Roads to New Relationships

Volunteer Opportunities >>

"I have loved camping and hiking and riding the bus with the 7th grade students. I am confident that each participant has gained a larger view of the world and their place in it."
--Volunteer Trip Leader

Expedition Mentor

“I would love to go on any and all Trekkers trips – they’re fun, heartfelt ventures that encourage the growth of the entire person. What could be better?”

- Expedition Mentor

Each of Trekkers’ six classes participates in a different educational expedition within the continental United States every year. Our expedition mentors range in age from the late teens to mid-seventies, and while some have extensive experience in youth development or the outdoors, many do not. As Trekkers begins enrolling 7^th graders from Rockland, South Thomaston and Owls Head, our need for expedition mentors will continue to grow.

What is my role as an expedition mentor?

The Trekkers model was built upon the principle that programs don’t change lives, relationships do. Following this philosophy, your main priority as an expedition mentor is to build relationships with students. During the expedition we ask that you:

Be committed to building relationships with ALL participating students.
Be a positive role model.
Intentionally start conversations with all students.
Embrace new experiences, landscapes, outdoor living and travel.
Supervise students and facilitate positive team dynamics.
Look for teachable moments to share your gifts and experiences with young people.

How much time is required to be an expedition mentor?

The length of our overnight expeditions varies from 2 to 15 days. We also offer short day-trips throughout the year.

What about mentor training?

In addition to the mentor pre-screening process, we require all expedition mentors to attend a leadership training before heading out on an expedition. During this training, we will review expectations, safety procedures, mentoring basics and much more.

During the expedition itself, the Program Manager will hold nightly leadership meetings to debrief the successes and challenges of the day and support you in setting specific leadership goals for yourself.

What are the personal benefits?

These are some of the benefits of volunteering for a Trekkers expedition:

Creating connections among youth and other adults in your community
Making a difference in a youth’s life
Being introduced to new landscapes, cultures, natural resources and more
Overcoming challenges that push you outside your comfort zone
Being part of a team
Giving back

And the relationships you’ll form will be as fun, engaging and powerful as the trip itself!

What are my next steps?

If you’re interested in becoming an expedition mentor, you can:

Get an application. Download the Adult Volunteer Application

OR call the Trekkers office: (207) 594-5095 to request a mailed application.

Submit your application. Mail the application to: Trekkers, P.O. Box 455, Tenants Harbor, ME 04860 OR return your application directly to our office located at 41 Buttermilk Lane in Thomaston, ME.
Complete an interview. Trekkers interviews all first-time adult mentor applicants. Upon receiving your application, a Program Manager will contact you to schedule an in-person interview.
Start trekkin’! Before you know it, you’ll be riding one of the Trekkers buses, and alongside students and other mentors, heading into the journey of a lifetime!

Tutor

“My greatest joy in tutoring is helping students understand something that previously eluded them. Finding the way to explain the lesson so it truly “clicks” with them can be so rewarding. To see their eyes light up when they get that “aha!” moment…that’s amazing. Knowing that you’ve made a difference in a student’s life… that’s priceless!”

- Trekkers Tutor

Many students in the community could use individual academic support during the school year. Like the One to One program, Trekkers views tutoring as an opportunity to provide students a safety-net of support beyond expeditions. You do not need previous tutoring or teaching experience to volunteer as a tutor.

Do I choose what subject to tutor?

Trekkers always matches each tutor and student together to suit the tutor’s academic strengths and the student’s needs. We want to ensure that whatever subject you tutor, you feel competent and confident in working with a student.

What is my role as a tutor?

We ask that you:

Consistently attend scheduled meetings.
Offer your student encouragement and positive feedback.
Communicate with Trekkers staff and the student’s parents about progress, concerns and any other relevant information.

How much time is required to be a tutor?

The time and frequency of tutoring sessions vary from student to student. As a tutor, you will meet with a student during times that suit both your and the student’s schedules. Some tutors meet with students once or twice a week throughout the year. Others will tutor students until their grade improves – sometimes just a few weeks.

What about tutor training?

Although Trekkers does not offer a tutor training, after completing your application you will meet with a Trekkers staff person to review expectations, ask questions and discuss your availability. Before your first tutoring session, you also will attend a meeting with your student, your student’s parent(s) and a Trekkers staff member to break the ice and decide upon a session schedule. Throughout your time as a tutor, a Trekkers staff member will be available to support you and help you resolve any issues you might encounter.

