On a blustery fall day in October, anyone driving by Megunticook Lake on Route 52 would have seen a curious and intriguing sight. Lashed together were five canoes, with a tarp hoisted across the bows of the vessels as a sail. The tarp was taught with the powerful wind of autumn and the passengers aboard struggled to hold the the two makeshift masts upright as the canoes speed across the tops of the waves towards Barrett’s Cove.

Aboard the canoes were 10 students from the Zenith Program, Camden Hills’ ReginalAlternative Education Program. Thanks to the partnership with Maine Sport, one of their guides was giving time to facilitate the canoe sessions.

For the past four years, Zenith and Maine Sport have collaborated in the experiential learning program in all seasons. During this fall’s sessions, Zenith students went through Maine Sport’s ‘Canoe School’, lead by their guide Ross Cameron. In more than four intensive sessions, students were taught the fundamental skills of operating and navigating canoes in the open water with trips onto Hosmer Pond and Megunticook Lake.

“At the Zenith Alternative Education Program, students are asked to continually hone their ability to work together to accomplish more than they could by themselves,” said Nate Larlee, instructor at the Zenith Program, who coordinates the partnership with Maine Sport. “That is the spirit of our program: we are stronger and smarter together. It was with this spirit that we began collaborating with Maine Sport to practice these skills in the beautiful landscapes of the Camden Hills.”

Overwhelmingly, the students had a positive experience, learning more from each session.

“I was surprised at how much more goes into truly moving the canoe than just paddling,” said Riley Schecter, 18, of Camden. “It is body position, draw strokes, communicating with your canoe partner. All that. I definitely learned a lot.”

Although the weather this fall was beautiful, some days the wind had its influence on the experience. Max Powell, 16, of Camden, was grateful for the challenging paddling that day, saying,

“I’m glad we got a chance to paddle in windy conditions,” he said. “It wasn’t easy or necessarily fun at the times, but my buddy and I had to work together or we’d end up spinning in circles. Oh, and we got to use a big tarp as a sail.”

For some students, like Desmond Cayoutte, 17, of Rockport, it was not the first time in a canoe.

“Even though I already knew a lot about canoeing, it was great to widen my knowledge on an activity I enjoy,” he said.

Zenith and Maine Sport continue their partnership starting January for 4 ski and snowshoe sessions. According to Larlee, Zenith students and faculty look forward to continuing to build the skills of outdoor preparedness and problem solving, and most of all, of the continued opportunity to practice collaboration and teamwork together in the outdoors.

“Maine Sport allows us to practice the values of our program with truly hands-on experiences. The guides are personable, professional, and always prepared for the worst case scenario. I knew our crew would be safe in Maine Sport’s guide’s hands,” said Larlee. “As teachers and guides, we intentionally create experiences where teachable moments can occur: where students can mentor other students, when we see the eagle fly over head, or when we realize that we are creating great memories together. Those are special.” 

Tim Barker is Outdoor Programs Director at Maine Sport Outfitters