The Maine West initiative is challenging people in western Maine to earn cash rewards for local youth programs by getting outside for healthy outdoor activities this summer.

Participants in the Summer 2021 Second Nature Adventure Challenge and can track trail-based hikes, walks, paddles, rolls, and rides on Maine Trail Finder, a popular website that connects people to trails across the state. If 200 area residents sign on and log 500 trail-based activities between July 1 and Labor Day, Sept. 6, Maine West will contribute $3,000 to help area youth programs get kids recreating outside this fall.

“We know people sometimes need a little extra incentive to make time to get out and enjoy local trails and healthy outdoor activities,” said Brendan Schauffler, facilitator of the Oxford County Wellness Collaborative and program coordinator for the Challenge. “To provide that extra incentive, the Second Nature Challenge encourages people to combine their enjoyment of nature and outdoor activity with interest in making sure local youth programs are able to get kids out to enjoy nature as well.”

Once participants reach the challenge goals of 200 people logging 500 trail activities, Maine West will contribute $3,000 ($1,000 each) to help three local after school program pay for supplies, equipment, and transportation needed to help kids enjoy outdoor adventures. Beneficiaries of the Summer 2021 Second Nature Adventure Challenge include:

  • Bethel Area: Mahoosuc Kids Association
  • Oxford Hills: Destination Paris
  • River Valley: Western Foothills Kids Association

In the past year, Second Nature Challenge participants completed more than 850 outdoor activities and secured $9,000 in contributions from Maine West to help area food pantries meet increased demand driven by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Signing up for the Second Nature Adventure Challenge is free and easy. Visit www.secondnaturemaine.com to get started.

The Second Nature Adventure Challenge is a project of Maine West, a partnership of local and regional organizations working to enhance community well-being in western Maine through increased collaboration across the economic, education, health and conservation sectors. The Center coordinates the Maine West network.

Maine West works across the Oxford Hills, River Valley and Bethel-Mahoosuc areas of northern Oxford County to provide network-based, collaborative programming in three areas: Active Communities, Broadband Access and Adoption, and Educational Attainment and Aspirations.