This past summer, I had the opportunity to lead the Maine Coast Trek. Apart from Maine being a bit hillier than expected, this trip was everything that I could have wanted and more. The group of seven teenagers as well as the two leaders bonded with each other amazingly, and the group cohesiveness and comradery was just fantastic. From mini golf to swimming in the ocean, hiking in Bar Harbor and going sea kayaking, we did just about anything we could think of. Of course there was lots of biking and a few wrong turns, but it added to the overall excitement of the trip. Had I of known about Teen Treks when I was younger, I definitely would have hopped on a trip. Besides being great exercise and enjoying the summertime outdoors, this gave me an opportunity to explore a part of America that I had never been before. The coast north of Boston leading up to Maine is absolutely beautiful – and the people we encountered along the way were probably the friendliest people anywhere in this country. Everywhere we went, we were asked our starting point and final destination, and almost everyone was happy to provide suggestions of what to do along the way. There is something about packing 50 pounds of gear, loading it on the back of a road bike and setting out with a group of kids, with only each other to rely on, that makes this trip truly special.
~ Andy Rein, 2009 Leader
