workshop offerings
Teens To Trails Conference '08

Adding Outdoor Adventure into Your Curriculum
Learn what's involved in building an outdoor adventure program into the curriculum at your school.  Explore ways to branch out and grow existing programs.

Presenter:  Mark Savage
Mark has been leading an active outdoor adventure program at Brewer High School for over 17 years.


Risk Management for Outdoor Programs
Rufus E. Brown's workshop will introduce the fundamental concepts of liability protection for outdoor leaders. Basic legal and practical risk management concepts will be discussed.

Presenter:  Rufus Brown
Rufus E. Brown is an attorney with Brown & Burke, PA in Portland, Maine, whose practice includes outdoor law and litigation.  As a former Deputy Attorney General, he represented Baxter State Park.  In private practice, he represents Wilderness Medical Associates and New England Outdoor Center.  He has written extensively on issues of risk management in outdoor programs. Rufus is a highly regarded writer and analyst, with an extensive record of volunteer and educational work throughout the State of Maine.


Wilderness First Aid:  The Fundamentals
What happens when people get too hot, too cold, too dehydrated, or they twist their ankles, skin their knees, or bump their heads? What kinds of things should outdoor leaders know about?  This workshop covers the foundations of wilderness medicine. We will talk about common backcountry medical problems, and offer practical tips for preventing emergencies before they happen.  This workshop will also survey the educational opportunities available for outdoor enthusiasts and trip leaders alike.

Presenter:  Eric Duffy
Eric is Lead Instructor for Wilderness Medical Associates in Portland.  He is a Wilderness and State of Maine EMT-B, Registered Maine Guide (Rec+SK), MA  As an instructor with Wilderness Medical Associates since 2000, Eric actively teaches multi-day classes in wilderness medicine for schools and outfitters throughout Maine. He developed the outdoor education program at Hebron Academy into a daily, year-round alternative to competitive athletics, and for the past three seasons has coordinated the sea kayaking school at L.L.Bean.  Eric also works seasonally as an emergency medical technician and paddling guide.


Wild Med Theater
Refresh those wilderness medical skills! Participants will work in teams to respond to a simulated accident designed to focus on overall accident leadership, assessment, wilderness medical guidelines and rescue actions.  Groups will then compare responses and receive feedback. This workshop is open to both medically trained and non-trained individuals.

Presenter:  Jon Tierney, Acadia Mountain Guides & Alpenglow Adventure Sports
Jon is an internationally-licensed IFMGA Mountain Guide and local guide for over 20 years.


Leave No Trace Low-Impact Outdoor Ethics
If you spend time in the forests or on the water systems of New England, then don't miss this interactive workshop introducing the seven principles of Leave No Trace.  If you're not familiar with Leave No Trace, then this workshop is a great introduction.  Do you want to teach Leave No Trace to a group of youth or peers?  Get some great activity ideas and teaching tools from this workshop.

Presenter:  Alex DeLucia
Alex has been working with the Appalachian Mountain Club's Trails Volunteer Programs since 2001. Based out of Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, as well as AMC Camp Dodge Volunteer Center, Alex manages a number of different ways individuals and groups can volunteer on the trails in Maine and New Hampshire. AMC Trails Volunteers can participate in our Adopt-A-Trail program, AT Corridor Monitoring program, Alpine Stewardship program, Custom Trail Crew programming, as well as the Volunteer Vacations on the Trail for Teens and Adults. Outside of work, Alex enjoys gardening, cooking, skiing, ice climbing, fly fishing, hunting, and European travel. Alex has a degree in Adventure Education from Unity College in Maine.


Red in the Shed -- The Voyageur Hiking Program
This will be a hands-on, interactive presentation on The Voyageur Hiking Program at Bonny Eagle Middle School in Buxton Maine This coed, therapeutic outdoor program incorporates Adventure Based and Wilderness Therapy philosophy.  The workshop will explore the relationale, the development and implementation of a therapeutic outdoor program in a public school setting.

Presenter:  Loren Johnston
Loren has 35 years of experience as an educator, therapist and outdoor professional.  He is currently licensed as a Social Worker, certified as a Guidance Counselor, Wilderness First Responder and is a Registered Maine Guide.  For the past 8 years, he has been developing and directing the Voyageur Hiking Program at Bonny Eagle Middle School, an adventure/wilderness therapeutically-based program that works on developing communication, leadership, cooperation, positive self image and problem solving skills with students who have experienced significant school challenges.  The program is in the process of obtaining certification through the Association of Experiential Education.  Loren spends his free time traveling with his family, fly-fishing, backpacking in Canada and working, as a board member of the Maine Chapter of the International Appalachian Trail, on extending the Trail from Newfoundland to Spain.



