With the 2021-22 academic year right around the corner, Maine school districts are searching for healthy ways for their students to return to school.

One opportunity schools have embraced is a new partnership with Teens to Trails and the Maine Department of Education. The initiative, called Wilderness Activities and Virtual Engagement for Students (WAVES), is designed to encourage physical and mental well-being by participating in group outdoor activities through the creation of school Outdoor Clubs. Seed money for these clubs is offered by WAVES to Maine schools serving teens. To date, almost 50 middle and high schools throughout the state have applied for the program.

“The application is easy, on purpose, to reduce barriers to getting youth connected to the outdoors,” said Teens to Trails, in a news release.

Maine DOE provides the money, schools identify an adult leader, and Teens to Trails provides year round training and program support.

North Haven Community School, Appleton Village School and Belfast Area High School were each awarded $1,000 - $1,500, dependent on needs. In most cases, schools were in search of financial support for transportation. Shaun Johnson, PhD, and principal at North Haven Community School said that the award helps address two concerns: strengthening student connections and the ability to travel outside of North Haven.

“Given that our middle and secondary students are geographically isolated, WAVES funding supports a greater diversity of outdoor offerings, primarily getting our students “off-island” and engaging with other schools, clubs, and organizations,” said Johnson.

Studies have shown that spending time outside is critical for teenage development, as it fosters the need to care for themselves, others and the planet. Spending time outside also creates a healthy mind/body balance and improves focus throughout the day. When teenagers enjoy open spaces, it helps to create open minds that are ripe for learning.

Further research has proven that teenagers who take part in outdoor programs develop lifelong connections to natural spaces in their communities, while also learning teamwork and problem-solving skills that they can take into adulthood. Outdoor clubs create an opportunity for inclusive, non-performance based experiences that break down social barriers and build long term habits of wellness.

All of the schools hope to create successful outdoor clubs for their teenage students. Linda Nichols, an art teacher at Belfast Area High School said she’s long created an art curriculum that gets kids outside to build a love of nature. An outdoor club will help continue her efforts “to promote the importance of outdoor activities” for students.

If your middle or high school is interested in this opportunity, funding applications are accepted until September 17, 2021.

To apply to the program, or to learn more, visit: https://teenstotrails.org/waves

Teens To Trails is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit dedicated to connecting high school students to life-changing outdoor experiences with a vision that all teens have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors together.