Teens to Trails Announces 2024 Grant Winners

Dec 18

*Teens to Trails Program Manager, Sam Andrews (center), with students from Ashland District School. Grant funding makes Outdoor Club trips like this one a possibility.*

Teens to Trails is thrilled to announce that 22 schools across Maine have been awarded grants to establish or enhance their Outdoor Clubs. Made possible through the generous support of L.L.Bean, these grants aim to inspire young people to explore the outdoors by fostering physical and mental well-being, teamwork, and a lifelong appreciation for Maine's natural beauty. By supporting Outdoor Clubs, Teens to Trails reinforces its commitment to empowering youth through meaningful outdoor experiences that build resilience, confidence, and community.

To receive the grants, Maine Outdoor Club leaders and teachers worked with students to identify their club goals and needs. Samantha Andrews, Program Manager at Teens to Trails, shared; “While some clubs receive strong district support, many struggle to secure resources. Launching an Outdoor Club requires a $1,500 investment to offer a teacher stipend, and cover expenses for travel. Teens to Trails provides the gear and assists with trip planning. I’m thrilled we can help and hope more communities will continue to support access to the outdoors for all students.”

Searsport Middle High School Guidance Counselor Amber Krumbholz, whose school was one of the 22 winners said, “We are so thrilled to be chosen for this grant opportunity. We held a meeting with the Outdoor Club students right before Thanksgiving break, and gave them the news and they were so excited. Now we feel we can realistically plan some great trips.”

L.L.Bean has partnered with Teens to Trails since 2010 and has helped bring exciting adventures to thousands of students. This year, grant funds will not only support Outdoor Club trips, but also provide critical resources like outdoor safety training for teachers and scholarships for students who might otherwise be unable to afford participation fees. These funds help ensure more equitable access to transformative outdoor experiences.

Houlton High School Outdoor Club leader, Michelle Martin, said her students were thrilled to learn the news of their grant winnings. “We're going to scope out a new camping area on the Seboeis River. The ongoing support and grant awards from Teens to Trails have made all of this possible.”

“Our ultimate goal is to make life-changing outdoor experiences accessible to middle and high schoolers statewide,” said Alicia Heyburn, Executive Director. “It feels good knowing that these small grants can make a big impact on students, schools and communities all over Maine.”

The 22 grant winners include:

Dedham School, Dedham

Mt. Abram Regional High School, Salem Township

Belfast Area High School, Belfast

Ashland District School, Ashland

Ecology Learning Center, Unity

Hall-Dale High School, Farmingdale

Portland High School, Portland

Tri County Technical Center, Dexter

Wiscasset Middle High School, Wiscasset

Brunswick Junior High School, Brunswick

Medomak Valley High School, Waldoboro