50 Days Paddling the Northern Forest Canoe Trail
UMO student Tom Perkins shares his 50-day adventure on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail.  Paddle the historic 740-mile watertrail along with Tommy through New York, Vermont, Quebec, New Hampshire & Maine.  Tommy's slides and video on the experience will give you a feel for the rich human heritage and diverse natural environment of the Northern Forest as you join him in retracing the historic Native American travel routes.  Then, Bates student Zand Martin will share photos and excerpts from his trip log of last summer's through-paddle along the Trail.  

Presenters:  UMO student Tom Perkins & Bates student Zand Martin


Acadia's Youth Conservation Corps and Trails Program
Acadia National Park and the Friends of Acadia representatives will talk about the Park's Youth Conservation Corps program.   We will explain enrolling in  the Corps, talk about the projects corpsmembers may be involved in, and what to expect if you get a job in the program.   Demonstrations will include  tools the trails program uses and photos and discussions  about the types of projects in which youth workers are involved.  Other ways to become involved with Acadia National Park will be offered, too,  such as volunteer programs,  ranger led walks, and planning your own visits to Acadia National Park.

Presenter:  Gary Stellpflug, Acadia National Park


Activities & Initiatives for Teambuilding ~ by Maine Bound
Interactive, fun, and informative workshop on activities and initiatives that you can use to build community and teamwork within your groups & staff!

Presenter:  Renee Lavin, Maine Bound Adventure Center, University of Maine
Renee is currently the graduate assistant for Maine Bound Adventure Center where she supervises the challenge course staff and helps to run the rock program. Renee is an avid skier, rock climber, and teaches several classes for the KPE department in Rock Climbing and Ropes Course Management. She is also a Wilderness First Responder and an AMGA Top Rope Site Manager.  


Adding Outdoor Adventure into Your Curriculum
Learn what's involved in building an outdoor adventure program into the curriculum at your school.  Explore ways to branch out and grow existing programs.

Presenter:  Mark Savage
Mark has been leading an active outdoor adventure program at Brewer High School for over 17 years.


Animal Tracks
Tracking lets you see into the otherwise secret lives of animals.  In this workshop, you will learn to identify common animal tracks (such as deer, fox, squirrel, raccoon and skunk) and learn how to use the key in  Track Finder (a pocket-sized guide to animal tracks of eastern U.S) so that you can continue tracking on your own. We will investigate the preferred mode of travel of four basic groups (perfect walkers, imperfect walkers, bounders, hoppers), experiment with moving like these animals move (it’s hard), become acquainted with a few basic tracking terms, and use Track Finder to identify six or eight track patterns that have miraculously appeared in our classroom.

Presenter: Dorcas S. Miller
Dorcas has worked as an trip leader (canoeing, rafting; former Maine Guide), environmental advocate, and book editor. She has written four natural history guides, four outdoor cookbooks, a sea kayaker’s guide to the Maine coast, and several other non-fiction books. In her spare time she rock climbs; she is learning to watercolor.


Backcountry Chef
While you should leave your chef's hat at home, you can still make delicious food on backcountry expeditions.  With a focus on baking, Emily will share her decade of backcountry cooking experience through a hands-on workshop that will spice up your current repertoire of recipes and offer a foundation for beginners.  Can you smell the cinnamon rolls baking?

Presenter:  Emily Dolci
As an Outward Bound & NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) graduate, Emily has used her experience in these settings as a driving force in personal outings as well as her professional career.  Amidst trips across the United States and most recently Wyoming and the Grand Canyon, she has spent the past four summers as a field instructor for Outward Bound, backpacking & paddling the Northwoods of Maine.  In her “other” life, Emily is a teacher at Windham High School and an Advisor to the Outing Club.  Emily is a Wilderness First Responder and is hoping that she has a bear-encounter-free summer unlike her last.


Backpacking Essentials
From the excitement of choosing a route to the logistics of creating a gear list to the art of packing a pack, this workshop will explore the steps of planning & completing an autonomous backpacking expedition.  Using completed expeditions as a framework, it will seek both to prepare & excite those hoping to get their boots dirty this year.

Presenter:  Emily Dolci
As an Outward Bound & NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) graduate, Emily has used her experience in these settings as a driving force in personal outings as well as her professional career.  Amidst trips in Georgia, the Southwest, and the White Mountains, she has spent the past three summers as a field instructor for Outward Bound, backpacking & paddling the Northwoods of Maine.  After over 150 days in the field last year - including a cold winter working for a wilderness therapy program in northeast Utah - she has transitioned to classroom teaching at Windham High School, where she is also an advisor to the Outing Club.  Emily is a Wilderness First Responder and is excitedly planning her next trip -- 2 weeks of backpacking in the Tetons this summer.


Becoming a Maine Guide
Many outdoor enthusiasts look at people who are Maine Guides and say... "Hmm, I wonder what it takes to become a Maine Guide.  Do I have the skills and knowledge to become a Maine Guide?" Other people find they enjoy working outdoors and are interested in sharing the outdoors with others. In Maine, in order to be a paid professional leading people on experiences like boating, snowmobiling, fishing, hunting, trapping and camping in primitive areas, one needs to hold a valid Maine Guides license. In this presentation, we will cover what it takes to become a licensed Maine Guide and other skills and certifications you might consider pursuing if you want to become an outdoor leader.

