Testimonial: Orono High School Outing Club

“My high school outing club was very fortunate to win a funded night at Flagstaff hut as part of a Teens to Trails lottery. We had a group of 32 people, all of whom had an absolutely spectacular time. The fall colors were perfect–lime green/yellow ferns, popping red maple, and some trees still green. But most stunning was how much fun the teens had at the hut, particularly given that we don’t bring phones on our trips. I saw them inventing games, wading in the lake, building forts, digging in the sand, playing music, laughing as they washed dishes, running around in the dark at night, playing two-board Monopoly, cooking collectively, doing handstands in the sand, playing in the mud, and generally enjoying themselves. One said to me, “This was the best weekend of my life.” Another described it as “The best trip I have ever been on.” Another said, “I didn’t even know Maine had places like this.” The experience was such a pleasure and a unique opportunity for these students. Thanks for broadening their horizons and for providing them this deep exposure to the outdoors.” —Katie (Orono High School Outing Club)

— September 30, 2026