Teens to Trails

06/16/2026

For Leslie Trundy, Morse High School School Counselor and Outing Club Advisor - getting kids outside doesn't stop at the Outing Club. Inspired by our 2024 Outdoor Leadership Conference, she gave students assigned detention a different option: take a hike instead. Many of those students have since become active club members, and the program drew national coverage from the likes of the Washington Post, NPR, and more. Today, 96 Morse High School students receive weekly Outing Club updates, with overnight trips nearly every month.

Leslie is the next advisor featured in our People Behind the Adventures series. Read her full story here: http://teenstotrails.org/blog/pbasleslietrundy

📷 Leslie Trundy

06/15/2026

Maine summers are short and spectacular. The ocean, a babbling stream, your favorite trail, there’s no shortage of ways to get outside. This summer, we’re inviting every Maine student to make the most of it, one adventure at a time.

Our NEW Choose Outside Summer Challenge kicks off today and runs all summer long, giving 100s of students of all ages the chance to log time outdoors, try new adventures, and win prizes through our gear raffle and photo contest.

You can join in on the fun by doing something new in the outdoors this summer and by joining us at one of our Challenge events to get in on the spirit of choosing outside. No event registration required!

Group Hike & Service Project @ Bradbury Mountain State Park, 7/15, 2-5pm
Choose Outside Summer Celebration @ Woodward Point Preserve (Brunswick), 8/19, 3-5pm

If you know a kid who would benefit from more time outdoors this summer, registration for the Challenge is open all summer long! Learn more and sign up at teenstotrails.org/chooseoutside.

06/10/2026

We're hiring a part-time (3 days/week) Development Manager! We're looking for a fundraising professional committed to helping youth attain all the benefits of spending time outdoors, together. If you're ready to add perspective, take initiative, and help grow our donor, sponsor, and grant portfolio, we want to hear from you.

Learn more at teenstotrails.org/jobs. Applications accepted until position is filled.

06/10/2026

We are so proud of all 26 schools that took part in the 2026 Life Happens Outside© Challenge, collectively logging nearly 3 million minutes outside in just one week. Winning schools have received their banners and funds to keep expanding outdoor access for their students!

Our ED Nate got to hand-deliver Bucksport Middle School's first place banner and giant check at their assembly this past week, and the students were fired up.

Molly Ockett Middle School (bottom photo) was equally pumped to receive their banner! We can't wait to carry this energy into the Choose Outside Summer Challenge, coming up soon!

See image two for more challenge results. Thank you to our sponsors for making more of these moments possible.

06/08/2026

These kids didn't let a little rain and thunder get in the way of their outdoor fun this past weekend!

13 Hall-Dale Middle School students and 3 staff camped on school grounds, hiked 2.5 miles, mountain biked the local trails, played manhunt after dark, and ate extremely well, three kinds of pancakes included. Between the little sleep, lots of time around the fire, and the wildlife encounters (including a porcupine sighting), they had the full outdoor experience.

Life Happens Outside©, rain or shine!

Photo credit: Scott Hunt, Hall-Dale Middle School Outdoor Club Advisor

06/03/2026

Now accepting YAC applications for 2026–2027!

Are you a Maine high school student passionate about the outdoors, or do you know one? We're looking for students to join our Youth Advisory Council: connecting with peers across the state, sharing ideas, and helping shape Teens to Trails programming.

To be eligible, you must be a rising 9th–12th grader at a school with an outdoor club registered with Teens to Trails.

Monthly virtual meetups, special events like overnights and our Adventure Bound camping weekend, a stipend, travel reimbursement, s'more judging responsibilities, and a whole lot more await. First meeting is in September!

Applications close July 15, 2026, and all applicants will be notified by August 1st.

Learn more and apply: teenstotrails.org/youth-advisory-council

06/01/2026

Teens to Trails brought the first group of the summer to Flagstaff Lake Hut! We were thrilled to host four middle school Outdoor Clubs from across Maine for canoeing, fishing, swimming, and some truly stunning sunrises and sunsets. A huge thank you to the volunteers, the club advisors who made the trip possible, and most of all to these amazing kids for bringing so much energy and enthusiasm to the hut. We can't wait to see you back here!

05/28/2026

05/28/2026

We're launching something new this summer - and we'd love your help spreading the word!

Introducing the Choose Outside Summer Challenge, a free summer-long program for Maine students of all ages! From June 15 through August 14, participants explore the outdoors, track their adventures, and enter to win outdoor gear - plus in-person gatherings, a photo contest, and a certificate of completion for everyone who finishes. Registration is free, resources are provided, and sign-ups are open all summer.

Know a kid (or a few!) who should be outside this summer? Send them this link to learn more and register! teenstotrails.org/chooseoutside