“It just feels really really good to be out here in the wild! I’m super excited to look back on these photos when I’m older and see how happy I was to be here and how excited I was.” -2023 KROC Summer Participant, age 13
Students in grades 6-12 can spend their school breaks exploring the wild beauty of the Katahdin region through hiking, camping, canoeing, and biking adventures! These programs offer more than just time outdoors—they help students build leadership skills, form lasting friendships, and deepen their connection to nature. Best of all, all programs are free, and meals are provided for overnight trips. Join us for unforgettable experiences, challenge yourself in new ways, and discover the best of the Katahdin region!
Email elise@friendsofkww.org with any questions.
2026 Programs
Vacation Camp | February 16-19 | April 20-23
Vacation Camp is back this February 16-19th for students in grades 2nd-5th! Spend your break from school getting outside, exploring and learning about what makes the Katahdin region so special! Past activities have included everything from cross-country skiing to animal tracking to nature art and more. Vacation Camp is a safe, inclusive program for students of all abilities and experience levels, with a supportive environment where kids can try new things, build confidence, and make friends.
Each day features a different theme, so families can sign up for one, two, three, or all four days. Vacation Camp is based out of the Millinocket Memorial Library but will be located at Stearns High School on Tuesday for a special day. Vacation Camp is free, but registration is required and space is limited. Registration opens end of January
2025 Programs
More information for each trip can be found here.
Stars Over Katahdin | September 27-28
Celebrate the darkest skies east of the Mississippi with our special Youth Camping Trip during Stars Over Katahdin.
Intro to Camping | June 23-24
A beginner-friendly overnight trip focused on essential camping skills like tent setup, campfire cooking, Leave No Trace principles, and fire starting—perfect for first-time campers. Registration Link.
Day Hike | July 1
A full-day hiking adventure in the Katahdin Region designed to build confidence and outdoor awareness, with no prior hiking experience required. Registration Link.
Overnight Hiking Trip | July 8-10
A two-night car camping experience that deepens trail skills and fosters both independence and teamwork. We’ll visit several different parks in the north end of the Katahdin region and enjoy quiet evenings around the campfire. Registration Link.
Mountain Bike Day Trip | July 17
A day of riding and skill-building on local trails, geared toward beginners and intermediate riders looking to improve their mountain biking technique. Registration Link.
Overnight Mountain Bike Trip | July 22-24
A multi-day mountain biking and camping trip that combines trail riding with outdoor living, offering youth a chance to grow their biking and outdoor skills. No experience required, however, we recommend students attend the day mountain bike trip prior. Registration Link.
Intro to Paddle Sports | July 29
An exploration of local waterways using kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and duckies, with games and a short upriver paddle to build water confidence. Registration Link.
Overnight Paddle Trip | August 5-7
A two-night paddling and camping trip featuring flat-water and whitewater activities, designed for youth ready to expand their water navigation and outdoor living skills. No experience necessary, however, we recommend students become familiar with the boats on our day paddle program. Registration Link.
Take a look at our 2024 summer report!
What is KROC?
KROC (Katahdin Region Outdoor Collective) is a dynamic group of non-profits, individuals, businesses, and government organizations with a shared belief in the profound impact of outdoor experiences on youth wellbeing and the future vitality of the Katahdin region. Our collaborative efforts result in year-round opportunities for young individuals to foster a deep connection to nature, cultivate leadership skills, and become future land stewards.
KROC facilitators include:
Katahdin Region Outdoor Collective
“It just feels really really good to be out here in the wild! I’m super excited to look back on these photos when I’m older and see how happy I was to be here and how excited I was.” -2023 KROC Summer Participant, age 13
Students in grades 6-12 can spend their school breaks exploring the wild beauty of the Katahdin region through hiking, camping, canoeing, and biking adventures! These programs offer more than just time outdoors—they help students build leadership skills, form lasting friendships, and deepen their connection to nature. Best of all, all programs are free, and meals are provided for overnight trips. Join us for unforgettable experiences, challenge yourself in new ways, and discover the best of the Katahdin region!
Email elise@friendsofkww.org with any questions.
2026 Programs
Vacation Camp | February 16-19 | April 20-23
Vacation Camp is back this February 16-19th for students in grades 2nd-5th! Spend your break from school getting outside, exploring and learning about what makes the Katahdin region so special! Past activities have included everything from cross-country skiing to animal tracking to nature art and more. Vacation Camp is a safe, inclusive program for students of all abilities and experience levels, with a supportive environment where kids can try new things, build confidence, and make friends.
2025 Programs
More information for each trip can be found here.
Stars Over Katahdin | September 27-28
Celebrate the darkest skies east of the Mississippi with our special Youth Camping Trip during Stars Over Katahdin.
Intro to Camping | June 23-24
A beginner-friendly overnight trip focused on essential camping skills like tent setup, campfire cooking, Leave No Trace principles, and fire starting—perfect for first-time campers. Registration Link.
Day Hike | July 1
A full-day hiking adventure in the Katahdin Region designed to build confidence and outdoor awareness, with no prior hiking experience required. Registration Link.
Overnight Hiking Trip | July 8-10
A two-night car camping experience that deepens trail skills and fosters both independence and teamwork. We’ll visit several different parks in the north end of the Katahdin region and enjoy quiet evenings around the campfire. Registration Link.
Mountain Bike Day Trip | July 17
A day of riding and skill-building on local trails, geared toward beginners and intermediate riders looking to improve their mountain biking technique. Registration Link.
Overnight Mountain Bike Trip | July 22-24
A multi-day mountain biking and camping trip that combines trail riding with outdoor living, offering youth a chance to grow their biking and outdoor skills. No experience required, however, we recommend students attend the day mountain bike trip prior. Registration Link.
Intro to Paddle Sports | July 29
An exploration of local waterways using kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and duckies, with games and a short upriver paddle to build water confidence. Registration Link.
Overnight Paddle Trip | August 5-7
A two-night paddling and camping trip featuring flat-water and whitewater activities, designed for youth ready to expand their water navigation and outdoor living skills. No experience necessary, however, we recommend students become familiar with the boats on our day paddle program. Registration Link.
Take a look at our 2024 summer report!
What is KROC?
KROC (Katahdin Region Outdoor Collective) is a dynamic group of non-profits, individuals, businesses, and government organizations with a shared belief in the profound impact of outdoor experiences on youth wellbeing and the future vitality of the Katahdin region. Our collaborative efforts result in year-round opportunities for young individuals to foster a deep connection to nature, cultivate leadership skills, and become future land stewards.
KROC facilitators include: