2025 Youth on the Allagash: A Summer of Growth

The 2025 Youth on the Allagash season wrapped up earlier this month, marking another successful year of introducing young people from the Waterway’s gateway communities to the incredible wilderness in their backyards. Following our Senior Leadership Trip in May, the focus shifted to our youth expeditions that concluded on the Allagash in early July.

Three YOTA trips, expertly guided by Chewonki, concluded on July 1st, bringing a wave of newly acquired outdoor skills back to the St. John Valley and Ashland.

These three-day excursions were a crash course in self-sufficiency, and students’ abilities grew by leaps and bounds. They learned how to properly set up and break down a tent, ensuring a solid night’s sleep under the stars. Filtering water became second nature, providing fresh hydration straight from the river. The challenge of cooking over an open fire was transformed into a rewarding experience, and mastering the art of efficiently loading and unloading gear meant smoother transitions on and off the water.

The weather for these trips was tremendous, providing terrific conditions for learning and exploration. More than just outdoor techniques, the kids learned invaluable skills that will carry them forward both on and off the river, fostering resilience, teamwork, and a deeper connection to nature.

“Every year, it’s incredibly rewarding to see young people experience the Allagash for the first time. Our Youth on the Allagash program is more than just teaching outdoor skills; it’s about inspiring the next generation of stewards,” says Executive Director Dan Dinsmore. “These are the kids who will ultimately help us protect this incredible wilderness for years to come, and instilling that connection and sense of responsibility now is paramount.”

Two of these trips were specifically tailored for middle school students in the St. John Valley, fostering a love for the outdoors right in their own backyard. The third trip welcomed kids from Ashland.

Want a closer look at one of these unforgettable experiences? Amanda Barker, a chaperone for the Ashland trip, captured plenty of moments through her lens. You can view highlights from the Ashland trip here.

With the 2025 season successfully completed, the Allagash Wilderness Waterway Foundation (AWWF) is already shifting its focus to an exciting expansion of the YOTA program in the St. John Valley for the. Starting next June, every eighth-grader in the three school areas that comprise the Valley Unified School Administrative District will have the chance to experience the Allagash, further broadening the program’s reach and impact.