WAYNE – The Friends of Baxter State Park invites Maine high school sophomores and juniors to submit applications to the organization’s first Maine Youth Wilderness Leadership Program at Baxter State Park, scheduled Aug. 9 through 16.

Ten students will be chosen to participate in the all-expense paid week. They will be introduced to the importance of wilderness preservation, backcountry camping and preparations, safety precautions, map-reading, hiking in the park and recreating on lakes and ponds. They will also become acquainted with special features of wilderness and learn about job opportunities in outdoor resource occupations and professions.

Students will have opportunities to work with a geologist, a naturalist, a wildlife biologist, a photographer, a journalist and a painter. Experienced wilderness leaders from Chewonki Foundation will lead the group for the week.

Friends of Baxter State Park President Barbara Bentley said, “After a lifetime of love for the park and dedication to its preservation, I am eager for our organization to provide this unique opportunity for the next generation who will continue to carry the flag for preserving wild places. We hope the experience will make an indelible mark on these teenagers’ lives.”

Park manager Jensen Bissell will work with the organization in the planning, including a service learning project.

Project coordinator and FBSP board member Linda McKee said, “We hope these teens will make a lifelong connection to the natural world and, at the same time, have a lot of fun. One good experience in the wilderness will lead to many more, we believe.”

The week-long camp is made possible through a $10,000 grant from the Quimby Family Foundation. Interested teens can download an application at friendsofbaxter.org. The application deadline is Feb. 1. Successful applicants will be notified by March 1.