Skowhegan AmeriCorps Outdoor Recreation Program

Join our AmeriCorps coaches for free, guided outdoor activities!

Check out our calendar of programs, trainings, clinics, virtual activities, and more below!

Program update – May 28, 2020

Though we initially planned to reconvene in-person programs for June, in order to ensure YOUR safety and the safety of our coaches, we have made the very difficult decision to postpone in-person activities until July. Thank you for bearing with us as we navigate these difficult times.

We are excited to rollout our summer calendar over the next few weeks! It will include local hiking adventures, paddling excursions, mountain bike rides, and more! New this year, we’ll also be leading multi-day trips to Maine destinations—and we hope you’ll plan to join in on the fun! We can’t wait to share our plans with you!

In the meantime, please like and follow the Skowhegan AmeriCorps Outdoor Recreation Program Facebook Page for the latest updates and access to all digital content, including a camp cooking video series (coming soon!), nature meditation videos, a virtual outdoor-themed book club, fitness challenges, tutorial videos (like how to stand-up paddleboard), and Animal Pen Pals!

Skills Clinic: Intro to Backpacking

Main Street Skowhegan 48 Court Street, Skowhegan, ME

Backpacking is an adventure that blends hiking with backcountry camping. It lets you broaden your horizons beyond the car campground to enjoy a richer, more immersive outdoor experience. At this Skowhegan AmeriCorps Outdoor Recreation Program (SAORP) clinic, you’ll learn about gear distribution, essential items, and trip preparation. Our SAORP coaches will help you identify what …

Skills Clinic: “The Sacred Waste” and Going #2 in the Backcountry

Main Street Skowhegan 48 Court Street, Skowhegan, ME

What concerns many novice backpackers or hikers even more than bears and blisters is, “How do I go to the bathroom in the woods?” Rest assured, it’s something humans have been doing for a long time. At this Skowhegan AmeriCorps Outdoor Recreation Program (SAORP) clinic, you’ll learn about going to the bathroom in the woods, …

BYOS Learn to Cross-Country Ski (Part 1)

Lakewood Golf Course 803 Lakewood Rd, Madison, ME, United States

Come spend the afternoon learning how to cross-country ski! In Part 1 of this two-part series, our Skowhegan AmeriCorps Outdoor Recreation Program (SAORP) coaches will show you how to use the gear and the basics of falling, stopping, ascending, and turning. Don’t expect a boring lecture or intimidating skill tests. We’ll play lots of games …

BYOS Learn to Cross-Country Ski (Part 2)

Lakewood Golf Course 803 Lakewood Rd, Madison, ME, United States

Come spend the afternoon learning how to cross-country ski! In Part 2 of this two-part series, our Skowhegan AmeriCorps Outdoor Recreation Program (SAORP) coaches will show you how the basics of shuffling, gliding, and turning. Don’t expect a boring lecture or intimidating skill tests. We’ll play lots of games! After our skill-building session, we'll go …

Free outdoor programming is made possible thanks to these generous partners:

  • Maine Commission for Community Service
  • Corporation for National & Community Service
  • The Betterment Fund
  • Onion Foundation
  • New Balance
  • Walmart
  • King’s Kids/Sugarloaf Ski Club