First, I want to give a big fat thank you to our friend Joan Kanner who hooked me up with Hazel, knowing this would be a great conversation! 

It's fun when things just line up really perfectly - for me, at least. Last week we heard from Austin French, of the More Than Outdoors podcast, and it was just chance that today we're learning from Hazel Stark, of The Maine Outdoor School - both in Maine, both focusing on outdoor activities. Seriously,  how fun is that? AND I had asked Austin what a State Guide does, because is co-host is a Maine Guide, but Hazel is as well, so I get to have my curiosity satisfied!

Hazel, Naturalist Educator, Registered Maine Guide, and Wilderness First Responder is from Maine- she explored, as people do, and after studying in California for a year, she knew what she had to bring to Maine. Maine Outdoor school was born in 2016. Hazel's business partner left it to her after several years, and in 2025 Hazel became the sole Owner and CEO. The school offers classes for children and adults, but it is so much more - they offer public school programming, professional development, homeschool programs, virtual programming, outdoor adventures...

Hazel shared some really profound things: one is a quote from Erin K Kenny "kids can't bounce off the walls if there are no walls." I've heard that many times, but it felt more meaningful in this container. She also says "If nature isn't being taught, it's being taught as not important." And also "Nature isn't a nicety, it's a NECESSITY."  SO much wisdom was shared here to note it all.

I had a huge AHA talking with Hazel; growing up in a larger town in Maine, I didn't spend a lot of time outside - my sister and I watched a lot of Soap Operas after school instead of playing outside (insert shoulder shrug emoji), so I don't have a lot of experience, other than gardening - I said a few times here that I wonder if my life would be different now, had I had more of an outdoor influence...

Learn even more about what's offered through the Maine Outdoor School here: 

https://www.maineoutdoorschool.org/

Check out the Women for Healthy Rural Living site here: https://whrl.org/

Maine Outdoor School on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/maineoutdoorschool/

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