Hazel Crabtree, a graduate from Camden Hills Regional High School, is the recipient of the second annual Maine Outdoor Brands Scholarship from Maine Outdoor Brands (MOB).

Crabtree's passion for the outdoors and her dedication to shaping Maine’s outdoor landscape earned her the prestigious $500 scholarship, awarded to outstanding Maine graduates committed to advancing the state’s thriving outdoor industry.

“Hazel’s enthusiasm for the outdoors and her entrepreneurial spirit embody the values that drive our alliance,” said Jenny Kordick, of Maine Outdoor Brands, in a news release. “She represents the diverse and vibrant community shaping Maine’s outdoor economy, and we are confident that Hazel will make significant contributions in the years to come.”

Crabtree’s commitment to the outdoors is exemplified by her recent achievement of passing the Registered Maine Guide’s exam, alongside her active participation in outdoor leadership programs and organizations. Her adventurous spirit also led her to engage in the 2023 Trout Unlimited Teen Summit in Montana and embark on a 7-day backpacking expedition through the Snowcrest Range.

Judy Camuso, Commissioner of Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, commended Crabtree’s recent achievements.

“We are thrilled to see the leadership of young individuals like Hazel stepping up to become stewards of Maine’s outdoor heritage,” said Camuso. “Passing the Guide’s exam is a significant accomplishment. Hazel’s dedication and commitment to Maine’s outdoors, as recognized by this scholarship, are truly commendable.”

Leading up to her recent Guide’s accomplishment, Crabtree spent more than 900 hours successfully completing the Mid-Coast School of Technology’s (MCST) Outdoor Leadership program.

“Our two-year technical outdoor leadership program provided Hazel with the opportunity to expand her skill set, earn professional certifications, develop her leadership abilities, build a professional network, and obtain meaningful employment in the industry with Maine Sport Outfitters,” said Seth Walton, Outdoor Leadership Instructor at MCST.

Crabtree’s vision for the future is as ambitious as her present achievements, according to MOB. Her career objectives include continuing to gain as much experience as she can in the field while attending Kennebec Valley Community College for business administration. She aspires to couple her outdoor experience with higher education to eventually run her own guiding outfit in the future.

This year’s Maine Outdoor Brands Scholarship was presented to Crabtree by MOB Workforce Advisory Board member and Executive Director of the Maine Marine Trades Association, Stacey Keefer. The purpose of the MOB Workforce Advisory Board is to support career exposure and recruitment to ensure the Maine outdoor industry continues to have a thriving, top-shelf workforce.

About Maine Outdoor Brands: Established in 2017, Maine Outdoor Brands (MOB) unites and advocates for Maine’s outdoor industry, bolstering the state’s $3 billion outdoor recreation economy. Committed to the prosperity of Maine-based outdoor products, services, and retail brands, MOB strives to strengthen the industry. To learn more about MOB and the brands involved, visit maineoutdoorbrands.com.