Sundog Outdoor Expeditions is an afterschool program that gets kids outside and unplugged, challenges them in healthy ways, and helps build character and skills by connecting youth with nature, peers, and community. Community service has always been an important part of Sundog programs, but with modified schedules this fall to ensure the safety of Sundog participants and staff, there was not enough time to incorporate community service directly into the programs.

For Anne Aldridge-Peacock, program manager for Sundog Outdoor Expeditions, as well as many of the students and parents from Sundog’s fall programs, the season would not have been complete without our community service component. So Anne organized a series of community service opportunities during the first two weekends of November and invited Sundog fall program participants, guides and board members to sign up to help the community.

Community service projects included trail clean up at Erickson Fields, fence line clearing at Hope Orchards, trail work at Mount Battie Trail, beach clean up at Lincolnville Beach and more. Over twenty kids participated representing towns from Lincolnville to Owls Head.

“It was great to hear from our students and parents that they missed the community service component of the program, and I was more than happy to organize some service projects,” Aldridge-Peacock said. “Just knowing that these students are learning to value giving back to the community makes it all worthwhile.”

Sundog Outdoor expeditions will be offering programs this winter during the December and February school holidays as well as after school starting in late January/February.

For more information about Sundog Outdoor Expeditions or to donate go to www.sundogoe.com or send an email to info@sundogoe.com.