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Outdoor Education After-School Programs

Nature as the Classroom. Connection at the Core
In a world where the average child spends less than 10 minutes playing outdoors each day, we're here to offer something different—something essential. Our outdoor after-school programs reconnect children with nature, with their peers, and with themselves. Rain or shine, all year round, we create space for movement, exploration, and unstructured play guided by caring and experienced instructors.
 

Why Outdoor Learning?

We believe that nature is the most dynamic and powerful classroom there is. It invites curiosity, encourages resilience, and nurtures creativity. Outdoor movement boosts mental health, supports better sleep, strengthens immunity, and fosters emotional and physical growth. By giving children consistent time outdoors after school, we provide the balance they need—space to run, climb, question, build, and just be kids.

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“Throughout the spring, our kids returned home from MOK with nature crafts, newfound knowledge about plants and animals, and stories of friendships formed outside their school classrooms... This wonderful experience is made possible by the knowledgeable and responsive leadership and staff at MOK.”

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Experienced Instructors. Deep Connections.

At the heart of our program is our team of seasoned outdoor educators—adventurous, compassionate, and endlessly supportive. Every instructor is committed to meeting kids exactly where they are, offering a steady hand and an open heart. We cultivate strong, meaningful relationships with each child, creating a safe and inclusive space for growth.

With a 1:5 instructor-to-child ratio and intentionally small groups, we create opportunities for genuine connection, collaborative play, and confident self-expression.

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"We value MOK for inspiring and equipping our kids with the skills and mentality for lifelong exploration in and appreciation for the outdoors. The instructors truly care about the students and are treasured role models for our kids."

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Program Highlights

  • All Outdoor, All Year: 100% outdoors—rain or shine. Children build confidence and comfort in all types of weather. 

  • Place-Based Learning: We use local parks, trails, and green spaces within walking distance of schools. The walk from school is part of our transition time, allowing kids to shift gears after their structured day.

  • Small Groups, Big Growth: Designed for K–4th grade students, our groups are intentionally small to support social-emotional development and foster meaningful friendships.

  • Child-Led Exploration: Through free play, storytelling, games, crafts, and guided discovery, children learn to navigate nature and relationships with independence and joy.

  • Aligned with School Schedules: We follow the Portland Public Schools calendar for consistency and ease for families.

 

“MOK has allowed space and time for my kids to explore nature, enjoy free play, and continue to use their imagination for long periods of time... a priceless experience not readily available in our current educational system.”

 

More Than Just an After-School Program

This is more than an enrichment program—it's a chance for kids to grow strong, rooted in the rhythms of nature and the trust of caring mentors. It's time to slow down, unplug, and reconnect.​​

Join us outdoors. Let nature lead.

Spots are limited—small groups, big impact.

