Where will I stay?
When you register for a class at the Shelter Institute, we send you our housing list which offers about forty special places to stay within commuting distance of our campus. Prices start at $100 per week for a room in one of our hosts homes. But you may decide to rent a cottage near the water for $400 or more per week. Some of our students choose to camp or even bring their own RV to stay in. And, of course, there are hotels and motels near by. You choose accommodations that suit your particular needs. A car is very helpful, but some more ambitious students have gotten by with a bicycle.

What about meals?
In the same way that our students stay in a wide variety of places, they eat a wide variety of foods. There are many restaurants within 5 miles of the campus. There is a grocery store, convenience store, and pizza place about one mile down the road. Many people bring bag lunches and prepare meals while they are here. Some accommodations come with kitchen privileges. There are also several evening events during our classes. The three week class typically sees a night out at a local restaurant as a group, an evening barbecue, and a final pot luck supper - bring what you like to eat, and be prepared to share.

What clothing should I bring?
One sure thing about the weather in Maine is that you can never be sure what it will be. Check out the individual class you are considering for a general description of weather conditions at that time of year. But, in general, come prepared for cold as well as warm. We have had 50-degree days in January and 20 degree days in June. Clothing that can be worn in layers is very helpful.

Should I bring my own tools?
Each of the different classes have their own requirements. In particular, you will need a complete set of your own tools for the Post and Beam Class. We have listed these timber framing tools online for your convenience. For the more comprehensive two, three, and fifteen week classes, the requirements are not as strict, but useful tools include:

• calculator that does square roots at least
• empty notebook
• writing implements
• drafting equipment (will be provided)
• camera (believe it or not, people have forgotten this)
• hand saw, portable drill, sliding T-bevel, tape measure, chisel, hand plane (Saw Horse workshop)
• hammer, tool belt for work on-site (optional)

What credits will I earn by attending the Shelter Institute class?
Graduates of the three week design/build class can use their diploma towards college credits, teacher certification credits or real estate certification credits. Officially, the Shelter Institute three week design/build class is accredited through the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) Physics department as the equivalent of a one-semester class (4 credit-hours). Upon graduation, we can provide you with the necessary paperwork to register your credits - there is a nominal administrative fee that goes to the University of Maine (approximately $25).

Where is the Shelter Institute Campus and store?
We are located on U.S. Route One smack in the middle between Bath and Wiscasset, Maine - five miles north of Bath and five miles south of Wiscasset. The closest airport is in Portland, 45 miles south. Students also fly into Boston, MA or Manchester, NH - each of these is 2-3 hours driving time, but fares are often lower because they are bigger airports.

The Shelter Institute Campus is fifty wooded acres that fronts Route One on one side and tidal Montsweag Brook on the other. One couple canoed from Chewonki Campground and hiked to class in the morning several times during the class.