Maine West Supports Afterschool Programs through Second Nature Adventure Challenge

More than 200 people teamed up over the summer to complete 819 outdoor trail activities and secure $6,000 in community reward funding for local afterschool programs in Western Maine.

The Summer 2021 Second Nature Adventure Challenge ran July 1 through Labor Day with the goal of engaging 200 people to complete 500 trail-based activities. Second Nature is a program of Maine West – a partnership of 14 local and regional organizations coordinated by the Northern Forest Center and dedicated to building vital communities in western Maine.

With the successful completion of the Summer Challenge, Maine West teamed up with New Balance Corporation, Norway Savings Bank, and Stephen’s Memorial Hospital to provide $6,000 to afterschool programs in Western Maine. Beneficiaries of the summer program include:

• Destination Paris
• Mahoosuc Kids Association
• Western Foothills Kids Association

“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.”

The Second Nature Adventure Challenge is coordinated by the Oxford County Wellness Collaborative. With the completion of the Summer 2021 Challenge, Maine West has donated $15,000 to local youth groups and food pantries Second Nature Adventure Challenges.

Learn more about the Second Nature Adventure Challenge.