Workshops

BLOCK 1

  • Owen H., Wyn M.
    Valo and Waynflete School

    LGBTQ+ youth and educators are encouraged to join us to share conversation, solidarity, and joy! This group will provide a supportive environment to discuss LGBTQ+ topics, build relationships, and work towards creating a more inclusive community at the Summit and beyond. (Please note that this space is specifically designed for LGBTQ+ individuals only. Allies are encouraged to sign up for other offerings.)

  • Atticus A. ’25
    Lake Region High School

    Join us for a conversation about different characters with disabilities. How can we improve our own writing when we create disabled characters? We will consider the spectrum of disability, how people may be affected by it, and how people may adapt. This workshop is valuable for both writers and those who want to learn more about living as a disabled person and what makes good representation.

  • Tuckery E., Bella P., Soleil M.
    Maine Academy of Natural Sciences

    Why does "learning by doing" matter in this day and age? What could the future of outdoor education look like in Maine? Explore these questions and hear from student leaders about their experiences with natural science intensives and what it has to offer public education.

  • THIS WORKSHOP IS FULL

    Lincoln C. ’25
    Waynflete School

    For years, humanity's greatest minds have grappled with ethical dilemmas such as "The Trolley Problem" and "The Overcrowded Lifeboat." If these problems have been troubling you or—alternatively—if you didn't have a hearty breakfast, then this may be the workshop for you. I can't guarantee that we will find the answer to these moral quandaries, but I can guarantee that you will not leave hungry.

  • THIS WORKSHOP IS FULL

    Ysanne B., Waits B., Mikayla D.
    The Yellow Tulip Project, Waynflete School

    Interested in learning about the connection between artistic expression and mental health? If so, this workshop is for you! We'll explore innovative arts and media initiatives that are transforming the way we talk about mental health. Participants will create their own piece of art to take home! Join us ​as we explore ​creative ways to smash the stigma and make a difference.

  • Brittany B., Lauren T., Doug W.
    Cape Elizabeth High School
    Mt. Ararat High School
    Yarmouth High School

    We will focus on the development and support of extended learning opportunities that are grounded in The Can We? Project dialogue initiatives within our schools. Join us as we share and explore ideas for engaging students as leaders in the practice of dialogue and civic engagement.

  • THIS WORKSHOP IS FULL

    Lexe S. '25, Elliot W. '25
    Waynflete Environmental Action Group (WEAG)

    Join us for a hands-on workshop where creativity and upcycling meet! Learn about Maine’s unique native flora, then give plastic bottles a second life as unique, eco-friendly planters with your choice of native Maine flower seeds. This workshop is a fun way to connect with and learn about nature, reduce waste, and take home your own, custom planter!

  • THIS WORKSHOP IS FULL

    Cayden M. '26
    Poland Regional High School

    Sports, student politics, dialogue, and anything that you find yourself stepping up for in leadership are a lot for a person to manage. How well do you lead yourself? This workshop will consist of a conversation about mental health, perseverance, and finding the importance of leading yourself before leading others.

  • THIS WORKSHOP IS FULL

    Tessy B. '26, Kendra E. '26, Khalid M. '25, Rodas K. '26, Afomiya T. '25
    Deering High School
    Waynflete School
    Windham High School

    This workshop will be centered on Black History, revolving around the theme “Looking back into our history, and the brighter promises for our future”. We'll dive into different aspects of Black culture and the importance of Black Student Unions and affinity spaces. This workshop will not only reflect on our rich history, but also celebrate it.

  • Kafari
    Featured Summit Performing Artist

    The rhythm bones (also known simply as 'the bones') are one of the earliest rhythm instruments in human history, played by holding two or more in one hand and rotating the wrist forward and backward to create sound. Join bones player and multi-instrumentalist Kafari for an exploratory introduction to this fun and fascinating percussion instrument. No prior musical experience is required and everyone will get a chance to play!

  • THIS WORKSHOP IS FULL

    Yashu D. '25, Alex W. '25
    Scarborough High School Civil Rights Club

    Using the Student Engagement Ladder as a guide, Civil Rights Club students will share their experiences and methods for setting boundaries with adults and creating authentic, intersectional programming. Our projects range from voting initiatives to non-violent civil disturbance to artistic endeavors.

