Dear Trekkers Community,

Our team has been monitoring and actively responding to the latest information on COVID-19 over the last two weeks. As part of our community, we want to share with you our current plan in response to this pandemic. As the situation continues to rapidly evolve, Trekkers is and has been prepared to do what is in the best interest of our community of students, families, staff, and volunteers.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION: Trekkers is relying on the Federal CDC and Maine CDC as our main sources of information and guidance, and staying in close communication with public health experts and our education partners in all decision-making.

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES: At the office, we have encouraged our staff to care for themselves and have taken recommended steps to limit the potential spread of COVID-19 and any other transmittable disease. We continue to reinforce hygiene policies and preventative measures from the CDC. We have a sick-leave policy in place for employees in case of illness and are encouraging work from home.

PROGRAMMING: After discussion internally and with our partners, we have suspended group-oriented programming through April 30, 2020. This suspension includes Trekkers Training Institute workshops and trainings, our core programming expeditions, team planning, volunteer, and community meetings, as well as non-essential work-related travel and attendance at meetings and conferences. Decisions around rescheduling will be made in the weeks to come.

That said, we are aware of how changes in a student’s life can have wide-ranging impacts to their wellbeing. We continue to stand by our priority and mission, which is to support our students’ social and emotional needs and continue to meet them where they are, while respecting the limitations that keep our community safe. We intend to continue to work with families to support the social and emotional needs of our young people in accordance with current social distancing recommendations. We are working intently to develop alternate, creative ways to connect to and support students. At this critical time, we are committed to our mission across the varied needs and challenges of our students.

We are grateful for your continued partnership, which makes our work possible. We have been energized by the generosity and creative problem-solving across our community and are optimistic about our path forward in this moment of challenge and uncertainty. Trekkers benefits from a Board, staff, and community support network that is composed of incredibly passionate, sensible, responsible, and adaptive individuals. Together, we will continue to do everything in our power to support students.

We will continue to update everyone when appropriate, but please don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly with questions or concerns.

In Solidarity,
Amie Hutchison