A Fellowship in Outdoor Recreation

I am grateful to be a part of the Outdoor Leadership Program at the University of Maine. When my instructor sent out information about the Tourism, Hospitality, and Outdoor Recreation Institute (THOR) and their inaugural fellowship, I eagerly applied. The goal of the fellowship is to give students educational and professional opportunities to connect with Maine’s THOR workforce and community. I was fortunate to be selected for the fellowship, which led me to work with Teens to Trails.

A move from Colorado Springs to Orono for college was a big, exciting change for me. Maine is full of beautiful new places to visit and people to meet. My work with Teens to Trails created another opportunity for me to acquaint myself with Maine’s outdoor community. I was able to explore the state and connect with local students, which included spending a day helping students learn to ski and snow tube at Camden Snow Bowl. Seeing the joy on students’ faces while learning a new snow sport was rewarding. These experiences also provided opportunities to aid students in developing outdoor skills.

I am also studying Communications, and this fellowship gave me the opportunity to gain public outreach skills from the perspective of a nonprofit. I learned new graphic design interfaces and communication through web design and social media posts. I was able utilize a combination of my interests in media and outdoor education through this project.

Ashley (third in from left) and Teens to Trails’ team members at Bow Ties & Bean Boots 2024. Photo courtesy Rob White Photography.

An annual fundraiser called Bow Ties & Bean Boots was the culmination of my time with Teens to Trails, and that was a great night to connect with attendees and discuss their outdoor experiences. I met leaders in Maine’s outdoor community and spoke with high school students from the Teens to Trails’ Youth Advisory Council (YAC) about ways to incorporate their passions towards future work. The YAC, which is made up of inspiring young people from around the state, also gave me insight into how outdoor experiences have impacted their education. Above all, this fundraiser showed me the process of building a strong outdoor community, and how it benefits everyone involved.

I am incredibly grateful for my time with this wonderful organization. The THOR project with Teens to Trails provided an amazing opportunity to expand my knowledge of public relations, community outreach, event planning and outdoor skills. I made valuable connections and relationships within the organization and Maine’s outdoor community.

My time at Teens to Trails has further solidified my passion for helping others connect with their environment. While I’m at home in Colorado for the summer, working at a ropes course, I will be returning to school in the fall. I can’t wait to continue exploring the Maine outdoors for all it has to offer.