Teens To Trails (T3) recently announced this year’s Grants-To-Clubs program recipients. For the 2015-16 school year, 13 high school outing clubs across the state including five new high school outing club programs. Grant awards were made to Cape Elizabeth High School, Cheverus High School, Ellsworth High School, Gorham High School, John Bapst Memorial High School, Maine Central Institute, Massabesic High School, Mt. Abram Regional High School, Mt. Ararat High School, Nokomis Regional High School, Shead High School, South Portland High School and Vinalhaven School.

These schools were awarded support funds totaling $5,500 to help more teens get active outside. These grants were made possible by ongoing support from L.L.Bean and individual donors.

“High school Outing Clubs are the most effective way we have found for engaging teens in their natural world, with the potential to make fun safe outdoor experiences accessible to every Maine student,” Carol Leone, Teens To Trails founder, said in a news release from the organization.

For more information, visit www.teenstotrails.org.

Since the inception of the T3 Grants-to-Clubs Program in 2008, 106 grants have been awarded in support of Maine high school outing club programs (totally close to $50,000) thanks to the support of Maine businesses and foundations as well as many heartfelt personal donations. This year, assistance with transportation costs helped to eliminate one huge hurdle these schools face in getting their students outdoors. In addition, these grants allowed outing clubs to purchase needed outdoor gear and clothing, obtain safety training for leaders, cover recreational fees, and ensure trips are accessible to all students regardless of their financial situation. On receiving a grant to start a brand new outing club at Shead High School, Outing Club Advisor Stephanie Allard wrote: “We were absolutely thrilled to receive a check from T3 this past week. I can’t tell you the look on my student’s face (the one who wrote the grant) when she opened the envelope. It meant the world to her, let me tell you. We are busy organizing the troops here at Shead, and planning our first adventure. I can’t wait to get these kids OUTSIDE!” Along with introducing many teenagers to the outdoors for the first time, Teens To Trails is thrilled to be able to give a boost to the amazing individuals and school communities who understand the importance of outdoor experiences on the well-being of their students. “I was a part of a high school that had an outing club and have seen the positive learning experiences students share, along with terrific memories,” said Ellsworth High School Principal Dan Clifford in support of the three-teacher advisor team of Ellsworth Outing Club.