The Life Happens Outside® Challenge provides a way for a whole middle school to spend as much time as possible outside for one whole week.

Every minute outside counts — from sports practice to dog walking, camping in the yard, or doing homework in the park!

It’s best when the whole school takes part and the community supports them. And most importantly, the challenge provides an outlet for kids to be unplugged outside and engaged in real life.

Dates: May 9-16, 2025

Participants: Students, faculty, and staff at Maine Middle schools (grades 5-8)

The prize: The top 3 schools with the most outdoor minutes will win $1,000 to use towards outdoor activities for your school.

The Maine Canoe Symposium encourages participants of all ages to develop an understanding and appreciation of the diversity of North American canoeing heritage and to develop canoeing and related skills through educational workshops, presentations, and hands-on instruction.

CONSERVATION. ADVENTURE. CONNECTION.

The Maine Outdoor Film Festival curates and presents film experiences related to the beauty, interactivity and complexity of our planet. MOFF asks questions and shares stories about how the power of our planet influences human experience and conversely, human’s impact on the planet. We believe top-notch storytelling and imagery has the potential to broaden perspectives, strengthen relationships, and to foster change within ourselves and our communities. And there’s never been a more important time than now to provide these educational and interactive opportunities to connect, explore and learn about the outdoors.

Each year since 2013, MOFF has donated a portion of its proceeds to Teens To Trails.

Measure What Matters: The Expanding View of Educational Excellence In Maine

This year, sessions will be provided under the following five (5) priorities:  

OUTDOOR EDUCATION –

The Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative was expanded into 2024, providing access to the outdoors for students in grades 6-12, as well as increased eligibility for schools and local educational providers throughout the state. Along with providing hands-on learning experiences, these opportunities open connections to Maine-based industries, integrating career exploration.  

EXTENDED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES – ELO seeks to assist in adopting

 and/or expanding programs in Maine to help students gain a better understanding of their career opportunities, acquire valuable foundational and 21st century skills, and create meaningful connections with employers in our state.  

MULTIPLE LEARNING PATHWAYS –

In Maine, schools throughout the state are focusing on interdisciplinary instruction, enhancing career readiness and workforce development pathways, and

 scaffolding supports to build connections between students and their culture, community, and schools.  

TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION – Maine continues to provide schools access

 to one-on-one devices through the Maine Learning Technology Initiative device program, professional learning opportunities for educators, technology grants, student leadership, and computer science resources, as well as bolstering network infrastructure. Online

 education also continues to thrive. This commitment to technology access creates learning experiences and provides the tools needed to thrive in the 21st century. 

HOLISTIC APPROACHES TO LEARNING – Maine’s Whole Student Approach

 was developed in partnership with educators, administrators, parents, students, and educational organizations. It seeks to create vibrant school environments where students are safe, healthy, supported, engaged, challenged, and prepared. 

Additionally, there will be more than 40 informational tables available to visit and learn more about the Maine DOE and collaborative agencies. These tables will be available during lunch and multiple times throughout each day.