Presenter:  Bob Myron
Bob Myron, owner of OLTOA and Master Maine Guide, has a passion for teaching paddle sports to people of all levels. A Coastal Kayak Instructor Trainer Educator for the American Canoe Association, Bob trains Instructor Trainers, Instructors and entry level kayakers. A Registered Maine Guide for 20 years, and a Wilderness First Responder, Bob has led wilderness canoe trips in the Allagash region of Maine, taught prep courses for becoming a Maine Guide and trained instructors from Maine to Maryland and Alaska. Bob has also participated in the British Canoe Union workshops including 5-star training.


Becoming an Outdoors Woman
Just because you're a girl doesn't mean you cannot be an outdoors person! More and more women are learning that participating in outdoor sports like hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation isn't just for the boys.  This workshop will discuss the common barriers that prevent women from participating in these traditional sports and ways to get involved that are comfortable and inexpensive for anyone.

Presenter:  Emily Jones
As the Education Coordinator for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Emily serves as the State Coordinator for several national Youth Educational Programs.  These programs include the Hooked on Fishing Program, the Becoming an Outdoors Woman Program and the National Archery in the Schools Program.  She really enjoys working with children and families to introduce them to outdoor sports and recreation as well as educating the public about Maine's fish and wildlife species and the importance of conservation efforts.


Beginner Fly Casting
Have you always wanted to try fly-fishing, but didn't know where to start?  Let L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools fishing experts teach you the fundamentals of basic fly casting to build the skills you need to get out on your favorite fishing spot.  These workshops will be limited to just five participants for each instructor per session, so get there early to sign up!

Presenter:  L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools Instructors


Biathlon 101
Participants can try shooting with a laser rifle, learn the basics of the sport, and experience ski tuning for fast skis!  Mike Yeo of Maine Winter Sports Center will present a clinic on biathlon.  This sport is the ultimate combination of rifle marksmanship and cross-country skiing.  

Presenters:  Mike Yeo & Tiki Humphries
Mike & Tiki are working to "re-introduce cross-country skiing as a lifestyle in Maine" with the Maine Winter Sports Center at Pineland Farms.  Mike has been known to do almost anything to get kids on skis.  He was once caught mounting skis on a baby's crib with the intention of gliding his son to sleep. When struggling through snowless months, he gets by with road and mountain biking, orienteering, roller skiing and hiking in the hills.


Bowdoin College Outing Club Fashion Show
So, what would you think of a student-run organization with its own 5,300-square-foot campus headquarters that allowed you to sign out — for free — any type of outdoor gear for a personal adventure, had a full-time professional staff to show you how to use the gear, that offered instructional classes and professional certification in whitewater paddling and Telemark skiing, and that trained you to an insane level of competency to lead group expeditions, handle outdoor medical emergencies, and even teach those skills to your peers? Pretty cool? Welcome to the Bowdoin Outing Club. 

The BOC isn't just for extremists, it's for all levels of comfort, experience, and ambition.  Bowdoin students’ spirit of discovery is alive and well. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the Outing Club. Over 300 members, more than 100 excursions per year — let the adventure begin!

BOC members are planning to share their very own style of outdoor "fashion"!  How do you dress in the outdoors and why!

Presenters:  Bowdoin Outing Club Students


Dirt Jumping, Freeriding & Cross Country Mountain Biking
Join the staff of Bath Cycle and Ski, and check out the different facets of Mountain Biking, from Dirt Jumping to Urban Freestyle, from Winter Endurance racing to full on Downhill racing. Examples of all types of bikes will be there to take a look at, as well as videos, information on where to ride, and riding tips.

Presenters from Bath Cycle & Ski


Enjoying the Allagash Wilderness Waterway
Take a trip down the famous Allagash Wilderness Waterway!  Presentation includes a brief history, trip planning and inside tips for a successful trip.

Presenter:  Marilyn Tourtelotte
Marilyn graduated from SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry.  Her career path took many directions, starting at the Chewonki Foundation as an Environmental Educator and Wilderness Trip Leader.  This was followed by a period of employment as a Forester for International Paper and the State.  Her career took a turn as she transferred to Recreation.  She worked at Lily Bay State Park, the Allagash Wilderness Waterway and at the establishment of the Penobscot River Corridor.  Needing year-round work, she became a Maine Game Warden, patrolling the Rockwood District.  She resigned to stay home to raise her son.  Never one to sit still, she served as a LURC Commissioner during that time.  She has managed the Allagash Wilderness Waterway for the past 8 years, a position which draws on the skills obtained in past careers.


