Why choose a Black Bear Bound Orientation Trip?
Maine Bound has been running new student orientation trips since 1984! Our trips have increased student retention, created lasting friendships, and introduced hundreds of students to the Maine Outdoors.
Bound to Explore
Expeditions take place in July and August and are 5-7 days in length. These trips are excellent for those who are interested in attending an outdoor orientation but have other requirements the week before classes begin with their academic departments.
Penobscot River Canoe & Climb
All-Inclusive Price: $550
Date: July 24-July 30, 2023 (Registration Deadline: July 3)
Spend 6 days exploring the great Maine wilderness by canoe! You’ll travel by canoe and camp along the banks of the upper west branch of the Penobscot River. On your last full day you will have the opportunity to rock climb in the beautiful North Maine woods. You’ll learn the basics of expedition canoe travel, including camp cooking, navigation, and paddling skills. Along the way you’ll build meaningful friendships with your expedition team.
Acadia Hike & Climb
All-Inclusive Price: $490
Date: August 6-August 10, 2023 (Registration Deadline: July 3)
Climb, hike, and camp along the rugged coast of Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island. Acadia National Park is Maine’s only national park, known for its rocky coastline and incredible outdoor opportunities. On this trip, you’ll learn to manage a tent base camp, cook for your peers, organize day hikes, and you’ll get a great introduction to outdoor rock climbing.
Baxter Backpack & Climb
All-Inclusive Price: $550
Date: August 14 – August 20, 2023 (Registration Deadline: July 17)
Explore Baxter State Park, one of Maine’s outdoor treasures, by foot and attempt to summit Katahdin! You’ll start at the North end of Baxter State Park and hike south to Katahdin. On your last full day, you will have the opportunity to go rock climbing in the beautiful North Maine Woods. You’ll learn how to pack a hiking backpack, camp craft skills, navigation, group management, and get an introduction to outdoor rock climbing. This trip is perfect for someone who wants to attend an outdoor orientation and return to campus in time for RLE Bridge week.
Bound to Adventure
Adventures are short 3 day experiences that take place right before Maine Hello and move in. If your academic area does not require an orientation, this program is for you! Adventure trips allow you to move in early, explore the outdoors, meet new students, and return to campus in time for Maine Hello.
North Woods Adventure
All-Inclusive Price: $410
Date: August 23-25, 2023 (Registration deadline August 1)
Join Maine Bound as we adventure into the beautiful Northern Maine wilderness. Spend 2 nights camping alongside fellow first year students at Big Eddy Campground. Students will have the opportunity to pick from a number of adventures: Hiking Katahdin, paddling the roaring Penobscot River, or climbing in the beautiful North Maine woods. This trip is designed to provide first year and transfer students with the opportunity to develop friendships, explore the wilderness, and have a great college experience before starting school!
What you’ll get out of a Black Bear Bound Program….
- Build lasting friendship with other incoming students
- Learn how to navigate UMaine from your student instructors.
- Experience the Maine outdoors and learn new outdoor skills.
- A chance to disconnect from technology and live in the moment.
Click here for Black Bear Bound FAQs
Scholarships
We have 50% and full scholarships available for all Black Bear Bound trips! Scholarships are granted on a rolling basis, and we encourage you to apply early. Awards are granted based on financial need & application.
Scholarship Application
Excited to begin your life at UMaine? Black Bear Bound trips are small group experiential orientation programs that help you prepare for your upcoming college experience. You will have the opportunity to meet other incoming first-year students, make lasting friendships, learn about University life from experienced UMaine students, and make connections that will set you up for success!
Whether you want to participate in an extended trip or explore the outdoors for the first time we have the experience to jumpstart your transition into becoming a Black Bear! To register please call us at 207-581-1794. Registration opens May 8th, 2023.