1) Who can attend AIO?
We welcome all students who have a strong desire to learn and who demonstrate an interest and aptitude in science as evidenced by their teacher recommendation. Due to the extensive work in the field and on board boats however, students with severe emotional, physical or learning issues will have difficulty with the program. Though many students with ADD, ADHD and other mild learning disabilities have done very well at AIO, we are not equipped to appropriately handle more severe issues. Since we want to ensure a memorable experience, academically and personally, for all students, we ask that you seriously consider what is best for your child before registering.
2) How do I get to Seal Harbor?
Students can be driven by a parent, take a bus into Bar Harbor or Bangor or fly into the Bar Harbor or Bangor Airports. We will pick students up from the bus stop or airport. There is an additional fee for a pick-up or drop off at the Bangor bus stations and airport (see below).
Please note: arrival and departure days are those listed as the first and last days of each session.
Students should plan to arrive after 12 noon on the first Sunday and depart anytime in the morning/early afternoon on the last Saturday of each session, except for one-week Introductory session where students should plan to leave after 5 pm on Friday evening but no later than 10 am Saturday morning.
Click Here for Directions to AIO
3) What is a typical weekday daily schedule?
7 AM: Students wake up for showers or morning lab.
8 AM: Breakfast
9 AM-1 PM: Morning Activity (usually academic — boat trips, tidepools, etc.)
2-5 PM: Afternoon Activity (recreational or academic)
5:15-5:45 PM: Mini-seminar on various topics or free time
6 PM: Dinner
7-8 PM: Recreation (i.e. volleyball, basketball, soccer, etc.)
8-9 PM: Evening lecture to prepare for the next morning
4) Can I attend AIO if I have special food needs?
Yes, since we are able to accommodate most food restrictions and allergies, although you will need to discuss them with the Director prior to attendance. We are able to keep the cooking nut-free, if necessary, and we always offer vegetarian alternatives at meals. We cannot, however, control the food that is sent to students in their care packages or the food they buy while away from the building. We have also found that peanut butter is a staple food for many people, especially vegetarians and vegans, so it is offered as an option for lunch. Still, we can and have successfully included students in our program with life-threatening allergies to nuts by strictly controlling where the peanut butter is used and by separating the allergic student’s lunch from others.
5) Will I be in a session with students of all ages?
No. Our sessions are broken into introductory, basic and advanced. The introductory session is for students 10-12 years of age, the basic for students 12 to 15 while advanced sessions are for students typically 15-19 years of age who have completed a minimum of a high school science course (preferably biology or chemistry).
6) Can I bring a friend?
Yes, but most students come alone. If you are attending with a friend, let me know if you want to be in the same dorm by writing it on the application. Once the dorm arrangements and splits have been organized, it’s impossible to change it without affecting several other students.
7) Are there any additional fees?
No, though some students may require additional services. Additional costs could include:
• Pick-Up/Drop-Off at Bangor Airport: $35 one-way or $60 round-trip
• Returned Check: $15/incident
• Extra Overnight before/after session: $100/night
8) May my parents or friends visit me during a session?
Certainly! Keep in mind, however, students may only leave the property with a friend or non-custodial parent with the expressed permission of the custodial parent/guardian.
9) May I bring my cell phone?
More and more students are bringing cell phones to the program. Due to the mountainous terrain however, not all cell phones pick up signals and all have limited signals. You are welcome to bring your phone as long as you don’t bring them on activities. You will also have access to a regular land phone with free long distance and the Internet.
10) What is your refund policy?
• Deposits are non-refundable once a letter of acceptance is sent upon receipt of teacher's recommendation.
• Withdrawal before May 15: full refund minus deposit
• Withdrawal after May 15: refund of half tuition minus deposit. Full tuition minus deposit if space is filled by another student.
• Withdrawal after start of session: no refund
• Payments on tuition made less than 15 days before scheduled session must be in the form of a certified bank check, money order or paid by VISA /Mastercard. Students may not attend without the tuition paid in full.
• Participants are expected to report to all scheduled activities on time, to abide by all rules of conduct explained upon arrival at AIO, and to conduct themselves in a manner to bring credit upon AIO and themselves. This conduct includes but is not limited to:
* treating staff and fellow students with proper respect
* using appropriate language
* refraining from improper relationships with other students
* not possessing tobacco, alcohol or any illegal substances
* never leaving the property without a staff member
* respecting the property of AIO and other students (you must replace property willfully destroyed)
11) Can I apply for the Tropical Program or the Florida Career Seminar if I haven’t attended the summer program?
No, since the spaces always fill with students who have attended the summer programs. You must receive these registrations from the Director — they are not available on the web site.
12) Do you have a camp store?
No, but we do sell shirts, phone cards and soda in the building. We will also make ice creams stops and take trips into Bar Harbor where you can buy souvenirs or pick up snacks. Your friends and family are also welcome to send you care packages. You can also buy AIO t-shirts and books by mail order.
