On Saturday morning, February 26th, dozens of high school students and their teachers streamed into the Wells Conference Center, at the University of Maine Orono to hear speaker after speaker fill them in on the developing invasion of Ukraine. Overheard conversations during breaks reflected both the dismay and astonishment many around the world have felt, but there was something more – a sense that they were privy to insight exclusive to those in attendance. One student, discussing the invasion over the phone with her father, hurriedly told him, “There’s so much more here than what you’re seeing on the news, I’ll fill you in when I get home!”

While the intensity of the conference was obviously amplified by what was unfolding in real time, there’s no denying that the facilities and staff of the Wells Conference Center made for a seamless experience. The audio/video arrangements made every table a prime location, the catered snacks and meals were excellent, and there were plenty of opportunities to mingle among schools (to the extent that masks and ingrained social distancing allow).

And despite the Friday snow-related cancellations, the Black Bear Inn provided fine accommodations. It seems that each year there are grand designs for Saturday evening post-conference activities, but most students (and teachers, admittedly) were content to stay in their rooms, watch tv, and order pizza. The surreal circumstances of this year’s conference, in particular, likely contributed. All in all, a rewarding and enriching weekend. ~ Dispatch from Dwight Blue, CC’s new Education Chair

The Camden Conference is grateful to the University of Maine for hosting participating CCC (Camden Conference in the Classroom) students and teachers at its Orono campus to view the Camden Conference livestream together with their university students and faculty. The weekend included a student/faculty reception and a dedicated Conference Speaker Q & A session. Thank you for your hospitality!

CCC Participating High Schools: Bonny Eagle High School, Standish; Brewer School Dept., Brewer; Edward Little High School, Auburn; Foxcroft Academy, Dover-Foxcroft; Gould Academy, Bethel; Lincoln Academy, Newcastle; Maine Academy of Natural Sciences, Hinckley; Mt. View High School, Thorndike; Oceanside High School, Rockland; Piscataquis Community High School, Guilford; Sanford High School, Sanford; Watershed School, Camden

College and Graduate Schools: Bowdoin College; Columbia University; University of Maine at Orono; University of Maine at Augusta/University at Rockland; University of Southern Maine; University of Maine School of Policy and International Affairs; University of Maine School of Law