What are the personal benefits?

While the benefits often vary from tutor to tutor, our tutors derive personal satisfaction from giving back to the community. As a tutor, you’ll build a special relationship with a student and gain experience in teaching and mentoring.

What are my next steps?

If you’re interested in becoming a tutor, you can:

Get an application. Download the Adult Volunteer Application

OR call the Trekkers office: (207) 594-5095 to request a mailed application.

Submit your application. Mail the application to: Trekkers, P.O. Box 455, Tenants Harbor, ME 04860 OR return your application directly to our office located at 41 Buttermilk Lane in Thomaston, ME.
Complete an interview. Trekkers interviews all first-time tutor applicants. Upon receiving your application, a Program Manager will contact you to schedule an in-person interview. During the interview you will have the chance to review your application and ask questions.
Start tutoring!

"One to One" Mentor

Trekkers created the One to One Program for students who could benefit from one-on-one mentoring from caring adults within their community. Unlike our expedition-based programs, One to One provides the necessary infrastructure for you and a student to meet, connect and build a meaningful relationship by spending time together in the community.

Who will be my mentee?

We will match you and a student together based upon gender and shared interests and experiences. These commonalities typically serve as a springboard for you and your student to begin a mentoring relationship.

What is my role as a One to One mentor?

The Trekkers model was built upon the principle that programs don’t change lives, relationships do. Following this philosophy, your main priority as a One to One mentor is to build a relationship with your student. We also ask that you:

Be a positive role model.
Consistently attend scheduled meetings.
Relay progress, concerns and other relevant information to a Trekkers staff member and parent.

How much time is required to be a One to One mentor?

The amount of time required to be a One to One mentor varies. Some students need support during a crisis while others could benefit greatly from a mentoring relationship for months and, possibly, years. Upon submitting an application, you will meet with a Trekkers staff member to discuss the best meeting times and frequency for your schedule.

What about mentor training?

In addition to the mentor pre-screening process, you will be required to attend a mentor training before partaking in the program. During this training you’ll learn mentoring basics, have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss your areas of strength and weakness. We also have resources for mentors such as common “Dos and Don’ts,” mentoring activities and more. Throughout your course as a One to One mentor, we would like you to update us frequently, voicing any concerns and asking pertinent questions.

What are the benefits of being a One to One mentor?

As a One to One mentor, you will play a unique and vital role in your student’s life. Simply by being a supportive and caring presence, you may feel great personal satisfaction. Together with your student, you’ll have opportunities to explore different resources in your community and experience new things.

What are my next steps?

If you’re interested in becoming a One to One mentor, you can:

Get an application. Download the Adult Volunteer Application

OR call the Trekkers office: (207) 594-5095 to request a mailed application.

Submit your application. Mail the application to: Trekkers, P.O. Box 455, Tenants Harbor, ME 04860 OR return your application directly to our office located at 41 Buttermilk Lane in Thomaston, ME.
Complete an interview. Trekkers interviews all first-time adult mentor applicants. Upon receiving your application, a Program Manager will contact you to schedule an in-person interview. During the interview you will have the chance to review your application and ask questions.
Start changing a life! Before you know it, you’ll be building a relationship with a young person from your own community.

Gender-based Group Mentor

In addition to expedition mentoring and One to One mentoring, Trekkers also has opportunities for gender-based small group mentoring. We believe that these all-female or all-male small groups foster students’ self-esteem and identity as they navigate the course from childhood to adulthood. Held at a Trekker staff’s house, these meetings are pot-luck style and involve games, laughter and discussions of relevant issues in the students’ lives.

What is my role as a gender-based group mentor?

The Trekkers model was built upon the principle that programs don’t change lives, relationships do. Following this philosophy, your main priority as a group mentor is to build a relationship with your student. We also ask that you:

Encourage students to formulate their personal values, ideas and opinions without impressing your own.
Be a positive role model.
Consistently attend scheduled meetings.

How much time is required to be a gender-based group mentor?

The group mentoring sessions typically occur once a month on a Sunday evening. Each meeting is approximately two hours.

What about mentor training?

In addition to the mentor pre-screening process, you will be required to attend a mentor training before partaking in the program. During this training you’ll learn mentoring basics, have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss your areas of strength and weakness. We also have resources for mentors such as common “Dos and Don’ts,” mentoring activities and more. Throughout your time as a small group mentor, we are available to answer any questions and offer suggestions and encouragement.

