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, …

Skills Clinic: Knot-Tying

Main Street Skowhegan 48 Court Street, Skowhegan, ME

Join the Skowhegan AmeriCorps Outdoor Recreation Program (SAORP) for an introductory class on tying knots! You’ll learn and practice the clove hitch, figure eight, and bowline to name a few. Knowing how to use a few essential knots can make all the difference on an outdoor adventure! This interactive clinic is perfect for all ages …

Tracking Wildlife

Skowhegan Area High School 61 Academy Circle, Skowhegan, Maine, United States

Have you ever stumbled upon some tracks or obvious signs of wildlife and asked yourself what animal was here? I’d be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t! Come spend your afternoon with Kate Drummond, a science teacher and Maine Master Naturalist, to learn how to spot and interpret wildlife signs! This interactive workshop is perfect …

(CANCELLED) Winter Knot-Tying Clinic

Main Street Skowhegan 48 Court Street, Skowhegan, ME

Come out for an introductory class on tying winter-specific knots! You’ll learn and practice the clove hitch, figure eight, and bowline to name a few. Knowing how to use a few essential knots can make all the difference on a winter adventure! This interactive clinic is perfect for all ages and abilities. Snacks will be …

Stargazing & S’mores

Lake George Regional Park 10 Main St, Canaan, ME, United States

What’s a better combination than campfires, s’mores, stars, and smiles? Not much. Venture out to Lake George Regional Park for a fun-filled night! We’ll take a short headlamp hike along the lakeshore, and afterward, we’ll start a campfire and create s’more masterpieces. All materials will be provided! While we’re having our fill of roasted greatness, …

(CANCELLED) “What’s That Tree?!” Maine Tree ID

Skowhegan Area High School 61 Academy Circle, Skowhegan, Maine, United States

Are you curious about the naturally rooted structures that surround you? Would you like to expand your knowledge about the giants of nature? Would you just like to get outside? Come spend your afternoon with Kate Drummond, a science teacher and Maine Master Naturalist, to learn how to identify tree species based on characteristics such …

(CANCELLED) 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, 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 and hold group activities! After our skill-building …

(CANCELLED) 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, 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 out on the trail to practice our …

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