Second Nature Adventure Challenge
Second Nature Adventure Challenges are a great way to combine healthy outdoor activities with support for local service organizations. Twice a year, Maine West sets a community activity goal and encourages local residents to work together to reach the goal and secure funding support for local non-profit groups. Our motto is: Give Back When You Get Outside!
Since 2020, more than 775 people have teamed up to complete over 2,000 outdoor trail activities and secure $25,100 in community reward funding for food pantries and local afterschool programs in Western Maine. Recipients of the 2023 Winter Challenge included: |
“Our kids, along with our staff, families, and community got outside for an awesome cause,” said Mahoosuc Kids Association Director Amy Connell. “What a way to promote health and well-being, and celebrate Maine, the incredible place we all call home.”
Click Here to learn more about upcoming Second Nature Adventure Challenges.
Click Here to learn more about upcoming Second Nature Adventure Challenges.
For up to date information and photos, follow SNAC on Facebook!
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Recovery Outings
Building on a series of successful pilot outings in 2022, the Recovery Outings Program is offering activities in every season of 2023. These supported outings get adults in recovery – and their family and friends – together outdoors for fun activities in safe spaces. Participants can learn new skills, like fishing and cross-country skiing, or simply enjoy outdoor activities in community with others. Local partners working to make these outings possible include the Oxford County Wellness Collaborative, the Western Maine Addiction Recovery Initiative, and the Larry Labonte Recovery Center. For more information, contact Brendan Schauffler at Brendan.Schauffler@mainehealth.org.
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Falcon Camp
In partnership with Regional School Union 10, which serves Rumford and surrounding towns, Falcon Camp provides a skills-based summer-camp type experience for high school students to support a healthy, substance-free lifestyle. Students learn to mountain bike, paddle canoe, hike, camp, cook outdoors, and take care of each other through this program. Maine West is working to expand the program to other area school districts in Summer 2023.
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Outings for Older Adults
In 2023, the River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition is offering Wellness Walks for people over 50 in the River Valley. The outings kick off on May 31st and will continue throughout the warm weather season. These supported outings encourage older adults to engage in healthy outdoor activities together each week. The program piloted successfully in 2022 and local partners are excited to bring it back. Maine West is working to expand the program to the Oxford Hills region by the summer of 2023. For more information, contact Allie Burke at rvhccburke@gmail.com.
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