Join Kindling’s registered Maine Guides (Sikwani, Becca, Hallie, Tessa, Alejandro, and a few other guest teachers) for three days of queer & BIPOC-centered learning and practice to prepare you to take the Maine Guide test. Students will learn about navigation, species identification, camping best practices, knots, paddling skills, testing tips and tricks, and other relevant topics. Students will also learn about the history of the Maine Guide program and its relationship to colonialism and other harmful systems and engage in discussions of how we can protect and support ourselves and each other as marginalized outdoor leaders.

The group will be approximately 12 participants, and the course will be a mix of discussion, direct instruction, skills practice, and self-directed content review. Students can expect to be seated much of the time, as well as move around the indoor space to engage in small group discussions and activities.

This course will take place at the Maine People’s Alliance retreat center in China, Maine. Participants may sleep in beds in shared rooms on site or commute (we encourage sleeping on site to support community building). Kindling will provide coffee and tea, snacks, and a celebratory dinner on Saturday 4/18. Participants will be responsible for all other meals. The venue has a working kitchen for participants to use and we’ll support people in coordinating cooking group meals (if desired) before the event.

This course is for folks with extensive outdoor experience who want to lead people on outdoor activities in Maine. Legally, if you’re receiving payment for leading outdoor activities, you’re required to be a Maine Guide.

Experience Required: Background and interest in trip leading