PARIS – Last fall, after a thorough interview with teacher, Ann Speth, nine students were selected into a class designed to challenge both intellectual and leadership skills in the outdoors.

Wilderness Leadership is a program that incorporates leadership and individual development through challenging situations, and by overcoming personal difficulties. Students are expected to make decisions for themselves by planning numerous outings and leading them. This is all done with sideline guidance from Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School teachers Ann Speth, Jeff Norton and other community volunteers. It is a class that teaches kids to be stronger individuals and fosters future leadership for this community.

During the Memorial Day weekend the OHCHS Wilderness Leadership program embarked on a canoeing trip in Jackman, with the support of the Pine Tree State 4-H Foundation. It was a final demonstration of the skills learned throughout the year. They paddled the Moose River, and surrounding ponds, camping three nights and paddling four days.

It was among the least challenging and eventful trips, but this was not at all unwelcome by the seasoned students. “We’ve hiked in the rain, slept in the mud puddles, and hiked through three-foot deep snow with one-third of our body weight on our backs – a relaxing trip was a perfect way to end the year off,” stated Bill Austin.

“It was the best trip we had this year. The weather was great, and we all worked very well together. The water was really relaxing to swim in after a hot day of paddling,” Amanda Prestia recalls.

This class relies on the generosity of community members and teachers to chaperone these weekend trips. A special thanks goes to Jeff Norton, Stefanie Colby, Ed Theriault and the Pine Tree State 4-H Foundation for lending their supervision, expertise and financial support.