Five Million Steps: Hiking the Appalachian Trail
Workshop participants will be taught how to tell the difference between day hikers, section hikers and thru hikers on the Appalachian Trail.  Also, get to see an innovative piece of raingear known as the “Packa”, a pack cover and rain jacket all in one!  Check out backpacking gear such as an Esbit stove, water filter, freestanding tent, etc.  Explore the diversity of the AT through slides that show all of the different forms the Trail takes within that 5 million steps (your mileage may vary!).

Presenter:  Ray “WalkinHome” Ronan
Ray successfully thru hiked the AT (Appalachian Trail) from Georgia to Maine April 4th to September 30th, 2000.  WalkinHome continues to be heavily involved with the Trail as a maintainer, corridor monitor and guidebook editor, to name a few tasks he has volunteered to do with the MATC (Maine Appalachian Trail Club). Check out the MATC exhibit.


Furs & Skulls ~ Northern Forest Mammals
Do black bears actually hibernate?  What is New England's largest rodent?  Why does the bull moose lose his antlers every year?  What makes a mammal a mammal?  Come find out the answers to these questions and check out the furs and skulls of other Northern Forest Mammals.  If there's time and interest, Emily will also introduce some simple activities and games to do with groups to introduce wildlife concepts.

Presenter:  Emily Mitchell
Emily Mitchell worked for the Appalachian Mountain Club as a backcountry hut caretaker and a field education instructor before starting her current position of Education Programs Coordinator in 2006.  Based out of Pinkham Notch in the White Mountains, Emily coordinates the AMC's Teen Wilderness Adventures program and also does community outreach to local schools and youth organizations.  Outside of work, Emily enjoys traveling, backpacking, rock and ice climbing, alpine and cross country skiing, biking and yoga.  Her most recent outdoor adventures include climbing the volcano, Iztaccihuatl, near Mexico City, and a winter ski trip to Baxter State Park in Maine.  Emily has a degree in Biology and Women's Studies and has hiked the entire length of the Appalachian Trail.


Gear Up For Surfing In Maine
The ski and snowboard season is coming to a close and what activity do we choose next. Surfing!  There is a huge amount of coastline here in Maine and, yes, we do get some good waves rolling in.  This workshop will introduce the gear that you will need to get started and get better as a surfer.  We will discuss the proper selection of a board, and wetsuit that will fit the needs of all types of surf and all ability levels of surfers.  Board size, style, thickness, etc. will be discussed as well as thickness and warmth of wetsuits.  This workshop will be geared towards the, "I've never done it before but it looks cool" beginners as well as the intermediate surfer.

Presenter:  James Krams, Joe Jones Ski & Sports Center
James has been surfing for over 20 years all along the east coast.  He grew up in Long Island, NY surfing breaks like, Lido, Long Beach, Montauk as well as other spots on the New Jersey coastline.  James moved to Portland Maine 8 years ago in order to have good surf and great mountains to snowboard on, all in one area.  He has been part of the management team at Joe Jones Ski and Sports in Scarborough for the past 8 years.


Geocaching
Did you ever wonder how GPS works?  Do you know what a “cache” is?  Did you know that geocaching has grown from one single “cache” in 2000 to almost 500,000 worldwide today?  Learn all this while you join the search to find a couple caches at Windham High School!  Let Dick show you how to find listings of the caches hidden in the Windham area and all you need to start enjoying geocaching either alone or with the entire family.

Presenter:  AT Thru-Hiker Richard "Old Fhart" Bailey


Get Out and Canoe This Spring – 1⁄2 Day Paddles Near Your School
Get out and experience a Maine river with your HS Outing Club.  Find out what it takes to get a group down the river, learn a bit about canoeing, and have fun all at the same time.  We will talk about "reading" the river, river ratings, water safety, suggested gear list, canoe & paddle anatomy, canoe strokes, resources to help organize a trip, and places to paddle.  Once you’ve paddled a few lakes and rivers, you could start planning an extended multi-day trip.  What a great way to end the school year!

Presenter:  Dave Butler
Dave is the owner of Maine Path & Paddle Guides and Maine Multisport.  He has been a Maine Guide since 1996 and is a founding member of the Maine Wilderness Guides Organization.


Hooked On Fishing
Fishing in Maine can be both exciting and educational.  With ample opportunity to get outdoors and learn more about Maine's fresh and saltwater fish species, there is something that can be enjoyed by all.  This workshop will give you basic tips on how to get out and try fishing on your own.  We will be doing some casting practice and will cover types of equipment, places to fish and resources to learn more.

Presenter:  Emily Jones
As the Education Coordinator for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Emily serves as the State Coordinator for several national Youth Educational Programs.  These programs include the Hooked on Fishing Program, the Becoming an Outdoors Woman Program and the National Archery in the Schools Program.  She really enjoys working with children and families to introduce them to outdoor sports and recreation as well as educating the public about Maine's fish and wildlife species and the importance of conservation efforts.