What are the personal benefits of being a small group mentor?

Here are some benefits of being a small group mentor:

Connecting with youth and other adults
Participating in thought-provoking conversations
Learning about facilitating group discussions and mentoring in general (because a Trekkers staff member will be present at each meeting, you’ll have the opportunity observe him or her run the meeting and ask any questions).
Minimal time commitment (2 hours a month)!

What are my next steps?

If you’re interested in becoming a group mentor, you can:

Get an application. Download the Adult Volunteer Application

OR call the Trekkers office: (207) 594-5095 to request a mailed application.

Submit your application. Mail the application to: Trekkers, P.O. Box 455, Tenants Harbor, ME 04860 OR return your application directly to our office located at 41 Buttermilk Lane in Thomaston, ME.
Complete an interview. Trekkers interviews all first-time adult mentor applicants. Upon receiving your application, a Program Manager will contact you to schedule an in-person interview. During the interview you will have the chance to review your application and ask questions.
Start mentoring!

Administrative

Trekkers has many administrative volunteer opportunities that complement a variety of skills and experience. From data entry and mailings to website redesign, we appreciate any and all office support.

What is my role as administrative volunteer?

Most notably, we would like volunteers who could assist in:

Creating posters, brochures and flyers for Trekkers events
Putting brochures and newsletters together, i.e., folding, stapling and applying postage
Stuffing envelopes for Annual Appeal and/or other mailings
Organizing files and materials
Updating binders for procedures, policies and programs
Redesigning and updating the Trekkers website
Updating Trekkers’ Facebook page
Data entry

How much time is required?

As an administrative volunteer, you decide how many hours to contribute. Certain projects may require more time than others, and before you begin volunteering, you and a Trekkers staff member will discuss your role and time commitment.

What are my next steps?

If you are interested in becoming an administrative volunteer, you must complete the following steps:

Get an application. Download the Adult Volunteer Application

OR call the Trekkers office: (207) 594-5095 to request a mailed application.

Submit your application. Mail the application to: Trekkers, P.O. Box 455, Tenants Harbor, ME 04860 OR return your application directly to our office located at 41 Buttermilk Lane in Thomaston, ME.
Meet with a Trekkers staff member. Upon receiving your application, a staff member will contact you to schedule a meeting to discuss your interests, experience and schedule. During the interview you will have the chance to ask questions and learn more about Trekkers’ administrative work.
Start helping Trekkers!

Fundraising and Events

Trekkers often achieves our fundraising goals through hosting annual events that require many volunteers. Our current annual fundraising events include pancake breakfasts, Trekkapalooza and the Pedal to the Port bike ride.

As Trekkers continues to grow, we are seeking to expand our current annual fundraisers and develop more events in the future to support and enrich our core programming.

Fundraising and Event Opportunities

We are seeking volunteers to support every aspect of our fundraising events. “Getting the word out” before an event ensures the greatest community participation and largely contributes to that event’s success. Furthermore, our fundraising events require many helping hands during the events themselves. From pre-event promotion to flipping pancakes and post-event cleanup, there are opportunities for everyone! Specific areas in which we could use your support are:

Sitting on an event committee
Marketing/promoting event
Designing posters and flyers
Submitting event information to newspapers, websites, radio broadcasts, etc.
Recruiting volunteers
Setup
Hands on event support, i.e., flipping pancakes and greeting guests
Post-event breakdown and cleanup

How much time is required?

Volunteers can contribute as little as an hour during an event to as much as 10 hours a week in the months prior to an event. We would welcome anything than you can give. Before you volunteer, you will meet with a Trekkers staff member to discuss your role and the corresponding dates and times of your volunteer position.

What are my next steps?

If you are interested in supporting our fundraisers and events, you must complete the following steps:

Get an application. Download the Adult Volunteer Application

OR call the Trekkers office: (207) 594-5095 to request a mailed application.

Submit your application. Mail the application to: Trekkers, P.O. Box 455, Tenants Harbor, ME 04860 OR return your application directly to our office located at 41 Buttermilk Lane in Thomaston, ME.
Meet with a Trekkers staff member. Upon receiving your application, a staff member will contact you to schedule a meeting to discuss your interests, ex