What: Come join us for this fire, ice, and sustainability adventure in Iceland and explore how photography canchange how you see the world. You will reconnect withnature while experiencing some of the most inspiring landscapes and sustainable practices in the world today.You will stay at one of the world’s oldest ecovillages, visitstunning waterfalls and volcanoes, explore an Icelandicfarm with sheep and horses, tour a geothermal power plant,visit a traditional Icelandic turf house and farm, andtransform your photography from simply taking pictures tomaking photographs that tell a story of who you are. You will sample traditional Icelandic food, learn about Iceland’sViking history and about the culture and geography thathave shaped who Icelanders are today. And finally, you willbe invited to craft an action plan for growing what you have learned when you return home.

Where: South Iceland, including visits to: Thingvellir National Park, Gulfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls,Geldingadalir and Kerid volcanoes, Mt. Hekla, HellisheidiGeothermal Power Plant, Solheimar Ecovillage, anIcelandic turf house, a traditional Icelandic farm, historicReykjavik, the National Museum, and other sites.

Who: Photography enthusiasts who would like toreconnect with nature while evolving their art ofphotography; share this unique experience with others in asupportive, close-knit community; and learn aboutsustainable practices while experiencing breathtakinglandscapes and macro-beauty in the land of fire and ice.

Leaders: Dave Oakes, co-founder of CELL, formerprofessor of education, and photography enthusiast; and EdPalaszynski, master photographer, will share his passionfor nature and fine art photography and sustainability. Tosee more of Ed’s work, please visit:edpalphotography.photoshelter.com.

Costs: $3,800 per person (includes all in-country food, lodging, travel, and activity fees). Does not include round trip airfare.For more information: Contact Dave via email atdave@cellonline.org or call or text 207-230-4025, or Ed atedpal2@verizon.net. We look forward to hearing from you!

The town of Machias is the county seat for Washington County and a lovely but less-traveled part of Downeast. The word Machias in the Passamaquoddy language means “bad little falls”, which refers to the beautiful and rugged waterfalls located on the Machias River in the center of the community. The town became famous as the location of the first naval battle of the Revolutionary War, 250 years ago this year. In 1775, locals were told of the battles of Lexington and Concord. When a small Royal Navy ship demanded Machias provide lumber to be used by British forces down in Boston, the locals decided on a different plan. The Machias Patriots sailed after the little British ship, fought its crew, and captured it. Today, you can visit Burnham Tavern (built in 1770), where the Patriots came up with their audacious plan to take on the British, and which was set up as a hospital during the battle. Nearby Machiasport is known for the unique Jasper Beach, a sandless beach covered in beautiful stones worn round by the sea - a beach with its only match in faraway Japan - and the 1810 Gates House Museum. This trip will include a guided tour of Burnham Tavern, and visits to Jasper Beach, The Gates House, Helen’s Restaurant for lunch (famous for their blueberry pie), the stunning Bad Little Falls, and a final stop at lovely Roque Bluffs State Park. No meals or optional admission donations are included. We will meet at Camden Hills Regional High School then travel on a coach bus to Machias, with a brief rest stop in Ellsworth. Planned Itinerary: Leave CHRHS 7:30 AM Brief pit stop in Ellsworth Burnham Tavern 10:30 AM Helen's 12:30 PM Gates House 2:45 PM Jasper Beach 4:00 PM Takeout options in Machias 5:15 PM (Riverside Cafe, Tom's Mini Mart, or Freshies) Roque Bluffs 6:00 PM Depart 7:00 PM Brief pit stop in Ellsworth Arrive CHRHS 10 PM

Please Note: The date for this trip has changed. The new date is July 23, 2025. 

Sea kayak to mysterious Malaga Island where indigenous people summer camped and where there was a colony in the late 1800’s that was evicted by the state of Maine. We’ll meet at 8:15am at a public boat launch, get outfitted for our paddling trip and go over safety rules and basic strokes. We’ll paddle 1.5 miles to Malaga Island. While paddling, be on the lookout for harbor seals, sea gulls, great blue herons, snowy egrets, sea ducks, osprey and possibly bald eagles. After landing we’ll hike the 1.2 mile trails of the island. We’ll have the lunch/snacks that you brought at the southern tip of the island. After finishing our hike, we’ll paddle back and return about 2pm. Kayaks, life jackets, and paddles are provided. You need to bring a very small backpack with your lunch, snacks, extra clothing layers, two 20 – 22 ounce bottles of water and possibly a change of shoes for your hike. If you are unable to walk unaided over tree roots and rocks, do not book this trip. All paddling gear is provided for this beginner friendly tour.

Are you interested in obtaining a USCG Captain's License? Do you want to learn the difference between an Operator Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV) license and a Master 100GT license, and what experience the Coast Guard requires for each?

This informational session will help answer these questions and others about the two licenses. The different methods for completing the course requirements will also be discussed.

We plan to offer both courses in Maine during the Fall 2025, representing the Captain School Key West / Miami.

This information session is free, but please register in advance, so the instructor knows how many individuals will attend and can send login instructions.