How Getting Outside Can Lead To: “My Own Self, At My Very Best, All The Time”
During this interactive workshop, we will discuss how being active in our world can lead to a very meaningful, fulfilling, and value-driven life.  The workshop will focus on different ways to get the most out of our experiences.  Using Kolb's model for experiential learning, we'll brainstorm what lessons adventure can teach us about everyday life.  By doing some specific hands-on games and initiatives, we'll model how the experiences we have can lead to a set of individual core values that can guide our lives. So, come join us and learn why getting out isn't only fun, but can also be life altering!

Presenter:  Jeremy Bean
Jeremy has a BS from Pennsylvania State University in Recreation and Park Management with focus areas in Adventure and Environmental Education. He has been combining his adventure programming experience with his Environmental Education background for 5 years.  He has led numerous backcountry trips, teambuilding programs, and Environmental Ed. Classes for a variety of organizations including Penn State Universities Shaver's Creek Environmental Center, John Dorr Nature Laboratory, Antioch New England University, Unity College, and Merrowvista Education Center.


Joys of Cooking Outdoors
Regardless of your preferred mode of travel - whether it's canoeing, kayaking, backpacking, or cycling - great food has always been the key to a truly wonderful outdoor experience.  Food preparation on the trail should not be viewed as a chore, but rather a way to enhance and extend the enjoyment of your trip.  With some simple planning and preparation before you leave home, meal-time will be one of the many highlights of your day on the trail.  This workshop will focus on meal planning with readily available ingredients from the grocery store - as opposed to expensive and often bland tasting food from a foil pouch.  During the workshop, we will discuss menu planning, pre-trip preparation, and on-the-trail preparation that is relatively simple, but always tastes great.  Join us in planning, cooking, and eating great trail food - made simple.

Presenter:  Karl Kasper
Karl and daughter Kelley, a junior at Yarmouth High School, have spent a lifetime camping and cooking in the outdoors.  Kelley and a friend are planning an end-to-end backpacking trip on the Long Trial this summer.  She and Karl are sharing the joy of the trip now by planning and drying meals even though it's several months away.


Junior Maine Guide Skills; The Art of Outdoor Living
Have you ever wondered what is involved with the Junior Maine Guide Program?  This workshop will cover the skills that are required in order for one to earn his or her Junior Maine Guide certification, including canoeing, axemanship, fire and shelter building, map & compass, firstaid, cooking, tree identification, and leave no trace camping.  The Junior Maine Guide curriculum serves as a great starter curriculum for an Outdoor Education or Outing Club Program.

Presenter:  Paul Brouwer
Paul has been teaching at Hebron Academy for 10 years.  He is currently the Director of the Middle School and the Outdoor Education Program.  Paul is a Registered Maine Guide and Wilderness First Responder, as well as, a NWS-certified weather spotter and NATO-certified Telemark ski instructor.  He loves living in western Maine where he is an hour from Mt. Washington and an hour from the coast.  He lives in Hebron, Maine with his wife and two children.


Kayak Fishing !!
Combine two exciting outdoor activities and you have the Fastest Growing Outdoor Sport in the Country!!  Join Scott Shea, Master Maine Guide & owner of Seaspray Kayaking as he gives you the opportunity to learn how to become "hooked". Learn about the safety and techniques necessary as well as some secrets of Kayak Fishing.  Participants will have the opportunity to practice in "the simulator"!

Presenter:  Scott Shea
Scott is a Master Maine Guide, owner of Seaspray Kayaking, President of the Maine Association of Sea Kayak Guides & Instructors (MASKGI) and Health, PE & Outdoor Adventure teacher at Cape Elizabeth High School.


Kayaking the Everglades: Creating, Designing & Getting Parents to Okay Your Crazy Adventures
We will discuss and learn the essentials behind a safe, well-planned expedition.  Using a recent 7-day, self-sustained Everglades sea-kayaking trip as a model, we will dissect a trip from creation to completion!

Presenter:  Eric Hanson
Eric recently graduated from the University of Maine where he was a 4-year Trip Leader for Maine Bound.  Eric is a Registered Maine Guide (sea kayak & whitewater) and has WFR certification.  In the summer, Eric guides for Seaspray Kayaking.  Currently, he teaches Earth Science at Windham High School.  He enjoys skiing, paddling, the outdoors & spending time with family.


Leave No Trace
If you spend time in the forests or on the water systems of New England, then don't miss this interactive workshop introducing the seven principles of Leave No Trace Low-Impact Outdoor Ethics.  If you're not familiar with Leave No Trace, then this workshop is a great introduction.  Do you want to teach Leave No Trace to a group of youth or peers?  Get some great activity ideas and teaching tools from this workshop.

