Julia Lytle, a current MHS Junior, was recently selected as a participant in the Maine Youth Wilderness Leadership Program for this summer. A description of the program taken from the Friends of Baxter State Park website reads:
Friends of Baxter State Park has offered this program annually since 2009. The program includes a nine-day wilderness experience in Baxter State Park. This 200,000+ acre preserve serves as an outdoor classroom as participants backpack from one end of the Park to the other, working with a variety of specialists and Park staff to understand the wilderness through science, art, storytelling, photography, writing, history, and recreation.
Current Maine high school sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply, and thanks to support from generous donors and members of Friends of Baxter State Park, there is no direct cost to the students. Trip leadership and logistics are provided by the Chewonki Foundation, one of the most highly respected environmental education organizations in the United States. The program begins in April when participants receive required reading materials and other assignments. They then participate in online discussions and do individual research before going to the Park. After the trip, participants give public presentations to share their experiences in their schools and communities.
Julia is a student in Outdoor Education and Leadership class where she has earned her Wilderness First Aid certification. She is also a member of the HOLD outdoor group and was the catalyst for planning and organizing the groups Winter trip to Joe Dodge Lodge at Pinkham Notch. She is currently coordinating a possible Spring rafting trip for the HOLD group, all while keeping up with school work, playing on the tennis team, and working at the Kittery Trading Post. Julia has a great affinity for the outdoors and is a great representation of Marshwood High School.