Field Sketch and Botanical Illustration

Creating field sketches and botanical illustrations teaches people how to really see their environment, and to connect with it in an intimate way. Furthermore, it helps us practice filtering out the noise of everyday life and allows us to focus on the beauty of the natural world as represented by a single leaf, pinecone, or flower. The act of making art in a group creates community by allowing people to share their creative thoughts, celebrate each other’s achievements and support each other’s challenges.

As a member of this creative community, you will be offered an array of media to create sketches and illustrations (e.g., pencils, charcoal, and pen and ink). Each session will begin with a brief field trip to a different secluded spot on the island, where we will practice the art of field sketching. The remainder of the session will be spent in a comfortable spot where we can share our field sketches and practice botanical illustration using plant materials that we have collected. All levels of experience are welcome, and everyone is encouraged to create at their own pace. You will take home a sketchbook filled with your original artwork and memories of the beauty that surrounds us on the island, as well as the joy of creating art with others.

About Jo Raines

I learned about botanical illustration and field sketching as an undergraduate at Colby College and was commissioned by the Nature Conservancy to illustrate one of their educational pamphlets, describing some of the plants that Henry David Thoreau would have seen during his explorations in Maine. As an elementary science and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) teacher, I taught students to see their world and record it using field sketching and botanical illustration. My students would observe and sketch a vernal pool in fall, winter, and spring. Since retiring in June of 2025 I have been in full creative mode, dividing my time between playing my fiddle in several musical groups as well as creating acrylic paintings of subjects ranging from citrus fruits to musical instruments.

Facilitator: Jo Raines

Reservation Terms & Conditions

Deposits & Payment: Your deposit of $200 per person is required with your reservation request. Full payment is due at the end of your stay. We can now accept credit cards as final payment but prefer you pay by cash or check.

Changes & Cancellations: You must notify the registrar (registrar@3mile.org, 856-235-2210) or the summer managers (manager@3mile.org, 603-279-7626 after June 15) to change or cancel a reservation. You may substitute different named individuals with advance notice.

Cancellations in whole or in part are subject to the following Payment Terms:

50% of your applicable deposit will be refunded if you cancel all or part of your reservation prior to 30 days before your scheduled arrival.

You must pay the full amount if you cancel within 30 days of your scheduled arrival.

Consider purchasing trip insurance in case you need to cancel your reservation.

Camp Capacity: Camp capacity is fixed to protect the island’s fragile ecosystem. Additions to your reservation will be addressed on a space-available basis and are subject to additional deposit. You may not arrive at the camp with more guests than the number for whom you have reserved space unless you have received permission from the managers before your arrival.

Lottery Dates: The earliest date for submitting your reservations is January 1. All full-week reservation requests dated between Jan. 1 – Jan 15 will be given equal opportunity in the lottery. Partial week requests will be considered after May 1, space permitting.

Note: One reservation = one invoice. If you need SEPARATE INVOICES, please fill out a SEPARATE RESERVATION FORM and include a SEPARATE DEPOSIT CHECK for each invoice.

Membership: A valid AMC member number for each camper must be provided NOW to receive the lower member rate, otherwise campers will be billed at the non-member rate. Family Memberships include up to two adults and any children under 21 living in your household. This membership class does not include family members living outside of your household. Join the AMC here.

Cabin Limits & Preferences: There is a limit of 4 cabins/12 people per reservation. There are two beds per cabin. Cots are available to add a third person. Please be sure to provide at least 3 alternative preferences for both cabin and week. If your first choice is not available, we will try to accommodate your second choice, and if need be, your third choice.

Responsibility: The person named on the form is responsible for payment.

Return Policy

Your deposit of $200 per person is required with your reservation request. Full payment is due at the end of your stay. We can now accept credit cards as final payment but prefer you pay by cash or check.

Field Sketch and Botanical Illustration

About Jo Raines

Facilitator: Jo Raines

Three Mile Island Camp

Reservation Terms & Conditions

Return Policy