Reading List
Welcome to Take it Outside!
Take it Outside is an initiative led by Governor John E. Baldacci to encourage Maine's children and families to reconnect with nature. Take it Outside! is your one-stop shopping information source for year-round outdoor recreation opportunities in Maine. Here you will find everything you need to Take it Outside! and have fun in the great Maine outdoors.
The Maine Outdoor Youth Movie Festival
is accepting submissions for short movies
THEME: WHY BEING OUTSIDE MATTERS!
The Maine Outdoor Youth Movie Festival is accepting submissions for short movies (maximum 10 minutes) from Maine residents ages 19 and underthat capture Mainers’ outdoor experiences and connection to the outdoors –
answering the question: “Why being outside matters”.
Submissions must be received by September 19, 2008
For Information on how to enter download the Complete Rules and Entry Form (pdf)
Terrific Response to the
First Time Camper Program
The First Time Camper program kicks off July 11 at Lily Bay and Mount Blue State Parks. Out of over 680 entries, 32 families were picked at random to participate in the program.
They will receive: a two-night reservation at one of the participating parks; complete sets of camping equipment, provided by L.L. Bean and Coleman, to use for the weekend; a $50 Hannaford gift card; Oakhurst Dairy coupons, and coffee provided by Wicked Joe. Staff from the University of Maine 4-H Camp & Learning Center at Bryant Pond will provide an orientation to camping and teach the families how to set up a tent, make a campfire, use a camp stove, and much more.
The response to this new program has been overwhelming; Maine families have shown they are eager to take it outside.
Take it Outside and the Bureau of Parks and Lands thanks its sponsors – L.L. Bean, Coleman, Hannaford, Wicked Joe, Oakhurst, and the University of Maine 4-H Camp & Learning Center Bryant Pond.
Read the article "Back to Basics" that appeared in the Porland Press Herald on the First Time Camper Program.
Listen to MPBN's "First-Time Campers Take To The Maine Woods".
Mark you Calendar! -- SAVE THE DATE!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Governor’s Conference on Youth and the Natural World
Augusta Civic Center
Augusta, Maine
FOR MORE INFORMATION: gale.ross@maine.gov or 207-287-5266
Why Take it Outside! is important
for Maine’s Children and Families
Maine's identity is inseparable from its natural resources and our future depends upon our ability to distinguish what makes Maine so special. If our children have not experienced the natural wonders that exist in this great state, will they value what sets us apart?
Being active is also a vital aspect of healthy lifestyles. We hope to encourage healthy behavior by encouraging kids to get out there and have fun. In addition, emerging research has linked the disconnect between children and nature with several startling effects.