Presenter:  Alex DeLucia
Alex has been working with the Appalachian Mountain Club's Trails Volunteer Programs since 2001. Based out of Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, as well as AMC Camp Dodge Volunteer Center, Alex manages a number of different ways individuals and groups can volunteer on the trails in Maine and New Hampshire. AMC Trails Volunteers can participate in our Adopt-A-Trail program, AT Corridor Monitoring program, Alpine Stewardship program, Custom Trail Crew programming, as well as the Volunteer Vacations on the Trail for Teens and Adults. Outside of work, Alex enjoys gardening, cooking, skiing, ice climbing, fly fishing, hunting, and European travel. Alex has a degree in Adventure Education from Unity College in Maine.
                
Outing Club Do's & Don'ts
Join us as we share our experiences in leading, planning, and organizing Outing Club trips.   We will discuss some of the factors that make for a fun and challenging adventure with teens, as well as some mistakes we have made over the years.  We will share forms, procedures, and planning strategies, as well as provide short trip tics for some of our favorite outings.  Please come with questions, your favorite trips, forms, gear lists, or tactics.  We will provide time for your questions and for others to share their information and experiences.

Presenters:  Shawn Carlson, Kelley Duffy, Ralph Keyes & Jeff Riddle
Shawn teaches physics at Boothbay Region High School and leads their Outing Club.  He has been the advisor to Outing Clubs at Boothbay, Wiscasset, and Oak Hill High Schools for the past 15 years.   Ralph is an environmental science teacher at Wiscasset and has been the co-advisor for Wiscasset’s Outing Club for the past 5 years.  Kelley is a history teacher at Wiscasset and is the co-advisor for their Outing Club.   Shawn and Ralph have their WFR certification and Kelley is an EMT. Jeff teaches Earth Science, Adventure Physical Education, coaches Cross-Country, and advises the Windham Outing Club.  In the summer, he uses his Sea Kayaking Guides license to guide for Seaspray Kayaking.

Owls of Maine - Habits & Adaptations of Maine's Native Owls (all ages)
Our live Barred Owl, Great Horned Owl, and Screech or Saw-whet Owls are the highlights of this program, which introduces participants to the owls native to Maine and New England. We begin with slides and sounds to learn the identifying characteristics and calls of each owl. Then, using talons, wings, and skulls, we explore the adaptations of these silent nocturnal hunters. This program ends with an intimate and detailed look at live owls, bringing these creatures of the night into the light!

Presenter:  The Chewonki Foundation
The Chewonki Foundation is a recognized leader in creating lifetime stewards of the natural world.  Chewonki offers a broad array of environmental education programs, traveling natural history programs, wilderness trips and workshops for adults, families, and groups, and a residential academic program for high-school juniors called Maine Coast Semester.


Paddling the Maine Island Trail  ~ Celebrating 20 years of the Maine Island Trail
Traveling from island to island along the coast of Maine can be fun and rewarding.  Let the Maine Island Trail Association share the experience.  Check out a sea kayak, paddles & gear.

Presenter:  Maine Island Trail Association


Photography & Hiking
In 2001, Alexandra Daley-Clark left the big city and set off to hike and photograph the entire length of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine.  2,160 miles, five million steps, 1500 photographs, and six-and-a-half months later, she completed the long trek.  She will present a selection of her photographs from her many long-distance hikes, including her AT thru-hike & answer your questions on taking outdoor photos and carting a camera through 14 states!

Presenter:  Alexandra "Java" Daley-Clark
Alex is a professional photographer based in southern Maine.  She has worked for Newsweek magazine and Saba photo agency in New York City.  After her AT hike, she settled in Maine.  She is currently working on a long-term project documenting Route One in homage to the pioneering female photographer, Berenice Abbott.  She holds a BA degree from Rochester Institute of Technology in NY and is represented by Aurora Photo Agency.  She resides in Saco in a converted shoe factory loft with her husband, Denis, and their pets.


Raiders of the Lost Raft - Treasure Hunt Challenge
This will be an active, hands-on, interactive session and will take place outside.  Using just maps, compasses and teamwork, find the hidden clues, which lead to other maps, harder clues, tougher puzzles and eventually, if you've been successful, the final prize.  This teambuilding activity is loosely based on the international sport of Orienteering and provides lessons in navigation, map and compass reading, time-management, problem solving and working together for a common goal.

Presenter:  Chris Russell
Chris has been involved with outdoor activities all his life and can't imagine what life would be without it.  Growing up in West Gardiner, he had the opportunity to spend countless hours in the woods and waters that made up his backyard.  After high school, he went on to get a bachelors degree in Wildlife Biology from UMO.  While in college, he became a Registered Maine Guide and later turned that into a full-time career leading whitewater rafting, hunting, fishing, rock climbing, canoeing and hiking adventures.  In 1998, he & several partners founded Adventure Bound and created Maine's one and only Youth Adventure Resort located in the Upper Kennebec River Valley.  Adventure Bound hosts thousands of kids, from a variety of youth groups, on daily and weekly adventures in the magnificent wilderness of north-western Maine.    Outing Clubs will find the outdoor resources, adventure programs, and Alcohol-Free, first-class resort the perfect destination for a school trip.


