Outdoor Leadership Conference
Learn here.
Lead out there.
September 26, 2025
Start the school year with inspiration, connection, and hands-on learning at the Teens to Trails Outdoor Leadership Conference—a one-day event designed for teachers and adults leading youth outdoors. Whether you’re just starting an Outdoor Club, program, or class- or have been leading trips for years, this conference is packed with practical tools, fresh ideas, and outdoor skills to help you launch a successful year of student adventures.
Join us for a day of meaningful connections, engaging workshops, and resource sharing that will leave you feeling energized and equipped to lead. From risk management basics to creative trip ideas, you’ll walk away with new strategies.
Why should you attend? Learn from a teacher who joined us last year…
“The best part of the conference was learning skills that I can take back and use in my class room now. The next best part was learning about new oppertinites that I can access for my students in the near future. There was an incredibly positive vibe in the air. This conference took a bunch of educators who were already overloaded with the stress of starting a new year and infused us with the energy of the forest and the drive to get back on the trail of inspiring a new generation that needs us.” - 2024 High School Outdoor Club Advisor
What you’ll take away…
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Sustaining an Outdoor Club
You'll walk away with practical tools and strategies to strengthen and sustain your outdoor club. Learn how to access free and discounted trips and resources, making outdoor experiences more affordable and accessible for your students. Gain insight into accessibility support strategies to ensure every student can fully participate, regardless of ability or background. You'll also pick up fundraising tips and advocacy techniques to help you secure funding—from small-scale fundraising efforts to making a case for your club in your school’s budget.
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Hands On Outdoor Leadership Skills
Including:
Setting up a camp kitchen
Paddling instruction and safety
First aid kit essentials
Icebreakers and group development games
Risk Management
Fundraising Tips and Tricks
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Maine's Outdoor Recreation Economy
We’ll offer valuable insight into the growing outdoor recreation economy and its role in supporting youth and career readiness. You will learn about workforce development programs and emerging career pathways in Maine's outdoor sector, helping to bridge outdoor education with real-world opportunities for students.
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Educational Trip Leader Permit Training
We’re offering an Educational Trip Leader Permit (ETLP) training on Saturday, September 27, from 8 AM to 5 PM for an additional fee. This training is designed for teachers, advisors, and adult leaders who plan to lead student outdoor trips and need certification to meet school or district requirements. It covers essential topics like risk management, trip planning, and emergency preparedness—everything you need to lead safe, successful adventures. Participants are welcome to stay overnight at Pine Tree Camp on Friday following the conference.
Date & Time:
September 26, 2025 from 8 am - 3 pm
Thursday and Friday night optional overnight accommodations
Optional: Educational Trip Leader Permit Training Saturday, September 27 from 8am - 5pm
Location:
Pine Tree Camps - Rome, Maine (114 Pine Tree Camp Road Rome, Maine 04963)
Campus Tour - Pine Tree Camp is fully accessible. The conference will be walkable, with golf carts available for participants with mobility or accessibility needs. Please contact Samantha@teenstotrails.org with any questions.
Cost:
Outdoor Leadership Conference Registration fee: $50 per participant
Educational Trip Leader Permit Training: $100 for registered Teens to Trails Outdoor Club advisors, $150 for all other participants.
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.
If you’ve never attended our Outdoor Leadership Conference, and are curious what the day looks like, visit our 2024 conference agenda to learn more!
Thank you to our 2025 Lunch Sponsor, Northeast Bank!
“I was thrilled to meet teachers from around Maine who are working to get their students outdoors. Their enthusiasm was inspiring and the experience they were ready to share was fantastic. The Teens to Trails team did a great job putting together an engaging program for the day.” — 2023 Participant
A special thank you to our 2024 program sponsor, Evergreen Credit Union, for capturing many of the wonderful moments you see below.
