C.A.N.O.E. Training at Poplar Stream Hut

On July 14th, Maine Huts & Trails hosted a day-long training session for the Career Access Through National Service and Outdoor Education (C.A.N.O.E.) program at Poplar Stream Hut and on the surrounding trails. C.A.N.O.E. is a workforce development program spearheaded by Skowhegan Outdoors designed for recent high school graduates who want to build outdoor skills, earn certifications, and gain professional momentum before committing to higher education or a long-term job. Program participants complete a paid 450 hour AmeriCorps service term while also receiving a total of 200 hours of non-service instruction. Instruction is provided by partners throughout the state, including Maine Huts & Trails. After completion of the program, participants are eligible for automatic acceptance into the University of Maine Farmington’s Outdoor Recreation Business Administration (O.R.B.A.) program and can also receive college credit for their completion of the C.A.N.O.E. program.

Program participants met Maine Huts & Trails’ Assistant Director of Operations, Eliza Quinn, and Program Manager, Sam Shirley, at the Airport Trailhead to begin the day. After an introductory discussion about Maine Huts & Trails, the group of students split into two pairs. One pair would be tasked with guiding everyone one else into the hut, while the other would take the lead on the way back to the trailhead in the afternoon. The first guides opted to reach the hut via Airport and Warren’s Trails. This scenic route took the group alongside Poplar Stream and past Poplar Stream Falls. Along the way, Eliza and Sam stopped the group to discuss trail features and signage unique to the MH&T trail system. Participants also learned about special considerations for trails that are used in the winter season.

After arriving at the hut, the group was given an overview of the commercial kitchen and basic food preparation safety considerations. They then used that knowledge to prepare chicken quesadillas for lunch. Following lunch, Eliza led an in-depth tour of the hut and its off-grid systems. To end the day, the second pair of guides led the group back to the trailhead via the Poplar Stream and Airport Trails.

We are thankful to our partners at Skowhegan Outdoors for having us be part of this new workforce development program! To learn more about C.A.N.O.E., visit this webpage. We hope to have another great group of young people attending our training session next summer!