Maine Youth Wilderness Leadership Program application deadline is Feb. 8

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Participants in the Maine Youth Wilderness Leadership Program enjoy summer exploring Baxter State Park while building leadership skills. (Photo by Anna Jackson, courtesy of Friends of Baxter State Park)

An incredible summer adventure awaits a group of ten high school students in northern Maine’s rugged wilderness. Every August, Friends of Baxter State Park invites students from across Maine to spend an extraordinary nine days backpacking from one end of the Park to the other, accompanied by experienced wilderness leaders and educators from the Chewonki Foundation.

Friends of Baxter State Park offers the Maine Youth Wilderness Leadership Program at no cost to participants. Only students who are currently enrolled as a sophomore or junior in a Maine high school are eligible to apply. There is a competitive application process to be accepted into the program. Applications must be submitted online at www.friendsofbaxter.org by the deadline of Feb. 8. Ten participants and six alternates will be selected by early April.

Participants in the 12th annual program will study wilderness through science, art, storytelling, photography, writing, history, and recreation. They hike with a geologist, volunteer with a Ranger, and paint with a professional artist. Participants have described this program as “life-changing” and “the best learning experience I’ve ever had.” The program also includes readings and assignments in preparation for the field experience. After returning home, each participant gives a public presentation in his or her community.

For more information please visit www.friendsofbaxter.org or contact Friends of Baxter State Park at P.O. Box 322, Belfast, ME 04915.

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