The Maine Trail Builders Adventure Program is designed for students looking for an opportunity to volunteer and meet new friends during the summer. Each participant will be expected to partake in the activities and work involved with the trip. This work can be physically demanding and, at times, difficult, but very rewarding and fun.
Objectives: Cultural immersion with American teenagers; improve English comprehension with emphasis on oral skills; gain knowledge of American rural and camp life.
Who: Students 14 to 17 years of age
When: Jul 31- Aug 12, Aug 14 – 26
Where: Acadia National Park, Maine
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Program Description:
Working with the National Park Service to complete various service projects in Acadia National Park, campers live at a campsite near Bar Harbor. Work days, which are conducted under the direct supervision of National Park Rangers, typically run from 9:00-3:30, with a 45 minute lunch break. In the past, volunteers have assisted with a variety of activities including installing split rail fences, beach and streamside clean ups, planting native plants, moving wheelbarrows full of gravel, rock & sand, rebuilding stone walls, clearing drainage ways, water bars and culverts, picnic area restoration, wood splitting, hauling lumber to a remote work site, removing beaver dams and raking leaves. Some nights after work will be spent at the campsite enjoying dinner, playing games, and relaxing. Other evening activities could include bowling, going to the movies, or enjoying local culture.
Weekly Schedule (Sample):
Sun: Participants at New York Base Camp at 2:00 pm. Rest of the day is spent getting to know each other and checking out gear.
Mon: Head to Acadia, Maine to set up camp near Bar Harbor.
Tue – Fri: Work Day (Work days typically run
from 9:00-3:30, with a 45 minute lunch break)
Sat: Meet up with Coastal Kayaking for a leisurely paddle on the ocean today!
Sun: A full day of rock climbing with Acadia Mountain Guides along the beautiful Otter Cliffs.
Mon: Pick up bikes and ride around on the carriage trails of Acadia National Park, stopping for a bag lunch along the way.
Tue: Group will decide what to do today! Opportunities include a hike, site-seeing, swimming and exploring Bar Harbor.
Wed: Work Day
Thu: Time to say farewell to Maine and head back to New York to clean up gear and share some of our favorite stories.
Fri: Finish any gear clean up and head home.