School Vacation Programs
The Lincoln Academy dormitories are closed for three school vacations in December, February, and April each year.
- Winter Break: December 18, 2023 – January 1, 2024
- February Break: February 19, 2024 – February 23, 2024
- April Break: April 15, 2024 – April 19, 2024
While Lincoln Academy’s dorms are closed during December, February and April breaks, we strongly encourage students to travel with their families or try a camp experience at our local partner Kieve-Wavus. We also offer a limited number of homestay experiences each year. Students are placed with vetted families in the community, who are often Lincoln Academy faculty, staff, or alumni. Space is limited, so please register your student as soon as possible.
Contact Trish Jonason in the Resident Life Office with any questions or to complete your child’s registration: jonason@lincolnacademy.org.
Thanksgiving Vacation – November 2024
Dorms remain open. Students have the opportunity to enjoy this special holiday meal with a local host family and we travel to Camp Kieve for a celebratory dinner.

Students gather with friends for a Thanksgiving Meal.
Thanksgiving Holiday Meal: Spend this traditional American holiday with a local family, and enjoy a hearty meal with their friends and family. A true cultural immersion!
Spend the Wednesday before Thanksgiving at Kieve-Wavus and enjoy a traditional meal with their fellow boarders. All students staying on campus will experience this tradition- No need to apply!
December Vacation
The Dorms will be closed for December Vacation. Students plan to travel home during this time, take part in a homestay or explore the US with their families.

Students enjoying winter in Maine.
Homestay: If a student is unable to travel home for all or part of the December Vacation, we offer a limited number of homestay placements with trusted families in the local community. These homestays are typically reserved for students with winter athletic team commitments. During the homestay, students take part in day-to-day activities alongside their hosts, share in meals, excursions, and are immersed in the English language and American culture. December Break is also a unique opportunity to share in special holiday traditions and festivities. Students are typically placed in pairs and host families receive a stipend to offset the expense of room, board, and transportation for the students during the school vacation. The fee for the homestay program over the two-week December Vacation is $975 ($65 per night).
February Vacation
The dorms will be closed during this week, and many students plan to travel home, take part in Winter Break Camp or explore the US with their families.

Students who participate in Winter Camp at Kieve-Wavus during February break try a wide range of fun winter sports including curling (shown here), skiing, ice hockey and ice fishing.
Winter Camp at Kieve-Wavus: Students who would like to stay in the local area may consider taking part in Winter Camp at Kieve-Wavus Leadership School located on beautiful Damariscotta Lake in Jefferson, Maine. Students will join their friends for a week of winter exploration of the outdoors and local attractions. Snowshoeing, skiing, skating, tobogganing, relaxing by the fire, hot cocoa and art museums. During this break, participating students will have an opportunity to tour Maine colleges including Bowdoin and there will be support with language study and academics. Kieve-Wavus’ caring staff will give your student a wonderful experience to remember. The program fee for winter camp is $1000. Space is limited, so sign up early!
April Vacation
The dorms will be closed during this week. The 2024 April Vacation trip will be announced in January- stay tuned!
The April 2023 trip was to Washington DC with the Cordero Family. The trip was limited to 11 participants and the program fee was $850 per person. Pricing included meals, transportation, shared accommodations, and group activities. Students brought their own spending money for personal expenses.
Looking ahead:


Students celebrating Thanksgiving at Camp Wavus.
Thanksgiving Vacation
Dorms remain open. Students have the opportunity to enjoy this special holiday meal with a local host family and we travel to Camp Kieve for a celebratory dinner.Â
Thanksgiving Holiday Meal:Â Â Spend this traditional American holiday with a local family, and enjoy a hearty meal with their friends and family. A true cultural immersion. Students can choose a friend to spend the day with and allow us to choose the family, or students can make their own connections and let us know in advance of their plans.
Spend the Wednesday before Thanksgiving at Kieve-Wavus and enjoy a traditional meal with their fellow boarders. All students staying on campus will experience this tradition- No need to apply!Â

Students from Spain and Rwanda visit with the Abbott family at their home.
December Vacation
The Dorms will be closed for December Vacation. Students plan to travel home during this time, take part in a homestay or explore the US with their families.
Homestay: If a student is unable to travel home for all or part of the December Vacation, we offer a limited number of homestay placements with trusted families in the local community. During the homestay, students take part in day-to-day activities alongside their hosts, share in meals, excursions and are immersed in English language and American culture. December Break is also a unique opportunity to share in special holiday traditions and festivities. Students are typically placed in pairs and host families receive a stipend to offset the expense of room, board and transportation for the students during the school vacation. The fee for the homestay program over the two week December Vacation is $975 ($65 per night).

Winter Camp is hosted by our partner Kieve-Wavus at their beautiful facility on Damariscotta Lake.
February Vacation
The Dorms will be closed for February Vacation. Students plan to travel home during this time, take part in Winter Camp at Kieve-Wavus or explore the US with their families.
Winter Camp at Kieve-Wavus: Students who would like to stay in the local area may consider taking part in Winter Camp at Kieve-Wavus Leadership School located on beautiful Damariscotta Lake in Jefferson, Maine. Students will join their friends for a week of winter exploration of the outdoors and local attractions. Snowshoeing, skiing, skating, tobogganing, relaxing by the fire, hot cocoa and art museums. During this break, participating students will have an opportunity to tour Maine colleges including Bowdoin and there will be support with language study and academics. Kieve-Wavus’ caring staff will give your student a wonderful experience to remember. The program fee for winter camp is $1000. Space is limited, so sign up early!

Group kayak trip with Kieve-Wavus in Bremen, Maine.
April Vacation
The Dorms will be closed for April Vacation. Students plan to travel home during this time. There will be a trip offered to residential students, with limited occupancy. More details coming soon. There may be a limited number of homestay opportunities over April Break, preference is given to students with athletic commitments. Â