Learn here.
Lead out there.

The Teens to Trails Outdoor Leadership Conference is an annual one-day event for teachers and adults leading youth outdoors. Whether you're starting an Outdoor Club, program, or class or have years of experience leading trips, you'll gain practical tools, fresh ideas, and outdoor skills to help make your students' adventures a success.

The conference brings educators together for meaningful connections, engaging workshops, and resource sharing. From risk management basics to creative trip ideas, participants leave energized, equipped, and ready to put new strategies into action with their students.

Register Here for the 2026 Conference!

Fall 2026 Outdoor Leadership Conference:
Conversation, Connection, & Community

This year’s conference focuses on the power of conversation to create positive outdoor experiences. Attendees will explore how open dialogue fosters a sense of belonging, deepens relationships, and helps navigate the emotions that can surface in unplugged settings. Through hands-on sessions, peer exchange, and conversations with Maine outdoor organizations, advisors will gain new ideas, resources, and strategies to bring back to their clubs. Educators, advisors, and community partners will also have designated time to connect with others in their region, share strategies, and build a network of support for their outdoor clubs.

Event Details:

When:

  • October 2nd, 2026

  • 8 am - 3 pm, with optional overnight accommodations available

Location:

  • Pine Tree Camp - Rome, Maine (114 Pine Tree Camp Road Rome, Maine 04963)

  • Campus Tour - Pine Tree Camp is fully accessible. The conference is walkable, with golf carts available for participants with mobility or accessibility needs. Please contact programs@teenstotrails.org with any questions.

Cost:

  • Registration fee: $50 per participant

  • Overnight Accommodations: Free!

  • What’s included: A welcome packet filled with resources to kick off your school year, coffee and tea, a hot lunch (soup, bread, salad, and dessert!), plus snacks throughout the day.

Thank you to our
2026 Event Sponsor:

What you’ll take away…

  • Group of teens and adults outdoors on grass, holding a large check and a banner that reads 'Teens to Trails 2025, Life Happens Outside Challenge, Winner'.

    Sustaining an Outdoor Club

    You’ll walk away with practical tools and strategies for strengthening and sustaining an outdoor club. Explore ways to make outdoor experiences more accessible, engaging, and sustainable for your students. Gain ideas for building support, finding resources, and creating opportunities that help your club grow and thrive.

  • Camping supplies and equipment arranged on a boat and picnic tables in a wooded outdoor area, with trees and a lake in the background.

    Hands On Leadership Skills

    Build practical skills and confidence you can bring directly back to your outdoor club. Learn essential paddling instruction and safety, first aid, risk management, and Leave No Trace practices. Explore icebreakers and group development games that help students connect and engage, along with fundraising tips and tricks to keep your club moving forward.

  • A group of middle school outdoor clubs, talking around a campfire.

    Inclusive Outdoor Experiences

    Explore new ways to create outdoor experiences where every student can participate, connect, and feel like they belong. Learn from organizations and educators who are making outdoor programming more accessible, welcoming, and engaging for young people.

  • Learn From Maine’s Outdoor Community

    Hear from outdoor educators, camp staff, and Maine-based organizations working to get young people outside. Take away ideas, resources, and inspiration from people who understand the opportunities and challenges of leading outdoor programs.

  • Get Outside!

    Spend time learning by doing and experience the kinds of activities you can bring back to your own students. Get on the water, build outdoor skills, and find new ways to make time outside engaging, memorable, and fun.

“I left the Outdoor Leadership Conference feeling far more informed about resources and best practices for club leaders, from outfitting a club with gear to finding places to camp and hike to keeping students safe and responsible outdoors. Teens to Trails does a great job of centralizing resources and making it easier for teachers to start and maintain an outdoor club.”

- 2025 Participant