Teenagers spend too much time indoors watching television and playing video games, according to the leader of Teens to Trails, a new, nonprofit organization that aims to unite outdoor programs for kids statewide.
“There’s a valid reason to be outdoors not attached to any education program,” said Carol Leone, the executive director and founder.
Leone, once a park ranger at Assateague Island in Maryland and Virginia, said today’s youth is too separated from the natural world and has suffered physically and mentally as a result. She also believes that people have a natural, spiritual link to the wilderness.
“It’s like a connection with something bigger than yourself,” she said.
Last Saturday at Windham High School, Teens to Trails – whose goal is to share information on best practices and outdoor recreational opportunities for young people in Maine – held its first conference. Some 31 Maine high school outing clubs and outdoor businesses participated. The conference provided information on safe, effective practices, and highlighted wilderness hotspots. Workshops ranged in focus from first aid to Maine owl habitats. A lawyer also spoke about liability issues with outing clubs.
“For a lot of teachers, that’s the big issue,” said Leone, an Edgecomb resident.
“I’ve always been interested in hiking and outdoors,” said Rochelle Juell, 16, of Bethel. She was there with some members of her outing club. “It’s a lot of fun and you don’t really need a lot of money, it’s all here for you,” she said.
“It’s something you can do for your whole life,” said Tyler Hjelm, 17, of Windham.
“It keeps people active. It’s good for you, and it keeps you busy,” said Steve Spear, 18, also of Windham. He and Hjelm are both members of Windham High’s Outing Club.
Steve Marcelynas, the advisor of the outing club at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, said he tries to de-emphasize the “adventure” aspect of his outing club, which leads many people to think of extreme sports.
“A lazy paddle down a river can be just as much an adventure as white-water rafting,” he said. Marcelynas said different people with different abilities have their own idea of what a challenge is.
Chris Majias, 18, of Rumford, was at the conference hoping to start an outdoor club at Mountain Valley High School.
“As long as I’m outside, I’m happy,” he said.
Leone, a fit 55, said statistics show national park visits are way down, and she believes simply drawing attention to opportunities outside will inspire people to try outdoor activities.
“All you have to do is get people thinking about it,” she said.
Leone said the outdoors can get kids interested in wildlife conservation and the environment, as well as give Maine registered guides more work.
“Maine is the perfect place to get Teens to Trails going,” said Leone.
TeensToTrails1: Steve Marcelynas listens to Teens To Trails Executive Director Carol Leone. Leone, who claims to be no younger than 55, is a former Park Ranger and started the charity to help Maine outdoor clubs in high schools. “I think it’s teenagers that need good choices, because so many of them make bad choices,” she said.
TeensToTrails2 & TeensToTrails3: Kneeling in a kayak is Chris Majias, 18, of Rumford, is a junior at Mountain Valley High School. He said he hopes to start an outdoor club before her graduates. “As long as I’m outside, I’m happy,” he said.
TeensToTrails2 & TeensToTrails3: Kneeling in a kayak is Chris Majias, 18, of Rumford, is a junior at Mountain Valley High School. He said he hopes to start an outdoor club before her graduates. “As long as I’m outside, I’m happy,” he said.
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