A State-Funded All-Access Backcountry Pass for Maine Teens

It’s 4:30 am, and dawn has barely cracked over Chewonki Neck, but the buzz of metal zippers and the swish-swish of nylon-on-nylon has already woken Iz, a Chewonki trip leader. A zealous thwack on the side of their tent seals the deal; Iz is fully awake, along with the seven teenage members of the two-week Maine Northwoods Canoe Backcountry expedition. Funded through the Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative, these Maine teens are eager to enjoy every minute of…