Trips & clinics are taught by students, for students.

They provide a safe space to meet new people, learn skills, and develop passions that will last a lifetime.

Trips/Clinics cost between $12-$110. – Spring 2024 Schedule

Trips are for UMaine Students ONLY. If a clinic is open to non-UMaine students it will be indicated.

The deadline to sign up for a trip/clinic is the Wednesday before the trip date. Unless otherwise noted. 

All Trips have a required Thursday night pre-trip meeting.

No refunds will be granted after the Wednesday sign-up deadline.

ROCKS

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing trips are designed to teach students a number of skills. Introductory trips focus on top rope climbing, crag etiquette, safety, and climbing technique. Intermediate trips focus on lead climbing, top-managed systems, and the basics of anchor building and gear placement.

Climbing Destinations

*Destinations and trips offered change year to year

  • Otter Cliffs & Central Slabs – Acadia National Park
  • Parks Pond & Eagles Bluff – Clifton, ME
  • Eagle Rock – Greenville, ME
PADDLING

Paddling 

We offer multiple water based programs over the course of the academic year. Canoeing and paddle boarding trips take place on flatwater (calm lakes & rivers). On multiday canoe trips, participants learn canoe expedition skills, such as camping, cooking, and portaging.

Whitewater kayaking and whitewater canoeing trip take place on class I-III rapids. Introductory courses are perfect for those with no experience.

Paddling Destinations 

*Destinations and trips offered change year to year

  • Many sections of the Penobscot River- Stillwater, Lower West Branch, West Branch, Seboomook, Orono
  • Kenduskeag Stream, Bangor, ME
  • East Outlet of the Kennebec River, Greenville, ME
  • Perch Pond, Old Town, ME
HIKING

Hiking

Maine has an endless amount of hiking opportunities for all ability levels. On our hiking trips participants will hike in iconic locations all over the state of Maine, while also learning proper hiking etiquette and navigational skills. 

Hiking Destinations

*Destinations and trips offered change year to year

  • Mt. Katahdin – Baxter State Park
  • Bigelow Mountain Range – Franklin and Somerset Counties, ME
  • Chick Hill – Clifton, ME
  • Multiple destinations – Acadia National Park 
WINTER

Winter

Participants can learn to xc ski & snowshoe on or off campus, on one-day or overnight trips. Those who like to rock climb can learn to climb ice using ice tools and crampons. On winter trips students learn about body temperature management, winter camping skills, and cold weather safety.

Mt. Katahdin winter summit attempts are challenging, cold, overnight trips. Mountains and people are variable, and not all trips are able to summit. The ideal participant is an experienced hiker and willing to work with a team.

Winter Destinations 

*Destinations and trips offered change year to year

  • Mountaineering- Mt. Katahdin & Acadia National Park
  • Ice Climbing – Bangor Ice Park, Grafton Notch State Park
  • Snowshoeing – Hirundo Wildlife Refuge
  • XC-Skiing – Acadia National Park, Penobscot River Trails, Caribou Bog
CLINICS

Clinics 

Clinics are short 2-3 hour programs that take place on campus. 

  • Lead Climbing Learn all about sport climbing in the climbing gym. To lead climb in the gym, you must participate in a lead climbing clinic.
  • Kayak Roll Clinics Learn to roll a kayak in the Rec Center pool. 
  • Mountain Biking Learn the campus trail systems and biking techniques.
  • Gym to Crag Series Join us for several 1 hour classes that help transfer indoor climbing skills outdoors.
  • Intro to Kayaking Learn the basic skills needed for whitewater trips or roll clinics in the pool or on the Stillwater.
  • Surf Clinics When the water is up practice surfing in a whitewater kayak.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I sign up?

Call us at 207-581-1794 or come in and talk to one of our student staff!

Is gear included?

Yes, any technical gear you will need for your trip is provided. You will also receive a packing list before your trip so you know what personal items you will need to bring.

What if I need an accommodation?

Please call us at 207-581-1794 or email um.mainebound@maine.edu and one of our professional staff will talk you through the program and any accommodations you might need.

What certifications & training do instructors have?

Our instructors carry a variety of certifications, including CPR, wilderness first responder, single pitch instructor, swift water rescue and more! In addition to official certifications our instructors get trained in facilitation and leadership skills, group management, and much more!

How can I apply for a scholarship for a trip or clinic?

We encourage any student that wants to go on a trip or participate in a clinic with us to apply for The Sports Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship 

Why do trips cost money?

We have found that if we offer a trip at no cost there is no buy in from the students. Our trips and clinics are offered at a very discounted rate. In addition to trips and clinics that cost money, we offer a number of events free of charge.