Building on a series of successful pilot outings in 2022, Maine West’s Recovery Outings is offering activities in every season of 2023. These supported outings get adults in recovery – and their family and friends – together outdoors for fun activities in safe spaces. Participants learn new skills, like fishing and cross-country skiing, or simply enjoy outdoor activities in community with others.

The 2023 season kicked off with a fabulous day of learning to ski at Carter’s Cross Country Ski Center in Bethel with top-notch instruction provided by Jes Carter. “Energy was high among the group of seven beginners.” said Brendan Schauffler, director of Oxford County Wellness Collaborative. “Only one person had ever been on skis before, and everyone felt more and more comfortable on skis throughout the day.”

Local partners working to make these outings possible include the Oxford County Wellness Collaborative, the Western Maine Addiction Recovery Initiative, and the Larry Labonte Recovery Center.

Many participants stayed for a second lap, either on skis or snowshoes, and one was making plans tom come back for more skiing before the season ends.

The Recovery Outings are one of several programs and projects supported by Maine West to position rural western Maine communities as viable and attractive places to live, work, do business, and raise families. The Center manages and facilitates the Maine West partnership.