Junior Guides Program
The Junior Guides Program has spent more than 25 years educating youth about the biology, ecology, and stewardship of Maine’s natural resources. Our mission is to help participants understand the natural world around them while encouraging lifelong participation in responsible outdoor recreation.
Join the Junior Guides
Through classroom and field instruction, youth learn to identify wildlife from invertebrates to mammals, study life cycles, and understand the habitat requirements that sustain wildlife—including food, water, shelter, and space. These lessons build a foundation for understanding how ecosystems function and why conservation is essential.
Program Levels
The Junior Guides Program is designed for youth aged 9-11 years old and grows with each participant through two levels: Basic and Advanced.
Advanced sessions are open only to youth who have already completed the Basic program, allowing skills to be built upon.
Session Dates
Junior Guides meet on six days each July. Youth generally attend all six days in a season.
2026: July 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28
2027: July 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27
2028: July 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25
What to Bring
A detailed parent/guardian letter is emailed the week before the program with any updates, but families can expect the youth to need:
- Sneakers or sturdy shoes
- Sunscreen and bug repellent
- Hat and sunglasses
- Rain gear
- Bottled water
- Lunch and snacks
Additional items may be requested for specific activities, and parents and guardians will be notified in advance.
Registration and Forms
Registration for the Junior Guides Program is completed using a downloadable PDF packet. The packet includes:
- Registration form
- Acknowledgement of participation and acceptance of risk/liability release
- Medical and emergency information form
- Photo/media release
Parents and guardians may download, complete, and return the packet as directed on the forms.
All participants will sign an additional kayaking waiver upon arrival.
Enrollment Information
The Junior Guides Program is limited to 10 participants per year in the Basic Level program. Accepted participants will continue together as the Advanced Group the following year.
Enrollment is offered on a first-come, first-served basis; however, submitting a registration packet does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Families will be notified once enrollment is confirmed.
Voices of our Community
“RRGSA’s range gave my family unforgettable memories.”
— Doug Ripley
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