Summer Learning Series: Pedal & Paddle 1

A 4-day adventure blending whitewater kayaking and mountain biking in a supportive, confidence-building environment. Youth will paddle in Skowhegan, ride at Maine Huts & Trails, and experience a sea kayaking day. This session focuses on skill progression, teamwork, and outdoor leadership. Please note there is no overnight experience in this program.

1. Day 1 (6/29): Intro river paddling — Skowhegan
2. Day 2 (6/30): Intro mountain biking — Skowhegan area trails
3. Day 3 (7/1): Sea kayaking and stewardship — Coastal (MITA)
4. Day 4 (7/2): Mountain biking exploration — Maine Huts & Trails

Summer Learning Series General Information

Thank you for your interest in the Skowhegan Outdoors Youth Summer Learning Series! These programs are designed for youth ages 11–17 who are excited to spend time outside, try new things, build confidence, and learn outdoor skills in a supportive environment.

Programs may include paddling, whitewater kayaking, mountain biking, fishing, camping, hiking, coastal exploration, outdoor leadership, and stewardship activities. Each program is designed to meet participants where they are while encouraging teamwork, skill-building, and confidence outdoors.

Programs run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day. Some programs may include overnight experiences. Families will receive additional details about daily meeting locations, packing lists, transportation, and overnight logistics before the start of each program.

Who Can Register

The Youth Summer Learning Series is open to youth ages 11–17. Beginners are welcome for most programs, and no prior outdoor experience is required unless noted in the specific program description. Some programs, such as Intermediate Whitewater Paddling, may require prior experience or instructor approval.

What’s Included

Thanks to generous funding and community support, programs are free to participate in unless otherwise noted. Each program includes:

• Instruction from trained outdoor educators
• Outdoor gear and equipment
• Transportation during program hours
• Daily lunch and snacks
• Camping gear for overnight experiences, when applicable
• A welcoming, supportive environment focused on learning and confidence-building

What Families Should Know

Participants should arrive prepared to be active outdoors each day. Programs will take place in a variety of outdoor settings, including trails, rivers, lakes, coastal areas, huts, and campsites depending on the specific program.

Families will be asked to provide important participant information during registration, including emergency contacts, medical information, allergies, dietary needs, swimming ability, previous experience, and any support needs that may help our staff create a positive experience.

For paddling-based programs, participants should be comfortable in and around water. Some programs may require participants to be able to swim.

Before the Program

As we get closer to the program date, Skowhegan Outdoors will follow up with additional information, including:

• Drop-off and pick-up details
• Daily schedule and locations
• Packing list
• Clothing recommendations
• Overnight details, if applicable
• Staff contact information

Please make sure the contact information provided during registration is accurate and checked regularly, as this is how we will share important updates.

Family Commitment

By registering, families are committing to having their youth attend the full program unless an emergency or illness prevents participation. These programs have limited space, and consistent attendance helps create a stronger experience for the full group.

Questions

For questions about registration, program fit, gear needs, accessibility, or whether a program is the right match for your youth, please contact Skowhegan Outdoors before registering.

We are excited to welcome your youth into a summer of outdoor learning, adventure, and confidence-building.