An outdoor education center is set to be established in the Carrabassett Valley, honoring a Bowdoin College student who had a deep affinity for the wilderness and tragically lost his life in a kayaking accident. Bowdoin College has acquired 21 acres along the Carrabassett River in Kingfield to create the Finnegan McCoul Woodruff Mountain Center. This new center will serve as a base for the Bowdoin Outing Club, facilitating various outdoor activities such as camping, skiing, mountain biking, hiking, and fishing.
Finnegan “Finn” Woodruff, a Brunswick native and the son of Bowdoin Outing Club Director Mike Woodruff, was a senior at Bowdoin College when he passed away in November 2021. His love for the outdoors will be commemorated through this center, which aims to foster a community spirit among students. The establishment of the center was made possible by a generous donation from retired staff members Stephanie Foster and Tim Foster, covering the $250,000 cost of the property.
The college is actively raising funds for construction projects to enhance the site’s accessibility and develop additional facilities, such as bunkhouses, a well and pump for running water, and more shelters. As of late, nearly $290,000 has been raised. The location is strategically positioned near key outdoor destinations like Sugarloaf and Saddleback ski areas, Flagstaff Lake, the Appalachian Trail, and the Bigelow Range, making it ideal for the Outing Club’s activities.
The Outing Club, with over 1,600 members offering more than 170 excursions annually, is a popular student activity at Bowdoin. The directors are eager to bring student groups to the camp soon, providing a space where students can disconnect from campus life and immerse themselves in nature while building community connections.
Many students are familiar with the Maine coast, but the new center will offer them the chance to explore the state’s western mountains. The center will not only benefit the Outing Club but also serve the college’s sports teams and religious organizations for retreats, enhancing the sense of community rooted in a shared sense of place.
The Human Angle
This new center in the Carrabassett Valley is expected to have a significant impact on Bowdoin College students and the surrounding community. It provides a dedicated location for students to engage with the outdoors, fostering a stronger connection to Maine’s natural landscapes. This connection is likely to enhance their overall college experience by offering opportunities for personal growth and community building.
Beyond recreational activities, the center will also serve as a venue for various college groups, including sports teams and religious organizations, to retreat and bond. This multifaceted use of space highlights the center’s potential to nurture a sense of belonging among students, which is crucial for their social and emotional well-being. Additionally, the center’s establishment may inspire similar initiatives, promoting outdoor education and community engagement across educational institutions.