Registration open for opportunity for youth to enjoy the outdoors
Summer in Maine — short, sweet and so much to do. In the area, there are plenty of wonderful options for camps, programs and sports for youth to get involved with. For several years, the Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District (PCSWCD) has been a leader in providing quality youth programming year-round. Starting in 2014, the district staff along with partners at the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) developed a fantastic summer youth program, the Teen Wilderness Expedition.
The Teen Wilderness Expedition is a three-day, two-night trip for ages 12-16 to AMC’s Little Lyford Lodge, from Tuesday, July 12 to Thursday, July 14. On this trip, youth will get a chance to explore all Lyford has to offer, all while enjoying fun outdoor recreational activities and experiencing the diverse and expansive natural resources in Piscataquis County.
The PCSWCD staff along with the education staff at the AMC worked together to develop a fun and engaging program that offers something to pique everyone’s interest. There will be fishing and hiking for the outdoor enthusiast, leadership skills building games for future leaders, outdoor skills building, ample time to relax, kayak or swim with friends along the sunny shores of Lyford pond and so much more. If the activities alone weren’t enough to entice, youth will love the delicious family-style meals, clean and spacious cabins and the overall experience of staying at one of AMC’s famous wilderness lodges. This experience is truly a trip of a lifetime and is always enjoyed by the youth that join each year. The registration fee covers the cost of all the gear and equipment needed to participate in activities, meals, snacks and the overnight stays.
If the fun, learning and stay at the lodge weren’t enough, this program also provides youth with an opportunity to explore various careers in the field of natural resource conservation. They will be guided through activities by PCSWCD staff, AMC staff, naturalists, resource professionals and skilled volunteers with experience working in these fields. The vast natural resources in Piscataquis County provide countless job opportunities and exploring these natural treasures inspires youth who naturally engage with the outdoors to consider future careers in these fields.
The PCSWCD is very proud of this program and staff look forward to sharing this experience with youth interested in trying something new this summer. There are many repeat campers and work to provide a new adventure for all each year.
Please contact the PCSWCD for registration information at 564-2321 ext. 3, info@piscataquisswcd.org or stop by the office at 42 Engdahl Drive in Dover-Foxcroft. For more information about the Teen Wilderness Expedition, please check out www.piscataquisswcd.org and www.facebook.com/PCSWCD.