CLASSES, TRIPS, & EVENTS
We offer an array of classes and workshops covering topics like backpacking 101, trip planning, backcountry cooking, and home gear repair.
We believe that anyone can have fun and feel confident and safe in nature. The classes we offer are designed to introduce participants to the gear and equipment we offer, set folks up for future adventures, and build confidence and ease in the outdoors. There are no prerequisites for any Kindling Collective classes and we make an effort to offer opportunities for people of all backgrounds, skill levels, identities, experiences, and abilities. While Kindling Collective member perks include a discounted rate on classes and workshops, classes and workshops are open to everyone!
Current Classes, Events, and Workshops:
NOVEMBER
Winter Fun & Safety | Thursday 11/16/2023
5:30-7:30pm | Portland Yoga Collective, 98 Cross St. Portland, ME
Come join Kindling Collective on Thursday, November 16th to learn about how to have fun and be safe on winter adventures! We’ll go over the winter gear we have at Kindling; how to layer, pack, and plan for winter adventures; and help you plan some adventures of your own.
F^*% Black Friday Volunteer Day | Friday 11/24/2023
11:00am-5:00pm | Kindling Collective, 15 Casco Street Portland, Maine
Hate Black Friday? We do, too! Come join us in community to take care of our shared gear library and celebrate alternatives to the extractive individualism of capitalism. Volunteer for any 2+ hour period between 11am-5pm. No skills or experience required—come as you are!
DECEMBER
GEAR SHIFT: queer and trans bike night | Thursday 12/7/2023
5:45-7:15pm | PGH Bike School, 85 Anderson St. Portland, ME
Join Portland Gear Hub and Kindling Collective for our new first Thursdays GEAR SHIFT, a volunteer opportunity for a queer and trans people to learn how to build bikes, community, and confidence in the cycling world. Be there, be queer!
Intro to Winter Hiking | Saturday 12/9/2023
10am-4pm | Pleasant Mountain, Bridgton Maine
Have you wanted to try hiking mountains in the winter but haven’t known where to start or how to do it safely? Well, this is the event for you! Join us on Saturday, December 9th for a 5 mile hike up Pleasant Mountain in Bridgeton, via Bald Peak Trail. We’ll meet on Zoom on Monday, December 4th to prep participants for the hike. No equipment or experience necessary!
Patch Ur Puffy w Maine GearShare | Tuesday 12/12/2023
5:30-7:30pm | Kindling Collective, 15 Casco Street Portland, Maine
Interested in learning more about the basics of how to mend or patch your own gear? Then this is the event for you! Bring your own item to repair, or come and practice on items we have available for you.
Sunset Ocean Meditation X Kaneel | Sunday 12/17/2023
3:30pm | Kettle Cove, Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Join Davinica of Kaneel for a soothing evening practice to experience the gradual shift from light to dark and observe the first moments of the night. During this guided meditation, we'll engage with all five of our senses through breath and a gentle walk along the coastline. Then we'll come into stillness to observe how the natural world transforms at dusk. No prior meditation experience is necessary, all are welcome!
KNOTTY OR KNICE | Tuesday 12/19/2023
7-9pm | TBD, Location
The holiday season gets us feeling a liiiiiitttle Knotty. Join Kindling Collective and sex educators Alana Cooper/Finn Gerring and Cait Taylor for an evening of practicing Shibari knots and camping knots. Come as an absolute beginner or to learn more advanced techniques in this queer-centered event.
JANUARY
GEAR SHIFT: queer and trans bike night | Thursday 1/4/2024
5:45-7:15pm | PGH Bike School, 85 Anderson St. Portland, ME
Join Portland Gear Hub and Kindling Collective for our first Thursdays GEAR SHIFT, a volunteer opportunity for a queer and trans people to learn how to build bikes, community, and confidence in the cycling world. Be there, be queer!
QT BIPOC XC SKI | Saturday 1/20/2024
TBA | Auburn Nordic Ski Association
Winter 4000-Footer Hike :) | Saturday 1/27/2024
10am-5pm | Mt. Pierce, New Hampshire
Join Kindling Collective for a winter hike up Mt. Pierce in New Hampshire’s White Mountains! This hike is 7 miles long with about 2800 feet of elevation gain and loss.
FEBRUARY
GEAR SHIFT: queer and trans bike night | Thursday 2/1/2024
5:45-7:15pm | PGH Bike School, 85 Anderson St. Portland, ME
Join Portland Gear Hub and Kindling Collective for our first Thursdays GEAR SHIFT, a volunteer opportunity for a queer and trans people to learn how to build bikes, community, and confidence in the cycling world. Be there, be queer!
Backcountry Skiing with IST | Sunday 2/11/2024
TBD | Mt. Abram, Greenwood, Maine
We bringing back backcountry skiing with Inclusive Ski Touring again this year! All ability levels welcome; this event is open to new skiers (including folks who have never skied before!) and experienced skiers alike.
Longfellow Frostbite 2.5K Sprint | Sunday 2/18/2024
TBA | Kindling Collective, 15 Casco Street Portland, Maine
Join Kindling Collective and Maine Track Club for the annual Longfellow Frostbite 2.5K, starting and ending at the Equality Community Center!
MARCH
Queer Intro to Ice Climbing | Saturday 3/9/2024
TBD | Equinox Guiding Service, Camden, ME
Backcountry Skiing with IST | Sunday 3/24/2024
TBD | Mt. Abram, Greenwood, Maine
It was so fun last year, we're doing it twice this year! Backcountry skiing with Inclusive Ski Touring welcomes skiers and snowboarders of all ability levels; new skiers (including folks who have never skied before!) and experienced skiers alike.
APRIL
QUEER WILDERNESS FIRST AID | Friday - Sunday 4/4-7/2024
TBA | Camp Wavus, Jefferson Maine
Kindling Collective is committed to providing affordable access to the outdoors. If our class, workshop, or trip pricing creates a barrier for you, send us an email at info@kindlingcollective.org. We will never turn away someone for the inability to pay.
We are always growing our list of offerings! If you have an idea for a one-day class, ongoing workshop, or trip reach out to us at info@kindlingcollective.org.