  • Abbie D. '25, Lucinda H. '25, Amos N. '25
    Maine Coast Semester at Chewonki
    Waynflete School
    Windham High School

    Join us as we share our experiences as Maine Coast Semester (MCS) students. Learn about how teens at MCS live sustainably together in a tight-knit community on the Maine coast. We will share stories about working on our farm, cooking our own food, making art, living without screens, learning outdoors, connecting to nature, composting, and living in an intentional way. What do you do to live sustainably? How does it make you feel? We're excited to share our life-changing experience and hear your thoughts!

  • Kaiden C. '25, Sasha K. '26
    Waynflete School

    It's never spoken about until you truly get to know someone—until now. Experience the importance of identity and culture when it comes to being mixed race. Hear from a group of students and faculty about their experiences from past to present.

  • THIS WORKSHOP IS FULL

    Andrew Harrison
    Featured Summit Visual Artist

    Join us for a hands-on approach to community building and imagining new futures. Participants will work with Featured Summit Visual Artist Andrew Harrison to facilitate the This Was/This Will Be project, an action-oriented response to the Summit’s theme of looking back, thinking forward. Students will get their hands dirty making seed bombs (combining clay, seed, and soil), generate digital maps, and help coordinate the distribution of seed bombs to summit participants. If you’ve never participated in an art-centered community action, now is your chance!

  • Soren S. '26, Susan S.
    Maine Coast Waldorf School

    How are we affected by the gender system? Are there two sexes? We will think about what sex and gender should be, and what role (if any) sex and gender should play in a society. Where do we go from here?

  • Carmen I. '27, Anna M. '28
    Waynflete Girls Leadership Training (GLTR)

    Join us to learn about unsung women and non-binary artists—and complete an art project!

  • Mia H. '26, Liv T. '25
    Youth Work Makes the Booth Work

    Bring your topics of interest to a conversation hosted by Youth Work Makes the Booth Work (YMBW), an organization empowering younger generations to get involved in the democratic process. Learn how YMBW cultivates a future electorate more skilled at meeting public challenges, more ready to engage in the resolution of pressing public problems, and more willing to vote and to assist others in voting in every election.

BLOCK 2

  • THIS WORKSHOP IS FULL

    Liam H. '25, Linnaea H. '26
    Yarmouth High School

    CivilTeas is a discussion-based club offering a safe place for students to discuss traditionally taboo topics. We are open to people of all beliefs and encourage diversity of thought. Come learn how to host these type of discussions and elevate your community or school through civil dialogue.

  • Owen H., Wyn M.
    Valo and Waynflete School

    LGBTQ+ youth and educators are encouraged to join us to share conversation, solidarity, and joy! This group will provide a supportive environment to discuss LGBTQ+ topics, build relationships, and work towards creating a more inclusive community at the Summit and beyond. (Please note that this space is specifically designed for LGBTQ+ individuals only. Allies are encouraged to sign up for other offerings.)

  • THIS WORKSHOP IS FULL

    Helen B. '26
    Maine Academy of Natural Sciences

    Join us as we examine the importance of teaching philosophy and engaging students in dialogue to empower them in their education. Although philosophy is an incredibly important class, it is sadly not a widespread offering in high schools. During this workshop, we will review two basic philosophical ideas, have multiple pair and group discussions, and understand how we can bring the power of philosophy to our own schools. Students should be prepared to be open about their opinions and willing to hear other's opinions. We hope to create a safe environment for everyone to feel open to discuss their thoughts.

  • THIS WORKSHOP IS FULL

    Pi C. '25, Marisa S. '25
    Waynflete School

    Find your common connections through a language we all share: food. After introductions, we will break off into small groups and design pizzas, using toppings based on shared aspects of our identities. While pizzas are baking, we will talk about what food and identity mean for us, learn more about what they mean for each other, and leave ready to make more delicious connections everywhere we go during our culminating shared meal.

  • THIS WORKSHOP IS FULL

    Annie M. '27, Ami S. '27
    Waynflete Girls Leadership Training (GLTR)

    Join us for a deep dive into the economic inequalities that women face. How does the economy affect women in a society where women’s needs aren’t always acknowledged? Let’s learn about what we can do through activities that inspire action.