  • Where are you located? Where is dropoff and pickup?
    Being place-based allows us to introduce or reacquaint children and their families with public spaces to enjoy time outside. All of our programs take place at public parks, trail systems and green spaces. Our locations are in Portland or located within 20 minutes of the city. Locations are chosen based on weather and trail conditions and for their unique opportunities to play and learn. One week prior to camp, parents will be provided a detailed itinerary with directions to each day’s location and dropoff/pickup instructions.
  • When does registration open? What is the registrations process?
    Registration for summer camps opens Thursday, January 9th at 8:00am for returning families and Friday, January 10th at 8:00am for all new families. Reminders when registering: For each child, you can add multiple camp weeks to your cart and check out as one transaction. When registering siblings for multiple or different weeks, we recommend separately doing each child's registration to streamline the process. If your camp total cost is $1000+, we can set up a payment plan for you. Please email info@maineoutdoorkids.com with your child's info and we will get them registered - this is tougher to do if you've already registered and paid. Remember that your child may fall into more than one age group - for example, a rising 2nd grader can participate in any Tadpole or Goslings camp. Read through our cancellation policy Every single week of camp is unique in its locations & activities! You can do multiple and they will all be different. Please fill out a Health Form and Waiver, if you haven't already within the past 2yrs.
  • Which group is best for my child? Are siblings kept together?
    Please select a group based on the grade your child will be entering in Fall 2025. If your child is homeschooled, use which grade level is most appropriate for their age, not academic level. For siblings who don’t fall into the same age category, please consider signing up for ‘Same Location’ weeks. In these weeks we will have two camps happening simultaneously at the same locations, giving you one drop-off/pick-up spot. 2025 Same Location Weeks: Week 3: Sprouts & Goslings Week 5: Sprouts & Goslings Week 6: Tadpoles & Ospreys Week 8: Tadpoles & Ospreys
  • How large are the groups? How many instructors are with each group?
    We intentionally hold our summer programs in small groups to provide the best opportunity to build new connections and confidence. All of our camps allow a maximum of 10 participants with two outdoor instructors.
  • What is the schedule? Why no camp on Fridays?
    Our summer camp schedule is Monday through Thursday each week, with a new location each day. Camp runs from 9am-3pm for Sprouts and Tadpoles and 9am-4pm for Goslings and Ospreys. Maine Outdoor Kids camps are high energy and we find that a 4-day camp week works best to prevent burnout for campers and accommodate families busy summer schedules. We are committed to a 4-day work week for staff and the highest quality leadership and instruction for families and their kids. In an industry that has high burnout and low retention, this schedule allows us to bring our very best selves to camp and provide the community with 10 weeks of programming during the summer.
  • What are the age groups for summer camp?
    We break our camps into four different age groups; Sprouts: Rising K - 1st graders ** Tadpoles: 1st - 3rd graders Goslings: 2nd- 4th graders Ospreys: 3rd-5th graders **Please note that while public schools requirments state that students must turn 5 by Oct. 15th 2025, we highly recommend that all campers are 5 by the start of camp.
  • What happens if there is stormy weather?
    This depends on the nature of the storm—whether it's rain or thunderstorms, and how close or distant they are. Our first line of defense is ensuring that campers are equipped with appropriate gear, and we provide guidance to parents on suitable clothing for wet weather. If thunderstorms are anticipated, we choose locations with coverage options, such as Fort Williams or Twin Brook. If it's just rain we may do the same or utilize tarp setups in our wooded locations. We make real-time decisions and communicate directly with parents. We strive to provide at least 24 hours' notice for any changes in location or early pickups and will only cancel as a last resort.
  • Camp says full - How do I join the waitlist?
    There is no way to join the waitlist directly from our website. Please email info@maineoutdoorkids.com with your child's name and the dates that you are looking to join. If a spot opens up, we will reach out to the first person on the waitlist and they will be given 24 hours to sign up.
  • What is your cancellation policy?
    Payment is due at the time of registration. If you need to cancel your participation in a summer program for any reason, we ask for 45 or more days' notice to receive a refund. There is a 3% cancellation fee for refunds processed by credit card. No refunds will be given for cancellations within 45 days of a program's start date. In the event of inclement weather where an earlier pickup is deemed necessary by our Directors, no partial refunds will be given. If you have unforeseen circumstances that limit your participation in any of our programs, please get in touch with info@maineoutdoorkids.com and we will do our very best to find a solution.
  • How do I know if my child is ready for a multi-day mountain bike program?
    Your child can be new to mountain biking on singletrack trails for an all-levels mountain bike program. However, for safety reasons it's really important they are proficient on their bike. This includes: Can independently follow and understand directions, instructions, skill demonstrations taught by others to improve body awareness and minimize risks of the sport. Is a confident rider on pavement, dirt roads and small inclines. Has the stamina to be active outside all day and in a variety of environmental conditions including cold or hot temperatures and precipitation. Be familiar with their bike and able to independently mount and dismount, ride and balance on the bike on uneven terrain. Has experience riding for at least 40 consecutive minutes, Has experience participating in an outdoor sport or activity for 2-4 hours in a single day. If your child is new to mountain biking, we highly suggest signing up for a Fundamental Skills Clinic for a confidence boost before attending a bike camp.
  • Do you offer scholarships or financial assistance?
    We offer scholarships to K-5 students attending public school in Portland and surrounding municipalities whose family is experiencing financial challenges preventing them from participating in Maine Outdoor Kids, including temporary extenuating circumstances. Scholarships accepted on a rolling basis and are awarded based on demonstrated need and available scholarship funds at the time. Please email info@maineoutdoorkids.com to inquire about scholarships.
  • What if my child can not attend all four days of camp? Do you do drop-in days?
    We do not have a drop-in day option for our summer camps. If you are interested in a certain program but your child is unable to attend the entire session for any reason, you will need to register and pay for the full program.
  • Do you offer a sibling or multi-week discount?
    Yes! We offer a $150 credit when you register & attend: 1. Four or more weeks of summer programs 2. Two or more weeks of summer programs with 2 siblings This credit is sent out at the culmination of the summer and can be used towards any future programming.
  • I'm looking for a proof of payment or an EIN to submit for a childcare reimbursement system or tax purposes. Where can I find that?
    We can provide you with receipts for any programs your child attended during a calendar year. Those have all the information in one place that you might need for taxes or FSA reimbursement. Please email info@maineoutdoorkids.com with your child's name and we'll get that information to you as soon as we can.
  • My rising 6th grader has attended camp with MOK in the past and wants to continue. Can they come to an Osprey week?
    There are occasions where we may be able to accommodate a 6th grader. Please check in with us before registering your 6th grader for an Osprey (3rd-5th grade) camp.
  • What if my child has allergies or needs to take medication during the day?
    Please note this when you fill out the Health Form. If your child has allergies, asthma or medications that may be needed during their time with us, we will follow up to create a custom action plan for them.
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