students from this upcoming summer as well. This just means that spaces are limited so, if you previously attended the program and want to attend, you should get that registration in soon to hold a space.

I'm working on the newsletter for the summer and should have it out to you within the next two weeks. I'll be updating the staff bios on the website at that time as well. You should be working on your travel plans by now. If you are flying in or taking the bus, be sure to give us the arrival information so we can be there prior to your arrival. The extra pick-up/drop-off fee for Bangor can be brought with you or sent in advance.

Tuitions are due now. I'll be contacting anyone who hasn't paid their tuition (unless you registered recently) to be sure you still want your space.

March 27, 2004
The registrations for the summer program have been coming in quickly but there are still some spaces available.  If you need a packet of material, drop me an e-mail (aio@aug.com) or give me a call (800-375-0058).  I do expect the first three sessions to fill.  You are also welcome to register on line at this webpage.

The information for the Florida Career Seminar has been sent to students from last summer who will be 14 years old by December.  The dates of the program are Dec. 26-Jan. 3 and we're quite pleased with the additions to the program this year.  We've added a trip to the Everglades National Park and an extra day at SeaWorld with Discovery Cove.  We'll also be snorkeling with the Manatees two times this year.  For those of you attending AIO for the first time, you will have an orientation meeting about the program during your session and you can register as soon as your session ends.

December 31, 2003
I can't believe it's already the end of 2003!  Last year, on this day, we were at SeaWorld learning about everything it takes to become a trainer of marine mammals.  Preparing to sleep next to the Beluga whales overnight. It was a great experience. With the Jamaica program now a wonderful memory, I have begun making reservations for the next Florida Career Seminar in December of 2004. I'm working on the exact start and end date but it will run (approximately) from December 27 until Janaury 3 or 4... that's two days longer than the last program but I've been working on adding some pieces to the program. If we run until the 4th, it might mean missing one day of school for some of you but that's usually not a problem.

This program is available to those students who will be 14 years of age at the time of the program and who's work and attitude were exemplary while at AIO.  We will hold some spaces for students from this upcoming summer but those who have already attended may apply at anytime.  The registration forms and information will be available very soon.  You are also welcome to apply for the program even if you have already attended one of our other outside programs (Jamaica, Bermuda).

I've also just completed downloading several pictures from the Jamaica program and I'm working on putting them into a gallery for the website soon. My plan is then to upload each sessions group photo immediately following the session so it will be available for all to see. In the meantime, have a Happy New Year!!!

October 8, 2003
The letters to the schools about your participation in the program this past summer have been sent. Check with your guidance office or principal's office to be sure they arrived. We ask them to make your work at our program a permanent part of your school record. If you or they need something more specific let me know.

Jamaica tuitions are now due. For those of you waiting for receipts on payment, I have been waiting for the t-shirts, guides and resource books to be finished so I could send them together. I got the t-shirts today and the rest should be in by the middle of next week. You'll also receive a separate letter about our meeting at the Miami airport on Nov. 22 along with airline and travel guidelines. If you did not attend AIO this year, you will need a new  health form so be sure you have this completed and send it to me along with a recent picture of yourself (I'll return the picture to you at the end of the trip — I like to carry one in case of an emergency). I also need your t-shirt size and itineraries. The registrations for summer 2004 will be out later this month. I'm also working on the next Career's in Marine Biology seminar to held in Florida at the end of 2004. Those materials will be sent to previous participants in December.