  • Jennifer D., Julia E., Nathan M.
    Yarmouth Schools
    Windham Schools

    In an era of increasing division, how can educators cultivate meaningful, respectful dialogue in the classroom and beyond? This interactive workshop will explore strategies such as The Can We? Project, Civil Teas, Story Exchanges, and other student-centered approaches to fostering open and inclusive discussions. Join us for a conversation on practical ways to create a school culture where students feel empowered to listen, share, and engage across differences.

  • Jared E. '25, Autumn N. '27, Jackson P. '26, Gage W. '26
    Sacopee Valley High School Army JROTC

    This student-led discussion will focus on what Army Values are and how they help to guide the US Army. Students will immerse themselves in the meaning of the seven different values—loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. We will discuss how we can implement these values in our lives to better ourselves, our schools, and our communities.

  • Perola M. '27, Sophia H. '27
    Tree Street Youth center

    A core issue in underprivileged communities is the lack of support and resources for teens and youth. We will examine the opportunities to set teens up for success. In spite of challenges that include limited academic support, restricted opportunities, and community violence, we will uncover strategies to help youth thrive and learn how to positively influence them and inspire them to stay on the right path.

  • THIS WORKSHOP IS FULL

    Caileigh H. '25, Lyla W. '25
    Valo

    Join us as we use delicious cookies and good conversation to bring to life four "Ways of Being," which are great vehicles for youth to connect meaningfully in any setting. After having fun and sharing sweet treats, participants will leave with ideas for making their clubs and other groups even better by weaving in the four Ways.

  • Audrey W. '27, Isra M. '25
    Narrative 4
    Waynflete School

    Join us for a walk outside to connect with each other and with the natural world. Building off of the Narrative 4 story exchange, we will spend time outside, engage in active listening, reflect on how we experience nature, and share our experiences with one another. Bring all of your senses and a ​warm coat!

  • THIS WORKSHOP IS FULL

    Kaiden C. '25, Chelsea J.
    Waynflete School

    Writing and journaling is something that can help our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It is a way to look back and to think forward. Maybe you like to write songs, jot down your thoughts, remember your favorite moments of each day, or recall your dreams from the night before. No matter what the case, having a special place to do that is important. Come create your very own handmade book that you will build and bind together in whatever way feeds your soul.

  • THIS WORKSHOP IS FULL

    We'll focus on challenging negative narratives while highlighting the difficult journeys immigrants undertake to earn their place in this country. Through personal stories, we will foster understanding, reshape perceptions, and see how those who are new to America are an essential part of our patriotic stories.

  • Genesis M. '27, Dina A. '26
    The Derryfield School

    Join us as we explore how to create a leadership identity and a leadership mindset. We will share a leadership curriculum (LEAD) where every student learns they can be a leader, no matter their background or experience. We will also discuss the Exploration Program, where students practice leading in areas of their interest. In group activities, students will have a chance to dive into the leadership qualities of critical awareness, positivity, and inclusivity.

  • Mariam H. '27
    Portland Community Squash (PCS)
    Waynflete

    This workshop will showcase how squash has shifted from a predominately white male sport into one that includes a multitude of people. Participants will also get an overview of the rules of squash, the sport's recent inclusion into LA28 Olympic games, and how to play!

  • Bella R. '26, Murreal W. '26
    Valo

    Interested in the how-tos of podcasting? Join youth facilitators from Valo to co-create a podcast based on your group conversation and questions. Participants will learn the key components of podcasting and connect with other youth from across Maine while building a podcast recording together. Ready, set, podcast!

  • THIS WORKSHOP IS FULL

    Andrew Harrison
    Featured Summit Visual Artist

    Join us for a hands-on approach to community building and imagining new futures. Participants will work with Featured Summit Visual Artist Andrew Harrison to facilitate the This Was/This Will Be project, an action-oriented response to the Summit’s theme of looking back, thinking forward. Students will get their hands dirty making seed bombs (combining clay, seed, and soil), generate digital maps, and help coordinate the distribution of seed bombs to summit participants. If you’ve never participated in an art-centered community action, now is your chance!

  • Rodas K. '26
    Unity Roots

    Unity Roots is a powerful mental health support group for people of color. It's a safe space to connect, heal, and grow. It is a setting where individuals learn practical coping strategies, delve into deep conversations, and celebrate identity without judgment. We're breaking down walls, fostering resilience, and building a sense of belonging.