Maine Teens to Trails - Outing Clubs
High School Outing Clubs are really fun, effective and efficient means for getting teenagers active outside, and they provide excellent opportunities to appropriately place their natural attraction to risk, their curiosity and their desire to be in groups of peers.
Sometimes called "outdoor clubs" or "outdoor adventure programs" and often lead by teachers, Outing Clubs introduce high schoolers to a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, camping, backpacking, rock climbing, canoeing and kayaking - but also apple picking, picnics and trips to the beach. The point is to build connection and community through outdoor experiences, not to reach a summit and leave others behind.
These adventures enable students to acquire skills and confidence in outdoor settings, discovering the natural world while they learn about themselves and build relationships with peers. Teens gain a sense of independence and self-reliance that will follow them through life.