51����

Transitioning to college life can be exhilarating and challenging at the same time. You are about to embark on one of the greatest journeys of your life and we are excited to share that adventure with you. Start off on the best foot possible by signing up for a Trailblazer Orientation Trip. Through these programs, you will meet friends, faculty, and professional staff in a small group setting. A variety of programs are available for all interests.

Trailblazer trip offerings are diverse, and we truly believe there’s a trip for everyone. We have everything from 51���� residence hall-based trips to camping trips with no showers available, so you can find just the right amount of comfort or challenge for you. All our trips are entry-level, meaning you don’t need any prior experience or knowledge to participate.

Coastal Communities

Explore at least three quintessential coastal communities in your new home state of Maine. In Boothbay, visit the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and discover Maine’s rich fishing and lobstering heritage. Spend a day in Freeport and try your hand at archery with L.L. Bean’s Outdoor Discovery School. Check out island life off the coast of Portland and learn more about the history of Maine’s largest city. At the end of each day, kick back around a campfire on campus with new friends.

Kayak Quest

Head out on a 4-day, 3-night sea kayak expedition in partnership with Portland Paddle. Before departing Portland’s East End Beach, learn how to pack up a kayak for an overnight trip — it’s amazing what fits! While paddling, explore the ins and outs of Casco Bay, see lobstermen haul their daily catch, and watch for marine life like seals and porpoises. Camp on a different island each night and master the art of living outdoors. By day four, you’ll be gauging the time of day by the tides instead of your watch.

Mainely Coastal

Camp in tents next to the ocean at the gorgeous L.L. Bean Paddling Center in Freeport, ME. Explore the water three different ways: by paddleboard, tandem sea kayak, and by canoe on a point-to-point tour of the Androscoggin River. When not on the water, try your hand at archery and build relationships with new friends through team-building activities and a high ropes course. Walk around Bradbury Mountain State Park, and experience great views without the effort of hiking larger mountains. Your Maine outdoor discovery awaits!

Nomadic Nor’easters

A four-day exploration of the cities that define quintessential New England, this trip exposes you to the rich, culturally diverse areas around us. Students will travel to Boston and explore different subsections of the city before returning to 51���� and exploring Portland. This is a great opportunity for students who are interested in studying abroad and learning more about cultural diversity, especially as students will get the experience of staying in a hostel!

Wellness Wayfarer

This experience focuses on whole-self wellness. From ocean exploration to meditation, art activities to get your creative juices flowing, and cooking collaborations, explore a broad spectrum of wellness activities. Start each day with yoga before participating in a range of intentional explorations that will help you build authentic connections while learning about nutrition, mindfulness, and gratitude.

Western Maine Waters

Stay in cabin tents next to the majestic Kennebec River at Adventure Bound in Caratunk, Maine. Get to know your classmates by supporting each other while working through a high ropes course. Pack up on day two and prepare to camp on Indian Pond at a site accessible only by boat. Gather around a campfire as you get excited for a day of whitewater rafting. Travel to Harris Station Dam, New England’s largest hydroelectric facility, and experience 12 miles of whitewater — 6 of which are packed with high-flow class 3 and 4 rapids!

White Mountain Ramble

A ramble is often defined as a “leisurely excursion for pleasure,” and that is exactly what this trip intends to be! You and your fellow soon-to-be Nor’easters will spend 4 days and 3 nights car camping in the heart of the White Mountains, while participating in a different adventure each day. Your days will be filled with rock climbing, day hikes, and floating rivers while your evenings will be filled with community-cooked dinners, campfires, stargazing, and s’mores.