College of Education and Human Development –
Education Exploration (RLE 150)
Date: August 21-26, 2022
*$390 is the total cost of this program and includes the 1 credit you will gain from this experience. This cost will be included in your student bill on Maine Street.*
The College of Education and Human Development Black Bear Bound/Research Learning Experience is a transformative 6 day orientation program designed to teach students about research through experiential learning opportunities. Students will enroll in one of two tracks that will be the focus of their research, experiential learning and reflection. In addition the experience will be tied to their RLE 150 course by adding one credit for their Black Bear Bound/RLE program. Students will be placed in small groups of 10 that will follow one of two tracks: Outdoor Education and its role in the classroom and Service Learning and its impact on Student Development.
Students will spend the first three days on campus with College of Education and HumanDevelopment faculty, staff, and graduate assistants. During their time on campus they will be introduced to valuable resources and immersed in the campus community. During the last 2 days students will venture to Maine’s iconic coast for an impactful outdoor education experience where they will have the opportunity to hike, rock climb, and explore. Students will also have the opportunity to interact with the local community through service projects, where they will be provided with valuable tools that will set them up for success as they enter their first year at the University of Maine.
To register please email faith.erhardt@maine.edu
Tentative Program Schedule
Day 1 – Sunday, August 21
10:00am-12:00pm – Move into Residence Hall
1:00 PM – RLE Welcome
Day 2 – Monday, August 22
9:00am-12:00pm – Academic introduction hosted by COEHD Faculty and Staff
1:00pm-3:00pm – Campus Tour
3:00pm – RLE specific group work
Day 3 – Tuesday, August 23
9:00am – Student Life Introduction
1:00pm – Large Group Challenge Course
4:00pm – Pre-Trip Meeting w/ MB staff
5:00pm – Dinner w/ Dean Bishop
Day 4 – Wednesday, August 24
Black Bear Bound
9:00am – Meet at Maine Bound
11:00am – Depart for Blueberry Cove
2:30pm – Small group activities (hiking, paddling, yoga, etc.)
Day 5 – Thursday, August 25
Black Bear Bound
Split into small groups based off of track chosen
Track 1: Outdoor Education and its Role in the Classroom
Outdoor Education Activities
Small Group Debrief
- Mini Solo/Journaling Activity
Track 2: Service Learning and its Impact on Student Development
Service Project with Local Community Non-Profit
Small Group Debrief
- Mini Solo/Journaling Activity
Day 6 – Friday, August 26: Program debrief and one final activity. Arrive back at UMaine by 3:00pm for Maine Hello.
