A Leader in Youth Development
For over 25 years, Trekkers has cultivated the inherent strengths of young people through the power of long-term mentoring relationships. Our best practices and principles have become a model of exemplary programming in the field of youth development.
Programming
Youth mentoring that utilizes outdoor, experiential, and travel-based education to strengthen resiliency, raise aspirations, and connect young people to their communities.
Training
Trekkers Training Institute provides training, coaching, and professional development opportunities based on our evidence-based principles and practices.
WHY IS TREKKERS IMPORTANT?
Since 1994, Trekkers has been providing long-term, mentoring relationships to hundreds of students from Midcoast Maine. Our students consistently report statistically significant positive change in indicators of resilience, reflection, empathy, trust, and optimism.
Research shows that young people in these kinds of programs are 55 percent more likely to enroll in college, 78 percent more likely to volunteer regularly, and 130 percent more likely to hold leadership positions.
See Jesse’s Story
Jesse Ellis
Jesse Ellis, Class of 2008 After graduating from Trekkers in 2008, Jesse got her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Elmira College in upstate New York in 2012. During her time at Elmira College, she worked for many offices on campus,...
On Becoming a Team Player
Trekkers has taught me how to be a team player
“Trekkers has taught me how to be a team player as well as independent and how to help communities. It really showed me a lot about how to love people and how to spread kindness throughout my environment and surroundings. I love how Trekkers brings people of all...
See Ashley’s Story
Ashley Geel
Ashley Geel, Class of 2008 After graduating from Georges Valley High School in 2008, I attended Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, in Standish, Maine. In 2012, I graduated with my Bachelors Degree in Sports Management with a Minor in Business...
JOIN TREKKERS TO INVEST IN YOUNG PEOPLE AND IN THE FUTURE OF MAINE.
We are tremendously grateful for the generosity of the many individuals, businesses, charitable organizations, foundations, and local communities who make our work possible.
NEWS
Journalling: An Organization System For Perspective
(This is an excerpt from the Trekker Tracker, the monthly community email newsletter. Sign up here!) “One thing journaling has taught me is that the mind is a surprising place, and you often don’t know what it may be hiding until you start knocking around in there” ...
Observation Deck: Why Optimism
(This is an excerpt from the Trekker Tracker, the monthly community newsletter. Sign up here!) In this clip from 1972, Holocaust survivor and leading psychiatrist Viktor Frankl talks about the importance of optimism. He says “if you don’t recognize a young man’s will...
Thanks for Supporting the 2021 Community Auction!
ROCKLAND -- To the Community: First of all, I want to thank everyone who supported this year’s Community Auction – bidders, buyers, donors, volunteers, and sponsors! When we think of our annual Community Auction, cozy isn’t usually how we’d describe it, but this year...
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COVID-19 Updates
We continue to update our programs, safety protocols, and general operations based on the latest guidance available. See our latest updates here.
AmeriCorps Serving Here
Through the AmeriCorps Aspiration Program, Trekkers engages two AmeriCorps members each year to act as group leaders and mentors for youth in Knox County. Working closely with Trekkers’ staff, AmeriCorps members support core programming and expeditions. AmeriCorps is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that engages millions of Americans in service through its AmeriCorps and Senior Corps programs and leads the nation’s volunteering and service efforts. For more information visit: www.NationalService.gov