Partners in the Maine West coalition are offering the region’s residents numerous ways to get active outdoors this summer. Now in their second year, these programs help residents engage in outdoor activities with a focus on health, wellness and recreation. 

“The winter SNAC challenge (Second Nature Outdoor Adventure) was a success and this summer’s Recovery Outings are in full swing,” said Amy Scott, program manager for the Northern Forest Center. Interest has also been high in the Outings for Older Adults, but the wet and stormy spring has caused some rescheduling of events. 

Second Nature Adventure Challenge

In the latter half of February, 804 people participated in cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, walking and more, easily surpassing the original goal of 400 participants. “People were so glad to be active outdoors that they even beat our ‘stretch’ goal of 600 participants,” said Scott.  

By beating the challenge, residents secured $1,200 each for the winter’s beneficiaries — Bethel Rec Department, Chisholm Ski Club, and Oxford Hills Outing Club (Bill Koch Youth Ski League) — all of which run outdoor activities for the area’s youth.

The summer Second Nature Outdoor Challenge begins July 4. Check the website for announcements.   

Recovery Outings

A series of Recovery Outings is underway, offering supported outings to help adults in recovery – and their family and friends – get 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. 

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.  

Download the event schedule for opportunities to participate. Scott said the Androscoggin River paddle will be rescheduled due to a weather cancellation. 

Outings for Older Adults

In late May, the season’s Outings for Older Adults kicked off in sweltering heat.

“We had a small, but mighty group of participants that showed up for the kickoff of National Senior Wellness and Fitness Day,” reported River Valley Communities Health Coalition on its Facebook page. “It may have been 90 degrees out, but that didn’t stop this group from getting some steps in. Thank you to Maine West for supporting this program.” 

The walking group will meet every Wednesday through Aug. 23 at Rumford’s Hosmer Field Complex, which includes the river trail. Walks start at 5 pm.