Youth
Love being outside?
Want to gain skills, share adventure and learn leadership?
Want to gain skills, share adventure and learn leadership?
Who: Any high school student is welcome to attend our monthly programs. Spaces on seasonal multi-day trips are limited, and will be filled by an application process. No experience necessary, just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
When: Each month we will offer a day focused on building outdoor skills and experiences. Once a season we will embark on a multi-day trip.
Where: Monthly one-day programs will change location around northern Maine. Multi-day trips will take place in a variety of locations across our state and beyond.
Price: Day programs will be free or under $5. The cost of multi-day trips will vary depending on the nature of the trip. Scholarships are available!
Eligibility: Any student in 9th through 12th grade is eligible. All participants will be required to use their newfound skills towards a self-designed, outdoor-based service project in their school or community.
Contact: For more information please contact Lauren Jacobs (lauren@mainewsc.org 227.8580) or Mike Smith (mikes@mainewsc.org 227.0250). Also, join our Adventure Initiative group on Facebook for more info.
PHOTOS
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can come to the monthly day programs?
- Everyone! The one-day opportunities are open to all high school students. Bring your friends!
- Do I have to participate in all of the AI days and trips?
- No, you don't need to participate in every part of the program. But we hope you have so much fun you'll want to come to everything.
- If I come to an AI day program, will I automatically get accepted to the longer trip?
- Not necessarily. Space is limited for the multi-day trips and it depends on how many people apply.
- What if I don't get accepted to a multi-day trip?
- We'll do everything we can to make sure everyone who wants to be included is, but there will be a maximum number we can take on longer trips. If you don't get to take part in one trip just keep joining us for the monthly outings and make sure you apply again for the next trip.
- What if I can't make the mandatory pre-trip meeting?
- There will be a pre-trip meeting prior to any multi-day trip we take. These meetings are essential for organization and preparation. If you can't make the pre-trip meeting, wait and apply for the next trip.
- I don't have any equipment. Is that a problem?
- No. We have lots of gear including sleeping bags, tents, and cooking equipment. You will be responsible for providing your own clothing and footwear. If there is something you need and aren't able to get, we'll do our best to help.
- What's with the " self-designed outdoor-based service project" ?
- This is all about what you make it! An important aspect of Adventure Initiative is the idea of bringing home what you learn and putting it to use in your community. Your service project might be organizing a hiking trip for students in your school, starting an outing club, or doing trail work in your community. We'll help you plan your project.
- Isn't Maine Winter Sports Center only for skiers?
- Not at all. MWSC's Healthy Hometowns program is focused on sharing an active, outdoor lifestyle with communities year-round.
- Okay, this sounds like fun. How to I sign up?
- Fill out and send back the "Adventure Initiative Interest Form." Make sure to have your parents sign the waiver on the back. And join our Facebook group for the most up-to-date information!