Red in the Shed -- The Voyageur Hiking Program
This will be a hands-on, interactive presentation on The Voyageur Hiking Program at Bonny Eagle Middle School in Buxton Maine This coed, therapeutic outdoor program incorporates Adventure Based and Wilderness Therapy philosophy.  The workshop will explore the relationale, the development and implementation of a therapeutic outdoor program in a public school setting.

Presenter:  Loren Johnston
Loren has 35 years of experience as an educator, therapist and outdoor professional.  He is currently licensed as a Social Worker, certified as a Guidance Counselor, Wilderness First Responder and is a Registered Maine Guide.  For the past 8 years, he has been developing and directing the Voyageur Hiking Program at Bonny Eagle Middle School, an adventure/wilderness therapeutically-based program that works on developing communication, leadership, cooperation, positive self image and problem solving skills with students who have experienced significant school challenges.  The program is in the process of obtaining certification through the Association of Experiential Education.  Loren spends his free time traveling with his family, fly-fishing, backpacking in Canada and working, as a board member of the Maine Chapter of the International Appalachian Trail, on extending the Trail from Newfoundland to Spain.


Risk Management for Outdoor Programs
Rufus E. Brown's workshop will introduce the fundamental concepts of liability protection for outdoor leaders. Rufus will review the best practices surrounding legal documentation and offer feedback on the essential legal issues facing outdoor leaders today.

Presenter:  Rufus Brown
Rufus E. Brown is an attorney in Portland, Maine, whose practice focuses on intellectual property, commercial litigation, banking law, and insurance regulation. Rufus also represents Wilderness Medical Associates, and has written extensively on issues of risk management in outdoor programs. A former Deputy Attorney General, Rufus is a highly regarded writer and analyst, with an extensive record of volunteer and educational work throughout the State of Maine.


Rock Climbing
Join members of the Windham Outing Club in engaging your mind and muscles to climb on our rock wall.  Participants will learn how to wear a harness & problem solve climbs along with basic belay techniques.

Presenters:  Jeff Riddle & Dorothy Hall-Riddle
Jeff teaches Earth Science, Adventure Physical Education, coaches Cross-Country, and advises the Windham Outing Club.  In the summer, he uses his Sea Kayaking Guides license to guide for Seaspray Kayaking.


Something for Everyone in Baxter State Park from the Beginner to the Experienced Outdoor Person or Group!
Something for everyone in Baxter State Park will illustrate highlights of the Park starting with how this generous gift from Governor Baxter was created, recreational opportunities for all experience levels, and the plants and animals who reside there.  The session will provide time for questions and answers regarding outing club/group visits to the Park.  If time permits, there will be an interactive session promoting stewardship!

Presenter:  Marcia H. Williamson, Interpretive Specialist
Marcia worked as a seasonal campground ranger at Baxter State Park for 11 years.  She then traveled the country for three years with her husband as a Traveling Trainer for the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.  She taught low impact recreational practices to National Park and State Park staff and visitors, Boy and Girl Scouts, school groups from kindergarten through college level and many outing clubs.  After traveling the country, her heart brought her back to her favorite park, Baxter State Park, where she is now the Interpretive Specialist working with the Park Naturalist.


Taking a Bite Out of Nature ~ Healthy Pack Snacks for the Trail or for Now!
Let natural foods fuel you body. Include yourself in this fun, hands-on workshop and learn how to put together a variety of homemade snacks that are quick and easy to prepare, inexpensive, and delicious all at the same time! Customized trail mixes, ("Gorpathon"), power bars and jerkies are just a few of the creative ways we can incorporate the high quality nutrition that nuts, grains, seeds and dried fruits provide for us. We will take a  brief look at cost comparisons, eco-packaging and nutritional "sound bites". A great opportunity to align your love of nature with the foods it provides "naturally".

Presenter:  Cathi DiCocco
Cathi has been involved in the teaching process since she graduated from Florida State University in 1972. Her early work as a Peace Corps volunteer set her on her path. She has presented food workshops for community adult education, day care providers, national vegetarian conferences, and MPBN TV. Her passion to teach  landed her a position as Culinary Arts Instructor for The Bethel Camp for the Arts where she teaches over 50 kids the fun of cooking each summer! As a chef with Outward Bound School and the White Mountain Americorps, Cathi gained vast experience with outdoor food. She currently presents Trail Foods Workshops for the Maine Conservation Corps in Augusta. In her "spare time" from running a restaurant and teaching classes, Cathi tries to spend as much time outdoors with her husband and their furry dog.


