Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative, grades 6-12

Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative Project

campers navigating a ball through a wooden maze

The University of Maine 4-H Center at Tanglewood has been awarded a grant from the Maine Department of Education’s Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative. Our proposed projects under the Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative Grant support the full cost (including reimbursement of bus fees) for 2-4 Maine schools to attend a 2-day/1-night Open Air Classroom program.  

About the experience

Campers practice one-match fires

Programs at Tanglewood practice holistic education and youth development. The 4-H Life Skills Wheel and Thriving Model are two tools we use in program design and implementation. These teaching tools assist in our goals of helping youth belong, practice independence and generosity, and hone skills.

The Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative programs focus on teaching forest and marine ecology through the lens of discovery and skill building. All lessons are standards-aligned and designed to be engaging and hands-on learning experiences for students. Programs highlight Maine career paths such as forestry, surveying, guiding, outdoor educator, field biologist, and more. Our goal is to provide a spark for students to explore more.

Equipment or gear necessary for programming is provided by the UMaine 4-H Center at Tanglewood. Tanglewood has spare sleeping bags to loan to any child who does not have one. This project is most suitable for classes with 25-40 students.

campers learn how to use a compassProgram date options

  • May 9-10, 2024
  • May 13-14, 2024
  • May 21-22, 2024
  • May 29-30, 2024

Contact Information

Contact Emma Beaudry to inquire about participating at extension.tanglewood4h@maine.edu or by calling 207.789.5868

UMaine 4-H Learning Center at Tanglewood, 1 Tanglewood Road, Lincolnville, ME

About the funding

American Rescue Plan Act GEER, Reverted EANS Funding received from the USDOE supports the implementation of this project. The project has an award totaling 6.6 million dollars of which 100% is federally funded and directly attributed to project implementation. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by the USDOE or the U.S. Government.