River Runners – Youth Fellow

At the Old Town – Orono YMCA – we’re a community hub for all ages, promoting healthy living, nurturing potential, and fostering social responsibility. In partnership with the RSU #34 school district, our River Runners program is a beacon for youth development. We provide dedicated in-school support to enhance students’ educational experiences and offer outdoor experiential education that takes learning beyond the classroom. Our program connects youth with nature, creating meaningful community connections and expanding worldviews through adventure and exploration. Nestled in the Penobscot/Piscataquis Region, our area is renowned for its beautiful waterways. We’ve been paddling Maine’s waters for over 25 years, from the Androscoggin River to local lakes, extensively exploring the western Maine watershed from Norway to Rangeley. In 2023, we acquired land on the Androscoggin River in Bethel, ME, aiming to share our passion for water adventures with travelers of all levels. Join us in making a difference through the power of community and the great outdoors. Be a part of River Runners and help shape the future of our youth!

As a River Runners Fellow, you’ll play a vital role in youth development, working closely with students in grades 7-12. Over a year-long Fellowship, you’ll guide them in setting and achieving academic and life goals through in-school support, outdoor experiential education, skill-building activities, community service, social service outreach, student-mentor relationships, and career exploration. Exciting trips to places like Boston and NYC are also part of the experience. This pilot field-based training program leverages the Rural Youth Institute’s Aspiration Incubator mentoring model and the Youth Development by Design framework. You’ll gain essential skills to support rural students’ aspirations with personalized strategies and strong relationships. Fellows engage in mentoring, experiential learning, social and emotional development, and college, career, and life readiness, earning certification in Youth Development by Desig