TCTC wilderness course headed for Jackman

By Mike Lange
Staff Writer

 DEXTER — A new program designed to teach youngsters the basics of forestry and outdoor recreation skills could be approved by the Maine Department of Education as early as next month.

 However, the courses will be held at Forest Hills Consolidated School in Jackman rather than the former Rockwood Community School, according to Tri-County Tech Center Director Patrick O’Neill.

 Plans for the Wilderness Forest Products Pathways program have been under way for more than a year, and O’Neill said he met with the School Administrative District 12 superintendent and Forest Hills Consolidated School principal in Jackman several times during that period.

 “The basic thrust is job opportunities in the area and local folks who might employ students in this program,” O’Neill told the TCTC regional board last week. “The program was designed more on the recreational end, but it also contains forestry elements to some degree. The Jackman area is noted for both.”

 TCTC had originally discussed using the former Rockwood Community School for the Pathways and had approached the Maine Department of Education about the logistics of reopening the building. But it would have only been practical if the Greenville schools would participate since Rockwood is roughly halfway between Greenville and Jackman.

 But O’Neill said that Greenville was “interested in the recreational part only. Once they changed superintendents, they pulled out. But they may take another look at it next year.”  Former Union 60 Superintendent Beth Lorigan left the Greenville district in February and was succeeded by David Morrill, Greenville High School’s longtime guidance counselor.

 Students who complete the Wilderness Forest Products Pathways course will be trained in survival skills, Red Cross first aid and CPR as well as outdoor recreation. If they complete the course successfully, they’d be able to apply for a Maine Guide’s license and have a good head start if they wanted to enter the Maine Forestry Service, according to the curriculum guide.

 TCTC Regional Council Chair Kevin Jordan said that satellite programs aren’t really a new concept. “They were popular until the ‘90s when the regional centers were set up,” he said. “But we’re always looking to expand. This came about because we’re always looking for more opportunities for the Greenville and Jackman students.”

 Only four or five Greenville students commute to Dexter for TCTC’s in-house programs, O’Neill said, but one student has already expressed interest in taking the Pathways course at Jackman if it’s approved. “He would be responsible for his own transportation two days per week,” he explained.

 O’Neill also updated the council on another successful project at the Seeds of Peace Camp in Otisfield with 29 students and five staff members earlier this year.

 The students accomplished several tasks from clearing debris from camp roofs to cooking meals for the camp attendees. “We had to jack up the mess hall because it was leaning to one side,” O’Neill said.

 The director said that seven female students also participated this year including five from the culinary arts program. “They cooked three square meals a day and the kids raved about the food,” O’Neill said.

 He added that for some TCTC students, it was the first time they’ve ever traveled that far away from home “and the first time they stayed at a campsite.”

 Seeds of Peace was founded in 1993 and was designed to bring youngsters from areas of conflict in the Middle East to a three-week camp so they could learn about different cultures, religions and lifestyles.

 Retired educator and former Dexter Regional High School football coach Tim Wilson was the director of the Seeds of Peace Camp for many years.