JUNIOR MAINE GUIDE SCHOOL at the University of Maine 4-H Camp & Learning Center at Bryant Pond

Thank you for your interest in the Junior Maine Guide (JMG) program at the University of Maine 4-H Camp & Learning Center at Bryant Pond. Here is more information to help you choose where to begin to earn your JMG patch.

Program Description: At our Coveside campsite, JMG candidates learn the skills of the traditional Maine Guide, as well as modern backcountry travel and camping. Long summer days at Coveside are filled with personal and group challenges and skill-building in axemanship, backcountry cooking, canoe skills and safety, hiking and backpacking, map and compass, survival, tree and wildlife identification, fishing, and much more! The program is led by Registered Maine Guides and outdoor professionals who are dedicated to passing along the skills and wisdom of the Maine Woods to a new generation. It takes dedication and practice to become a Junior Maine Guide, the highest outdoor skills award available to a young person in Maine. Our JMG course is excellent preparation for people who want to become camp counselors, guides, teachers, fish and game wardens, forest service or park staff, or other professionals in conservation and environmental fields.

Swan Island Encampment: During the fourth week, accompanied by our MCS instructors, JMG candidates attend a Testing Encampment on Swan Island, near Richmond, Maine. Every day at Encampment, candidates are asked to demonstrate their skills in a variety of areas. The list of "major" skills includes axe skills, canoeing, cooking, encampment, first aid, fireplace, and shelters. The list of "minor" skills includes backpacking, environmental awareness, equipment knowledge, fishing, and wilderness regulations. Candidates cook three meals a day. At each meal, one of the JMG evaluation staff will visit each campsite and evaluate the meal for nutritional value, presentation, and most importantly, taste.

Staff: The program is directed by a Registered Master Maine Guide who has many years of experience leading clients in the outdoors and many years experience training young people accompanied by an additional Registered Maine Guide. Other staff include instructors who are familiar with JMG training and the testing encampment experience.

Should You Apply?

If you are able to answer "yes" to these questions, you are a good candidate for the course.

• Are you able to work long hours with a strong sense of humor?

• Have you faced difficult weather challenges and learned how to function successfully despite the elements? (hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, hunting, camping, etc)

• Do you feel a strong connection to Maine's woods, waters, and wildlife?

• Are you comfortable failing, picking yourself up, asking for help, and trying again?

• Are you willing to prepare for this course ahead of time, working on skills and study materials?

• Are you able to balance your drive toward individual achievement with the needs of a larger group?

How To Apply

Send us the following:

• Completed standard camp registration form [Word] [PDF]

• Two letters of recommendation

• A cover letter written by you

Recommendations: These letters should be written by a teacher, coach, or employer, and should address your character traits and ability to  commit to this demanding four week program. 

Cover letter: Write a cover letter addressing the following questions:

• What are your personal strengths? Describe an event or moment that clearly exemplifies these strengths.

• What would your parents or best friend say is the area you most need to work on as a human being? Give us an example of what they might mean.

• Why are you interested in participating in the JMG program?

• Describe your most significant outdoor experience or place and what it means to you.

Deadlines: We will review applications and select participants by late April. We will consider late applications on a space available basis.

Scholarships: There are scholarships available on a first come, first served basis. Contact Joyce Roma at 207-665-2068 or jroma@umext.maine.edu  for more information

Sincerely,
Ryder Scott
Program Director

Address application packages to:

Ryder Scott, Program Director
University of Maine 4-H Camp & Learning Center at Bryant Pond
PO Box 188
Bryant Pond, Maine   04219