Welcome to Pathfinders
Welcome to Pathfinders
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The Pathfinders program is an outdoor adventure program at Bonny Eagle Middle School (BEMS) designed to help students connect with nature and their peers while developing important life skills. It’s an incredible opportunity for students to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, and discover the beauty of Maine's wilderness. Since 1987, Pathfinders has helped over 2,000 students find success in and out of the classroom.
What is Pathfinders?
What is Pathfinders?
Pathfinders is more than just an after-school club; it's an immersive experience for middle schoolers. Selected students train with a dedicated team of BEMS teachers after school for 8 to 10 weeks. Training sessions include exciting activities like ropes course challenges, winter camping, white-water canoeing, or mountain climbing.
Our goal is to give students a chance to thrive by focusing on key areas:
Building Leadership Skills
Improving Academic Performance and School Attendance
Fostering a Positive Connection to School
Developing an Appreciation for the Outdoors
Students are chosen for the program by teachers, counselors, and school administrators. We look for students who show leadership potential, could benefit from academic support, or have a love for the outdoors. Parents also attend a meeting to learn about our goals and strengthen the connection between home and school.
Throughout the program, we monitor each student's progress weekly to ensure they are meeting our program goals for academic performance and school attendance.
Our Teams & Expeditions
Our Teams & Expeditions
Currently, Pathfinders offers six teams with a typical student to staff ratio of 6:1. Our long-term goal is to offer these opportunities to all students at BEMS. Student can participate on ONE week long trip team (indicated with a ⭐ below) per academic year.
6th Graders
6th Graders
Winter Archery (6th Grade Team): After school two days a week
Spring (6th Grade Team): with 2-3 day-trips, one overnight at school
Summer (6th & 7th Grade Team): Starting June 2026 with 2-3 days a week of practice prior to an overnight trip (at least one night long)
7th Graders
7th Graders
⭐ Fall (7th & 8th Grade Team): After school practice two days a week for approximately 8 weeks prior to a one week trip (Monday-Friday) typically in November
Winter Archery (7th & 8th Grade Team): Afterschool two days a week
⭐ Winter (7th & 8th Grade Team): After school practice two days a week for approximately 8 weeks prior to a one week trip (Monday-Friday) typically in February
⭐ Spring (7th & 8th Grade Team): After school practice two days a week for approximately 8 weeks prior to a one week trip (Monday-Friday) typically at the end of May
Summer (6th & 7th Grade Team): Starting June 2026 with 2-3 days a week of practice prior to an overnight trip (at least one night long)
8th Graders
8th Graders
⭐ Fall (7th & 8th Grade Team): After school practice two days a week for approximately 8 weeks prior to a one week trip (Monday-Friday) typically in November
Winter Archery (7th & 8th Grade Team): After school two days a week
⭐ Winter (7th & 8th Grade Team): After school practice two days a week for approximately 8 weeks prior to a one week trip (Monday-Friday) typically in February
⭐ Spring (7th & 8th Grade Team): After school practice two days a week for approximately 8 weeks prior to a one week trip (Monday-Friday) typically at the end of May
Our History
Our History
The Pathfinders program began in 1987 with one man: Richard Pelletier, a beloved science teacher at BEMS. He started the program because he knew that getting kids outdoors could be key to their success in school and in life.
Before he retired in 2003, Richard worked hard to build a dedicated staff who were inspired by the positive growth they saw in students. Today, our staff is 20+ members strong, with almost all certified in Wilderness First Aid. We are a dedicated crew that believes in our simple slogan: "Get Outside".
Contact Us
Contact Us
For any questions, please contact Susie Simmons, Pathfinders Program Director.
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