This summer Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) in Jefferson is excited to kick off the Little Dyer Adventure Club for youth ages 8-14. In collaboration with the Maine Winter Sports Center (MWSC) HVNC will host two 3-day sessions during which participants will explore HVNC on foot, on bike, and in canoes while building friendships and learning how to explore the outdoors.

The first session will be Thursday to Saturday, June 25-27 for boys and girls ages 10-14 and will be led by the MWSC. Participants will hone their outdoor adventure skills while becoming familiar with HVNC. The second session will be Monday to Wednesday, July 13-15 for ages 8-10. This session will be led by two of HVNC’s educators with great outdoor education and nature exploration experience.

Participants will have opportunities to develop skills, play lots of active games, learn important safety skills, and increase their comfort and experience with outdoor sports. The experience will facilitate friendships and group work. The sessions will introduce similar skills, but activities and level of rigor will be age appropriate.

Each session will take advantage of HVNC’s backcountry-like setting. HVNC comprises over 1,000 acres of forest and is knit together by more than 25 miles of recreational trails. In addition, participants will be paddling on Little Dyer Pond, a pristine 110 acre pond with no public access. The remote setting inspires imagination and adventure, but is conveniently located for these programs and many follow-up adventures.

Participants do not need to have prior experience with any of these activities. In fact, this is a great opportunity to introduce youth to all kinds of outdoor activities in a fun, casual setting. Throughout the year HVNC will offer informal follow-up opportunities for the club to convene for a paddle, group hike, or trail project. Both 3-day sessions are just the beginning of a series of outdoor recreation opportunities.

The cost is $60 per child. Scholarships may be available. For more information visit www.hvnc.org/registration and click on the correct program, or write to info@hvnc.org.

The Maine Winter Sports Center works to build an active, outdoor future for Maine citizens through world-class resources and challenge-based programs. Our name says winter — our mission means so much more. Learn about us at www.mainewsc.org.

More information available online at www.hvnc.org, info@hvnc.org, or call 207-200-8840.