Jane Koopman is the new T3 Outreach Coordinator for Outing Clubs. Koopman is an avid outdoorswoman and has years of experience in leading outdoor programs, shaping the ethics, ideals and interests she now values.

“I have had the pleasure of witnessing young wilderness trip participants grow and form lifelong friendships, observed the seeds of a wilderness ethic take root and watched kids push themselves past limits they never thought they could surpass,” Koopman said.

She has been a Wilderness Trip Leader and Camp Counselor at Chewonki, worked with the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust, trained with the National Outdoor Leadership School and taught various outdoor skills.  

As a former Bowdoin Outing Club leader, she appreciates the potential behind the new T3 College Mentors for Maine Teens initiative that she will lead in the coming year.

If you are an Outing Club Advisor, a member of a high school Club, or have thoughts of starting an Outing Club program at your school, please get in touch with Koopman.

Outing Club of the Month goes to Wiscasset High School

Two teachers, Shawn Carlson and Jenn Williams, started the Wiscasset Outing Club 11 years ago in 2001. After getting his WFR credentials, Ralph Keyes took on a leadership role which continues today with current co-advisor Cindy Carter.

The Club usually attracts a dozen or so active members each year who try to attend all outings.  In addition, they get many first timers for events like alpine skiing and indoor rock climbing.