Maine Revised Statutes, Title 12, § 5303: Outdoor education program provider requirements, 2025

This section governs the requirements for outdoor education program providers. [PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).] 1. Program curricula. The program must: A. Use the outdoors and local ecosystems as the primary context to support hands-on learning, including lessons, meals and on-site living; [PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).] B. Engage students in safe and age-appropriate activities; [PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).] C. Focus on the State's outdoor heritage, science, engineering, technology, mathematics, health, environment and natural resources and sustainability by including a strong academic component that supports overall academic achievement and career trajectories and connects science with other subjects to support students' understanding of: (1) Conserving and developing marine and estuarine resources; (2) Conducting scientific research; (3) Promoting the State's coastal fishing industries; (4) Protecting and managing fish, game and other wildlife and their habitats, including restoring endangered species; (5) Promoting agriculture, conservation, forestry, land management and the well-being of domestic animals; (6) Safely enjoying the outdoors; and (7) Promoting public health; [PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).] D. Develop students' social and emotional skills, including teamwork, citizenship, self-awareness and community responsibility; [PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).] E. Support students' health and wellness by developing an appreciation for education and recreation in the outdoors; [PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).] F. Encourage hands-on engagement, observation, discovery, intellectual curiosity and problem-solving; and [PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).] G. Support students and teachers to combat the learning loss associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. [PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).] 2. Program structure. An outdoor education program provider shall: A. Comply with the requirements of chapter 927 regarding licensed guides, youth camp trip leaders or educational trip leaders, as appropriate. [PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).] B. Provide outdoor programs for a 2-night, 3-day experience or day programs when overnight programs are impractical due to health or cultural considerations; [PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).] C. Pursue a sustainable funding model; [PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).] D. Collaborate with schools and teachers to provide access to the program; [PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).] E. Pledge to provide equitable access to the program to all students; [PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).] F. Train educators in educational strategies and field work; [PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).] G. Develop and participate in an evaluation program in accordance with section 5305; and [PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).] H. Promote high levels of accessibility for students with disabilities. [PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).]