Classic Cow Explorers | Rising 7th - 8th
OVERVIEW
Cow Explorers combines the magic of the Cow Island experience with the excitement of exploring nearby islands on a one-night paddling trip. Ride our zip line, build a raft, get creative with an environmental art project, and set up your own camp on a remote island all in the same week! This program offers an exciting adventure for new and returning students alike, and is open to Rising 7th and 8th graders.
2026 registratION dates
Tuesday 1/13/26 at 7AM - Registration will open for Summer Programs to 2025 Alumni families
Friday 1/16/26 at 7AM - Registration will open for 2025 Waitlisted Families (those who remained on a waitlist for the entire 2025 program season)
Wednesday 1/21/26 at 7AM - Registration will open for all other families (new families, those not enrolled in 2025 programs, or who declined a space off the waitlist in 2025)
If you have any questions about which day you are eligible to register, please email us at info@rippleffect.net.
Get Ready!
Rippleffect uses Amilia SmartRec for our registration. To prepare for smooth registration, you can review the important Registration Information.
2026 camp weeks:
6/22-6/26
7/13-7/17
7/27-7/31
8/10-8/14
Drop-off and Pick-Up
Registration is at 7:30AM on the first day of the program and will take place at the end of the parking lot located at Ocean Gateway Terminal located at 14 Ocean Gateway Pier, Portland, Maine 04101.
Pick-up is between 4:00-4:30PM on Friday.
2026 Tuition
Resources
| Tier 1 – True Cost Supporter: Reflects the full cost of running our island-based camps. For those families who can, we encourage them to pay the Tier 1 tuition option as a way of supporting the sustainability of our programs. | $770 |
| Tier 2 – Standard Tuition: The subsidized base cost, slightly lower than 2025 tuition, and designed for most families. |
$745 |
| Tier 3 – Financial Aid Tier: Need-based assistance through our application process, based on available funds. |
Application Required |
Need-based Finacial aid
Need-based Financial Aid for our Youth Summer Programs is available!
Please check out the Need-based Financial Aid page of our website to learn more. Rippleffect is committed to providing affordable, accessible programs for youth. We believe that the opportunity to participate in an adventure should not be deterred by financial limitations.