There's No "I" in TEAM!
Calling all Outing Club Leaders, Outing Club students or anyone looking for an active & fun-filled hands-on activity session. The group (small or large) will be engaged in upbeat and alternative team building activities used to strengthen group chemistry.  Club leaders and student participants can easily utilize the concepts and strategies used in this session while indoors or outdoors.  Join the fun ~ there is no “I” in Team!!

Presenter:  Craig Hanson & Mackenzie Grobmyer, UMaine Students
Craig is a senior at the University of Maine and will graduate with a degree in Wildlife Ecology in May.  In June, Craig will attend the University for a one-year Master's Program named, The Art of Teaching.  He is planning on teaching science at the high school level.  Craig is an avid skier and outdoorsman.  Mackenzie is a junior at the University of Maine studying Psychology and German.  She is a University of Maine swimmer and enjoys exploring the outdoors.


Two Teens Tackle the Wilderness
Using a PowerPoint style presentation, Chris and Harvey will narrate as they share their three-week trip on the rugged Moisie River in Quebec last summer.  While on the 240-mile canoe journey, they encountered strong headwinds, 21 portages, lots of whitewater and even listened to wolves howling at the river's edge!  Chris Mejias is a senior at Mountain Valley High School and Harvey Brittain a senior at East Grand High School.  There will be time for Q & A and some equipment from the trip on display.

Teen Presenters:  Chris Mejias and Harvey Brittain
Chris Mejias and Harvey Brittain are both seniors, Chris at Mountain Valley High School and Harvey at East Grand High School.  Both have been involved with Camp Living Waters Wilderness Adventure program as campers and the (LIT) Leaders in Training program. Harvey has been very active the past four years in East Grand High school's Outdoor Education class. Harvey has taken part in numerous canoeing and adventure races and paddled such rivers as Maine's St. Croix, Machias, and Allagash Rivers. In Canada, he has paddled whitewater rivers including the Bonaventure, NE Mistassibi and Moisie Rivers. This fall, Harvey plans on attending Alaska Pacific University where he will pursue a degree in geology. Harvey is a TA (teacher's assistant) at East Grand's outdoor education class. Chris Mejias of Rumford is a senior at Mountain Valley High School and has been involved with the Living Waters Wilderness program for the past 6 years as a camper, LIT and leader. Chris has paddled numerous rivers in Maine and Canada. Chris is currently working on becoming a registered Maine Guide. This fall, Chris plans on attending Prairie Bible Institute in Alberta Canada where he will pursue a degree in outdoor education.  
OPEN INFORMATION & ENTRY FORM for East Grand Adventure Race

Wilderness First Aid:  The Fundamentals
What happens when people get too hot, too cold, too dehydrated, or they twist their ankles, skin their knees, or bump their heads? What kinds of things should outdoor leaders know about?  This workshop covers the foundations of wilderness medicine. We will talk about common backcountry medical problems, and offer practical tips for preventing emergencies before they happen.  This workshop will also survey the educational opportunities available for outdoor enthusiasts and trip leaders alike.

Presenter:  Eric Duffy
Eric is Lead Instructor for Wilderness Medical Associates in Portland.  He is a Wilderness and State of Maine EMT-B, Registered Maine Guide (Rec+SK), MA  As an instructor with Wilderness Medical Associates since 2000, Eric actively teaches multi-day classes in wilderness medicine for schools and outfitters throughout Maine. He developed the outdoor education program at Hebron Academy into a daily, year-round alternative to competitive athletics, and for the past three seasons has coordinated the sea kayaking school at L.L.Bean.  Eric also works seasonally as an emergency medical technician and paddling guide.


Wild Med Theater
Refresh those wilderness medical skills! Participants will work in teams to respond to a simulated accident designed to focus on overall accident leadership, assessment, wilderness medical guidelines and rescue actions.  Groups will then compare responses and receive feedback. This workshop is open to both medically trained and non-trained individuals.

Presenter:  Jon Tierney, Acadia Mountain Guides & Alpenglow Adventure Sports
Jon is an internationally-licensed IFMGA Mountain Guide and local guide for over 20 years.


Whitewater Rafting in Maine
... Fun for sure!  A personal or group challenge at your level of comfort!  Perhaps a career!

Learn about rafting in Maine with New England Outdoor Center – where it’s done, how it all started, and the variety of trips available in today’s market.   Check out packages especially designed for groups of any age – with special non-profit pricing.  Watch a brief video showing the good, the bad, and the ugly – it’s all fun!  Meet the equipment – try it on – throw it around – bounce on it – dry land skill practice.   Explore professional training opportunities, which can lead to a career in the outdoors.  Safety?  The equipment and statistics will surprise you.  

Presenter:  Dave Weatherbee, New England Outdoor Center


Winter Survival: Staying Warm & Safe in Winter Conditions
Learn the skills to make the most out of your winter camping trips. Stay warm and dry choosing the right gear to take with you  and which gear you can leave behind.  Learn how to make shelters, start fires, and eat well in cold backcountry conditions.

Presenter:  Eastern Mountain Sports