Friends of Baxter State Park invites current Maine high school sophomores and juniors to submit an application to participate in the seventh annual Maine Youth Wilderness Leadership Program. The program includes a nine-day wilderness experience in Baxter State Park, scheduled for Aug. 8-16. The application deadline is Feb. 8.

This program offers 10 high school sophomores and juniors the extraordinary opportunity to spend nine days immersed in the finest example of wild country in Maine. Accompanied by experienced wilderness leaders from the Chewonki Foundation, participants learn from a variety of specialists as they backpack from one end of Baxter State Park to the other.

Participants study wilderness through science, art, storytelling, photography, writing, history and recreation. They hike with a geologist, volunteer with a Ranger, stargaze with an astronomer and paint at Katahdin Lake with a professional artist. These experiences help inspire and challenge emerging young wilderness leaders.

The program includes readings and assignments in preparation for the field experience. After returning from the park, each participant gives a public presentation in his or her community.

Thanks to the support of generous donors, Friends of Baxter State Park is able to offer the program at no cost to participants.

There is a competitive application process. Applications must be submitted at www.friendsofbaxter.org by the deadline of Feb. 8. Ten participants and six alternates will be announced in March.

For more information, visit www.friendsofbaxter.org or contact Friends of Baxter State Park at P.O. Box 322, Belfast, ME 04915.