Bowdoin College has announced plans to establish the Finnegan McCoul Woodruff Mountain Center, recognizing a late student known for his commitment to outdoor exploration. The center will be located on 21 acres of newly acquired land along the Carrabassett River in Kingfield’s Carrabassett Valley region disclosed information. It is set to provide a base for the Bowdoin Outing Club’s range of activities, including camping, skiing, mountain biking and more.
Finnegan McCoul Woodruff, often called Finnegan “Finn” Woodruff or simply “Finn,” was still completing his Bowdoin College requirements while taking classes at Lewis & Clark University. He was the son of Bowdoin Outing Club Director Mike Woodruff and had gained recognition for his love of the wilderness. The naming of the new center honors his passion for Maine’s natural environment and commemorates his legacy for future students.
Mike Woodruff praised the generosity that made the project possible. “The kindness and generosity of that gift is really amazing,” he said, referring to the donation facilitating the property purchase. He added, “And for [the Fosters] to ask that it be named after Finnegan was just incredible.”
According to the same source, the property purchase was approximately $250,000 and was finalized in the fall. Tim Foster, who served as Dean of Student Affairs emeritus, and Stephanie Foster, a donor, contributed funds that allowed Bowdoin to secure the land. Additional donations have since supported construction and upgrades.
Plans for the site include constructing bunkhouses, bringing in a well and pump, and adding shelters and outhouses to accommodate visitors in all seasons. The area currently features enough flat ground for at least 40 tents and includes a small camp structure that can act as a food-prep space. Directors of the Outing Club believe these upgrades will let more students experience the region firsthand.
Mike Woodruff emphasized how crucial the new location is for reaching a variety of Maine’s outdoor sites. “Maybe 90% of everything we do is within an hour [of the property],” he said. Another report highlighted the region’s significance, noting that Sugarloaf and Saddleback ski areas, Flagstaff Lake, the Appalachian Trail, and the Bigelow Range are all within a relatively short drive.
Associate Director Anna Bastidas expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity to deepen students’ relationships with Maine’s natural landscapes. “I think this place is going to be amazing to one, increase the access and opportunity to experiencing Maine outdoors,” she said. “But also just having a place away from campus where folks can unplug, they have time to connect in meaningful ways with their peers.”
Mike Woodruff underlined the center’s potential for immersing participants in the western mountains. “To have this place in the mountains … we’ll have the opportunity to give students the opportunity to have those community-building and creating experiences and really identifying with Maine and the outdoors,” he said. “That sense of community is often really strongly rooted in a sense of place,” he added.
As the project moves forward, Bastidas noted the communal impact. “You meet tons of new people signing up for any of our trips, and to have that extra time sitting around a campfire, cooking a meal together, is really special,” she said. “And so students will be able to create more memories, create more connections and really have that time to build community.”
A recognized building efficiency study suggests that high-grade insulation and winterized plumbing can significantly lower energy costs and routine upkeep, aligning with the facility’s plans for year-round use. Applying such measures in bunkhouses or food-prep stations may also reduce unexpected closures due to cold-weather impacts.
Official tourism statistics indicate that visitor engagement often rises when venues offer multiple recreational pursuits, as people can enjoy a variety of options in a single trip. This approach reflects Bowdoin’s aim to combine camping, skiing, biking, and community retreats, thereby encouraging students to return and fostering deeper connections among different campus groups.
Developers of outdoor recreation hubs frequently emphasize varied activities to encourage group bonding and repeat visits. Offering backpacking trails, bike routes, gatherings around campfires, and lessons on backcountry skills can attract a broader participation and cultivate shared experiences. Flexible facilities, such as open-air pavilions, allow quick adaptation if weather changes or if different campus groups need alternative setups.
Bowdoin’s new Carrabassett Valley center illustrates how one destination can unite multiple campus interests, from sports teams seeking mountainous retreats to organizations desiring a secluded spot for reflection. By blending communal areas, diverse activity offerings, and thoughtful design, the project aims to provide an environment for students to forge lasting connections and develop new outdoor skills in homage to the adventurous spirit of Finnegan McCoul Woodruff.