The People Behind the Adventures Series: Cory Snow
Behind every thriving Outdoor Club is a teacher who shows up - not because it's required, but because they believe in what happens when students get outside together. As Teens to Trails celebrates 20 years of connecting Maine youth with the outdoors, we're taking time this year to honor the advisors at the heart of that work. Every other month, we'll introduce you to one of them.
Cory Snow has spent more than a decade doing something that doesn't show up in any job description. As an English teacher at South Portland High School, his official work happens inside four walls. But ask his students about their most formative school experiences, and chances are they'll describe a mountainside, a snow-covered trail, or a laughing descent down Carter Dome in a snowstorm.
As Outing Club advisor, Cory manages the logistics, secures the funding, leads the trips, and mentors students through some of the most challenging and joyful moments of their young lives. He does it week after week - and in the spirit that defines the best advisors in this community, he does it because he believes it matters.
Cory has been part of the Teens to Trails community for years, and in that time something has shifted - not just in how his club runs, but in what it's become. We sat down with him to hear about the moments, the mountains, and the mission that keep him coming back.
What's your favorite piece of outdoor gear, and why?
My mountain bike. The places that it helps me get to are wild and beautiful, and it's always dependable when the trails get rough.
What's your favorite outdoor space in Maine?
Hmm - so many great spots. Probably Baxter State Park. The mountains, rivers, and ponds are magnificent, and there are remote spots that touch an ancient and wild part of my soul.
What's one small moment with your outdoor club that's stayed with you?
Huge laughter from the entire group as we went glissading down Carter Dome through snow showers back to the Carter Notch Hut for a feast.
How has your club evolved since you first started working with Teens to Trails?
There is a more organized rhythm to the fall and winter outing club seasons. I am able to plan ahead more effectively and foresee any challenges further in advance. We have also worked on getting better transportation support from the district that has helped us access adventures more easily.
What does being outside offer students that the classroom often can't?
The physical environment is less structured and more challenging. When we're outside, it's more important to work together as a group to support each other and get to a destination safely. There are no bells to shift to the next class, no smooth hallways or graded staircases. Each step is a new adventure.
In what ways has being part of the Teens to Trails community changed what's possible for your club?
Teens to Trails provides an incredible amalgam of resources - opportunities to collaborate with other outing clubs, access to trainings and trips, grants to fund adventures and gear, and guidelines for faculty and student leaders to create and maintain healthy outing clubs.
What do you hope students carry with them long after they've been involved with their outdoor club?
A sense of connection to the outside world that will foster friendships, confidence, compassion, and a sense of wonder for years to come.
Stay tuned - every other month this year, we'll be introducing you to another advisor who is helping shape what's possible for Outdoor Clubs across Maine!