Ensuring Access to the Outdoors
With the goal of community transformation through outdoor recreation in mind, Main Street Skowhegan launched the Skowhegan Outdoors AmeriCorps Program in 2019 in partnership with Volunteer Maine, the Outdoor Sport Institute, and other local organizations energized by the prospect of ensuring equitable access to the outdoors via free, guided outdoor activities and gear. In 2023, Skowhegan Outdoors hosted 202 free outdoor programs and served 1,810 area residents. Through this initiative, we are catalyzing a shift toward a healthier and more active lifestyle accessible to all Somerset County area residents.
Skowhegan Outdoors Basecamp, 65 Water St. (Riverside)
The upward momentum and growth of the Skowhegan Outdoors program have prompted our organization to move into a larger, more accessible, and visible space in downtown Skowhegan at 65 Water Street, a two-story historic building in the heart of the commercial district and adjacent to the Kennebec River. We are transforming the 3,000-square-foot, river-adjacent half of the first floor into the Skowhegan Outdoors Basecamp, a community gathering place from which we’ll expand our gear library and host free outdoor-focused educational programs.
FREE Outdoor Programming
Every person in Somerset County should have the opportunity to participate in free, guided outdoor recreation activities and access to gear to experience the natural world on their own. We strive to make our programs inclusive by featuring a variety of activities for all ages, physical abilities, and interests and accessible by hosting programs within walking distance of downtown Skowhegan or providing transportation (when possible) to and from regional locations. Activities include outdoor yoga, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, paddling clinics, and more.
FREE Gear Lending for Residents
In addition to programming, we continue to grow our more-than-200-item community gear library, which features outdoor equipment such as cross-country skis, snowshoes, bikes, canoes, SUPs, winter clothing, and camping gear—all free of charge for Somerset County residents to use during programs or borrow for a self-guided outdoor experience.
$50 - Non-resident single membership
$75 - Non-resident family membership
1-year membership to Community Gear Lending Library!
Our Partnerships
Somerset Outing Club
At the start of the 2022 school year, Skowhegan Outdoors, in partnership with Somerset Public Health's Move More Kids program, began offering monthly outing club trips to expose youth and their families to different outdoor opportunities in the region and beyond. Trips are free and include transportation, lunch, and a curated and guided outdoor experience.
Summer Camps
R.E.A.C.H
During this after-school program serving underserved youth, Skowhegan Outdoors brings middle school students closer to nature through outdoor education and recreation. 2023 will be our fifth year of collaboration with this program.
Outdoor Clubs in Somerset County
Via a partnership with Somerset Public Health and their Move More Kids program, AmeriCorps member Charlotte Allard is supporting two after-school, 100-mile clubs at Madison and Bloomfield Elementary Schools.
Skowhegan Outdoors Basecamp
65 Water St. (Riverside)
Skowhegan, ME 04976
HOURS:
MONDAY: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
TUESDAY: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
WEDNESDAY: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
THURSDAY: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
FRIDAY: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
SATURDAY: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
SUNDAY: Closed
or by appointment!
Skowhegan Outdoors Basecamp Memberships
FREE for Somerset County Residents - Free gear lending from the Skowhegan Outdoors Basecamp during open hours or by appointment!
$50 - Non-resident single membership
$75 - Non-resident family membership
1-year membership to Community Gear Lending Library!