Five days of growth on the Allagash

YOTA’s advanced expedition: Five days of growth on the Allagash

The Allagash Wilderness Waterway Foundation is thrilled to announce the successful completion of our first Youth on the Allagash trip of the season: our annual advanced leadership expedition. This five-day journey offers a deeper dive into wilderness skills and regional knowledge for returning participants of our youth paddling program.

Guided and outfitted expertly by our partners at Canoe the Wild, this trip provided an unparalleled experience for future leaders. Beyond mastering essential outdoor competencies, students gained invaluable insights into Allagash and potential career pathways in Maine’s vibrant outdoor recreation industry.

Participants on this leadership trip:

• Immersed themselves in local history, learning about the rich heritage of the Allagash region.
• Connected with experts, including Head Park Ranger Trevor O’Leary, who shared insights about the Waterway and discussed future job opportunities, even touching on potential careers as Registered Maine Guides.
• Honed critical paddling skills, including advanced canoe poling, navigating whitewater, and refining proper paddle strokes.
• Developed traditional wilderness proficiencies, such as making fire with a spark, fly fishing, and cooking delicious meals over an open fire.

“This longer leadership trip truly showcases the progression within our YOTA program,” said Tom Gerard, AWWF’s Youth on the Allagash committee chair. “It’s inspiring to see these returning students embrace advanced skills and discover the potential for future careers right here in Maine’s outdoors.”

This successful expedition marks the start of an exciting YOTA season. We have three more trips scheduled this summer, with students from the St. John Valley and Ashland eager to hit the river during the last weekend of this month.