Imagine the benefits of beginning every day with 45 minutes of solo reflection facilitated by an invigorating walk and silent contemplation amid the rocky landscape and breathtaking water views of coastal Maine. Add to this, a daily diet of home cooked meals prepared from local, organically grown foods, and a school curriculum that so encourages exploration and experiential learning that each student is issued a pair of clam boots on the day they arrive at the little yellow farmhouse. Such are the benefits of attending Coastal Studies for Girls (CSG) in Freeport.

The color of the farmhouse, deliberately chosen to engender a sense of peace, is the landmark home of CSG. According to the CSG website, CSG is “the first and only science and leadership semester school for girls in the United States. CSG offers girls, 15 at a time, the opportunity to live and work together for a 16-week semester during their sophomore year, and be immersed in a powerful combination of science and leadership education. It is the Mission of CSG to inspire girls and women to create joyful lives, vibrant communities, and a more connected world.”

And apparently they do just that with great success.

"I sent you a sparrow and you sent me back an eagle," a comment from the parent of a CSG graduate, is a favorite quote of the program's founder and executive director, Pam Erickson, who addressed the Boothbay Region Garden Club membership meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 14.

The program encompasses the academic requirements of the sending school but places a strong emphasis on self discovery through exploration of the natural world. The 24/7 nature of the live-in program allows for immersion into worlds beyond the little yellow farmhouse that might result in a day of discovery onboard a fishing vessel, an afternoon exploring the life forms of a mud flat, or learning about the work of Rachel Carson by retracing her inspired steps. The interdisciplinary "hands on" approach to science and leadership studies is designed to ignite curiosity, spark independent projects, encourage a love of learning and engender a desire to preserve our natural environment.

This Sunday, Oct. 25, from noon to 3 p.m., CSG is hosting an open house for visitors and prospective students at 308 Wolfe's Neck Rd, Freeport. RSVP's are requested. Call 207-865-9700 or email info@coastalstudiesforgirls.org. For additional information about CSG visit www.coastalstudiesforgirls.org.