Nadia Schreiber
I first heard about Landmark Volunteers through a friend of mine, who had nothing but wonderful stories to tell me. I then did some of my own research, and decided that Landmark was just what I wanted: a short, community service-based summer trip. I was instantly attracted to the Island Institute’s offerings on Swan’s Island in Maine. What more could an ocean lover like myself want than to spend two weeks on an island off the beautiful Maine coast?

When the ferry first pulled up and we walked off the boat onto the island (the van was full of all of our bags), I thought to myself “What did I get myself into?” Our fourteen member team increased the population of the island by almost three percent, and everyone on the ferry dock was looking at us, “the kids.” Unfortunately, the ferry didn’t go back to the mainland again until the morning, so I was stuck for the night. And I’m so glad I was. Over the course of the next two weeks, I learned the history of one of the oldest year-round communities in the country, had the opportunity to archive and catalog over 1000 historical artifacts, learn all about the behind-the-scenes of library work, and develop bonds with people that I never thought I would become friends with.

On our last day, all of the town’s people came to the town hall (Odd Fellow’s Hall, which we had cleaned on our first day) to say thank you to us, and give us a Swan’s Island-style farewell, complete with lobster fresh off the boats, and home-baked goodies from the island “Bake Shoppe.” As we boarded the ferry the next morning (after pulling an all nighter, and watching the sun rise over the water) I thought back to that first day, and I laughed at myself. I wanted nothing more than to turn the clock back and do the whole thing all over again.

Looking back on my time with my Landmark team, I have nothing but fond memories. As I look ahead to college (which is rapidly approaching), I know that I will draw on so many of the lessons I learned in my time on Swan’s Island. A Landmark program can add nothing but wonderful experiences to any summer vacation.

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