Teens to Trails

A love for the outdoors doesn’t have to be what you do after work - it can be your work.

Enjoy this podcast by Teens To Trails Board member Matthew R. Wellington - a first installment of his Pollinator Series for Maine Public Health Association Healthy Maine Talks! He’s on the road to meet people and talk about what public health means to them in their communities.? This episode covers, "Nature & Health", at Penobscot River Trails in Grindstone, ME, co-sponsored by Teens to Trails. Tune in to hear from folks, including our outdoor program manager, Samantha Andrews, about why its important to get outside all year round for our physical and mental health.

Goal #4: Engage and equip Maine's youth for careers in the outdoor industry - we're on it!

At Teens to Trails, we are continually inspired by the amazing work outdoor club advisors are doing to make outdoor experiences accessible to all students. Leslie Trundy, the dedicated outing club advisor at Morse High School, is a perfect example of this. In a recent Maine Department of Education article, she shared how she’s worked to expand opportunities for students to connect with nature in a meaningful way. "With the Morse Outing Club in its fourth year, Trundy began to brainstorm ways to bring the power of hiking in the woods to even more students. At Morse High School, students who have been given detention may sometimes replace that time with community service. Trundy thought that the administrators at her school might let her try offering a hike in the woods as an alternative, too, capturing a population of students who may be less likely to join an outdoor club out of interest." Leslie’s innovative approach highlights the impact of outdoor activities on mental health, personal growth, and community building. It’s a powerful reminder of the critical role school outing club advisors play in providing students with outdoor recreation opportunities that foster inclusivity, personal development, and connection to nature. Check out the full article to learn more about how school outing club advisors like Leslie are making a lasting impact: https://lnkd.in/dFV_quiV Leslie Trundy

Tickets are now on sale for Bow Ties & Bean Boots: 10th Anniversary! Lace up your boots and get ready for a night to remember! Join us on April 3 at L.L.Bean's stunning Freeport headquarters as we celebrate a decade of Bow Ties & Bean Boots. This year's theme, Wicked Sharp, calls for your sharpest bow tie, boots, and outdoor gear — and don’t forget the bling! ? There will be a live auction, live music from talented Maine musicians, delicious food and drinks from local favorites, and exciting raffle prizes! All proceeds benefit our mission to provide Maine students with life-changing outdoor experiences. ???Tickets are available now! Don’t miss out — grab yours today: https://lnkd.in/e4AMurqV If you’re interested in learning more about sponsorship opportunities or have an outdoor product to donate to our raffle, contact Julie Guerette: [email protected] We can't wait to see you there!

At Teens to Trails, we help Maine's young people discover their love for the Earth, then guide them to paths where that love strengthens nature, self and community. “Knowing that you love the earth changes you, activates you to defend and protect and celebrate. But when you feel that the earth loves you in return, that feeling transforms the relationship from a one-way street into a sacred bond.” - Robin Wall Kimmerer

Thank you Unum for leaning in as lead sponsor of Teens to Trails' Life Happens Outside Challenge! In May, more than 3000 middle school students will be spending a whole lot of time outside. Everyone is a winner because outdoor time makes us feel, behave, think and learn better - but three lucky schools will earn a $1000 to invest in more outdoor fun. All Maine Middle Schools can join the Challenge. What is there to lose?

Welcome Matthew R. Wellington to the Teens to Trails board! Matt (he/him) is a non-profit professional with more than 10 years of experience building effective organizations that promote health and well-being. He's currently the Associate Director of Maine Public Health Association (MPHA), where he leads donor development, communications, and advocacy efforts. Before coming to MPHA, Matt spent a decade working on public health campaigns nationally to keep antibiotics effective, reduce youth tobacco use, respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and more. He’s combined strategic communications with stakeholder organizing to achieve meaningful results for public health. Matt also has a deep history of training people to be effective advocates and communicators on health issues, and has presented on those topics at the Bloomberg School of Public Health, Yale School of Public Health, the World Medical Association and more. Matt spends his spare time enjoying the outdoors with his wife and young daughter, playing the harmonica, and reading up on American history. We are so pleased to have him join us!

This #GivingTuesday, your financial support will allow us to help Maine middle and high school students experience the transformative power of the outdoors. Time outside builds connections, confidence, and essential skills that have a lifelong impact. Donate today to help create unplugged experiences for teens statewide! #maine #mainestudents #outdooreducation #outdoorleadership #unplugged #screenfree #lifehappensoutside #teenstotrails https://lnkd.in/d7pa3bP8

Pleased to share our 2024 Impact report. ?? We kicked off the school year with our Outdoor Club Leadership Conference, and helped Maine educators create welcoming outdoor spaces by providing them with skills and safety training. ?? Bow Ties & Bean Boots brought the community together at L.L.Bean and raised funds for more outdoor adventures. ?? Our Life Happens Outside? Challenge inspired Maine middle schools to log 34,000 outdoor hours. $8K in prize money went to 8 winning schools to fund more outdoor adventures. Thank you Unum and Kelly T. for your support! ?? The Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative funded our biggest Adventure Bound Weekend with 12 high schools and 160 students and teachers enjoying rafting, hiking, s’mores contests, and more fun activities outside. At Teens to Trails, we live by a simple motto: Play. Together. Outside. These shared outdoor experiences create joy, connection and lifelong memories for Maine’s middle and high school students. Together, we’re empowering happier, healthier teens through the awesomeness of the outdoors. ?? #TeensToTrails #PlayTogetherOutside #OutdoorLeadership #YouthDevelopment #MaineAdventures #lifehappensoutside