What makes this little school so appealing and unique is that it provides a curriculum based on environmental stewardship and love of the outdoors, attracting many like-minded individuals with a passion for the natural world. Named one of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report in 2007, Unity College is known as a leader in sustainability and offers a hands-on approach to the educational experience, giving students all of the tools and training necessary for real-world success.

From September to May each year, the Unity community is bustling with activity. Campus and town blend together to form a living classroom in which students can apply their education to enrich the community, resulting in a reciprocal relationship that benefits both the local populace and the culture of Unity College. Whether it’s helping winterize homes or extensively studying the local ecosystem, the hands-on curriculum proceeds regardless of season or weather conditions. With the advent of spring, Sandy Stream swells with water, trees begin to bud, flowers start to bloom, and all manner of wildlife begin to appear.

Much of this beautiful transformation to spring falls on absent eyes. Once finals are over in early May, the students of Unity College head back to their hometowns for some well-earned vacation time, leaving the town of Unity noticeably quieter. While the students may be gone, the college continues to function, offering many different summer programs for those of all ages.

For those interested in sustainable living, Unity College is offering a three-week sustainable practices summer program at their Ravenwood Homestead. This six credit course will teach participants about anything from composting and bee keeping to photovoltaic systems and greenhouse gardening, all while sleeping under the stars and forming close-knit relationships with fellow participants. If you are interested in learning how to be less reliant on the grid and more self-sustainable, you can find more information about the program on Unity College’s website.

For teachers, Unity College will host a four day workshop called Education in a Changing Climate, scheduled for August 1, 2010. This workshop will provide educators with a crash course in climate change, empowering them to confidently teach their students and the public about all aspects of climate change. More information can be found here.

Children will enjoy the Maine Arts Camp held on campus throughout the summer. Campers can create their own schedules during either the 2 or 4 week sessions, choosing from a wide variety of activities such as painting, sculpture or stained glass. In addition to the art-themed activities, the Maine Arts Camp also has many of the components of a typical camp experience, right down to the campfires and camp songs. For more information on the Maine Arts Camp, check out their website.

Unity College offers so much more than just these summer activities. Browse through their website for a better idea of what’s going on.