“It just feels really really good to be out here in the wild! I’m super excited to look back on these photos when I’m older and see how happy I was to be here and how excited I was.” -2023 KROC Summer Participant, age 13
Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters summer youth trip series are all about getting outside, trying new things, and building confidence in a supportive, fun, and welcoming environment. Set in Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument, each trip blends adventure, hands-on skill building, and time to connect with each other in one of Maine’s most inspiring landscapes. Whether hiking, camping, or paddling, students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and build real connections with each other and the land we’re exploring.
All trips are free, gear is provided, and meals (starting with lunch on day 1) are included. Just bring with you a sense of adventure, a positive attitude, and maybe a bug net. Pick-up and drop-offs are easy with two locations across the Katahdin region (Millinocket and Sherman). These trips are designed for middle and high school students, with exact age ranges listed in each program description. No previous experience is needed- just a willingness to try something new, with all instruction led by experienced Registered Maine Guides.
These programs have proven to be deeply impactful to youth. Read a report on the impact of these programs here. This report was made possible thanks to the Katahdin Collaborative.
Contact elise@friendsofkww.org with any questions.
Upcoming 2026 Programs
Camping 101 | June 30-July 2
Our Camping Crash Course is designed to give participants the confidence and skills needed to enjoy the outdoors safely and comfortably. Whether someone is brand new to camping or looking to build on their experience, this program walks through the essentials step by step. Participants will learn campsite basics like how to pitch a tent, cook outdoors, what to pack, and how to responsibly build and manage a fire but most importantly, we’ll have fun! In addition to hands-on lessons and activities, we’ll hike easy trails, go swimming, camp by the river and make s’mores. It’s summer at its best!
Open to students in rising grades 6-8. Register here!
Trek & Tent | July 14-16
The Trek & Tent trip is all about fun, adventure, and building confidence outdoors. Students will learn how to read a map, explore trail options, and help choose hikes that match their group’s interests and ability. Along the trail, we’ll focus on simple skills like what to pack and how to reduce our impact.
Back at camp, we’ll practice skills like how to cook nutritious meals and properly stretch to avoid injuries but we’ll make sure there is plenty of time to relax, play games, and enjoy the outdoors together. This trip is a great mix of skill-building and classic camp fun, helping participants feel more confident while creating awesome memories with their group.
Open to students in rising grades 8-11. Register here!
Canoe & Camp | July 27-29
Explore the East Branch of the Penobscot River on our Canoe & Camp backcountry trip. This river is the homelands of the Penobscot people and a river traveled and famously written about by Henry David Thoreau. It’s a special place that will offer a chance for students to slow down, reflect and build their own connection. Along the way we’ll see wildlife, fish, swim, hike and spend quiet evenings at camp by the rivers edge.
This is an approachable backcountry trip, and although we recommend some paddling experience, it is not required. We will spend our first day practicing canoe skills, safety, and strokes on flat water before setting out. From there, students build confidence on the river while learning how to travel and camp as a team. The focus is on developing canoeing skills, understanding the significance of the Penobscot River, and gaining comfort in a wilderness setting while also having a great time outside!
Open to students in rising grades 8–11. Register here!
These programs are supported by KROC. What is KROC?
KROC (Katahdin Region Outdoor Collective) is a dynamic group of non-profits, individuals, businesses, and government organizations with a shared belief in the profound impact of outdoor experiences on youth wellbeing and the future vitality of the Katahdin region. Our collaborative efforts result in year-round opportunities for young individuals to foster a deep connection to nature, cultivate leadership skills, and become future land stewards.
KROC facilitators include:
Summer Youth Trips
“It just feels really really good to be out here in the wild! I’m super excited to look back on these photos when I’m older and see how happy I was to be here and how excited I was.” -2023 KROC Summer Participant, age 13
Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters summer youth trip series are all about getting outside, trying new things, and building confidence in a supportive, fun, and welcoming environment. Set in Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument, each trip blends adventure, hands-on skill building, and time to connect with each other in one of Maine’s most inspiring landscapes. Whether hiking, camping, or paddling, students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and build real connections with each other and the land we’re exploring.
All trips are free, gear is provided, and meals (starting with lunch on day 1) are included. Just bring with you a sense of adventure, a positive attitude, and maybe a bug net. Pick-up and drop-offs are easy with two locations across the Katahdin region (Millinocket and Sherman). These trips are designed for middle and high school students, with exact age ranges listed in each program description. No previous experience is needed- just a willingness to try something new, with all instruction led by experienced Registered Maine Guides.
These programs have proven to be deeply impactful to youth. Read a report on the impact of these programs here. This report was made possible thanks to the Katahdin Collaborative.
Contact elise@friendsofkww.org with any questions.
Upcoming 2026 Programs
Camping 101 | June 30-July 2
Our Camping Crash Course is designed to give participants the confidence and skills needed to enjoy the outdoors safely and comfortably. Whether someone is brand new to camping or looking to build on their experience, this program walks through the essentials step by step. Participants will learn campsite basics like how to pitch a tent, cook outdoors, what to pack, and how to responsibly build and manage a fire but most importantly, we’ll have fun! In addition to hands-on lessons and activities, we’ll hike easy trails, go swimming, camp by the river and make s’mores. It’s summer at its best!
Open to students in rising grades 6-8. Register here!
Trek & Tent | July 14-16
The Trek & Tent trip is all about fun, adventure, and building confidence outdoors. Students will learn how to read a map, explore trail options, and help choose hikes that match their group’s interests and ability. Along the trail, we’ll focus on simple skills like what to pack and how to reduce our impact.
Back at camp, we’ll practice skills like how to cook nutritious meals and properly stretch to avoid injuries but we’ll make sure there is plenty of time to relax, play games, and enjoy the outdoors together. This trip is a great mix of skill-building and classic camp fun, helping participants feel more confident while creating awesome memories with their group.
Open to students in rising grades 8-11. Register here!
Canoe & Camp | July 27-29
Explore the East Branch of the Penobscot River on our Canoe & Camp backcountry trip. This river is the homelands of the Penobscot people and a river traveled and famously written about by Henry David Thoreau. It’s a special place that will offer a chance for students to slow down, reflect and build their own connection. Along the way we’ll see wildlife, fish, swim, hike and spend quiet evenings at camp by the rivers edge.
This is an approachable backcountry trip, and although we recommend some paddling experience, it is not required. We will spend our first day practicing canoe skills, safety, and strokes on flat water before setting out. From there, students build confidence on the river while learning how to travel and camp as a team. The focus is on developing canoeing skills, understanding the significance of the Penobscot River, and gaining comfort in a wilderness setting while also having a great time outside!
Open to students in rising grades 8–11. Register here!
These programs are supported by KROC. What is KROC?
KROC (Katahdin Region Outdoor Collective) is a dynamic group of non-profits, individuals, businesses, and government organizations with a shared belief in the profound impact of outdoor experiences on youth wellbeing and the future vitality of the Katahdin region. Our collaborative efforts result in year-round opportunities for young individuals to foster a deep connection to nature, cultivate leadership skills, and become future land stewards.
KROC facilitators include: