Maine Youth Wilderness Leadership Program seeks applicants

An incredible summer adventure awaits a group of 10 high school students in northern Maine’s rugged wilderness. Every August Friends of Baxter State Park invites students from across Maine to spend an extraordinary nine days backpacking from one end of the Park to the other, accompanied by experienced wilderness leaders and educators from the Chewonki Foundation.

Friends of Baxter State Park offers the Maine Youth Wilderness Leadership Program at no cost to participants. Only students who are currently enrolled as a sophomore or junior in a Maine high school are eligible to apply. There is a competitive application process to be accepted into the program. Applications must be submitted online at friendsofbaxter.org by the deadline of Feb. 8. Ten participants and six alternates will be selected by early April. 

Photo courtesy of Anna Jackson/Friends of Baxter State Park
Participants in the Maine Youth Wilderness Leadership Program enjoy summer exploring Baxter State Park while building leadership skills.

Participants in the 12th annual program will study wilderness through science, art, storytelling, photography, writing, history and recreation. They hike with a geologist, volunteer with a Ranger and paint with a professional artist. Participants have described this program as “life-changing” and “the best learning experience I’ve ever had.” The program also includes readings and assignments in preparation for the field experience. After returning home, each participant gives a public presentation in his or her community. 

For more information please visit friendsofbaxter.org or contact Friends of Baxter State Park at P.O. Box 322, Belfast, ME 04915.