---
title: Outdoor Programs
description: Wildness First Aid, Certified Maine Guide, Sea Kayaking, York River Kayaking.
---
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- Programs
- [Youth](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/youth-programs)
- [Teen (The Action)](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/the-action)
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- [Clubs](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/clubs)
- [Outdoors](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/outdoor-programs)
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- [Beaches](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/beaches)
- [York Ocean Rescue](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/york-ocean-rescue)
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Programs
- Programs
- [Youth](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/youth-programs)
- [Teen (The Action)](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/the-action)
- [Adult](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/adult-programs)
- [Clubs](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/clubs)
- [Outdoors](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/outdoor-programs)
- [Special Events](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/special-events)
- [Nubble Light House](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/nubble-light-house)
- [Center for Active Living](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/center-for-active-living)
- [Parks and Places](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/parks-and-places)
- [Beaches](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/beaches)
- [York Ocean Rescue](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/york-ocean-rescue)
- [Community Calendar](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/communityeventcalendar)
- [Facility Calendar](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/facility-calendar)
- [Community Center](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/community-center)
[Register Now](https://secure.rec1.com/ME/york-parks-recreation/catalog)
#### news
### |
### Learn about our New Registered Maine Guide Classes Below!
## Outdoor Programs
York Parks and Recreation offers a wide variety of fun and engaging outdoor programs that make the outdoors accessible for all. Our programs will focus on guided trips and instruction that build skill, foster environmental stewardship, and promote community health. They transform parks and natural areas into living classrooms for all ages, making outdoor adventure achievable and fun.
## Upcoming Programs
### Kayak Programs
Thanks to grants by the York River Stewardship Committee, York Parks and Recreation is excited to partner with the York Land Trust to offer free kayak excursions. For questions, contact Parks and Recreation Director Pete Murray at [pmurray@yorkmaine.org](mailto:pmurray@yorkmaine.org).
### Trip Description
Come explore the upper reaches of the York River and Smelt Brook on these free kayaking trips. Trips will launch from the Scotland Bridge boat ramp and paddle up stream to experience the beautiful salt marsh and estuary. Each trip will be approximately 2 hours and include basic paddling instruction as well as education on the ecology of the York River and surrounding landscape. All necessary equipment will be provided. If you would like to use your own equipment, please let us know prior to the day of the trip. No paddling experience required. Please arrive at Scotland Bridge approximately 30 minutes prior to the trip to be matched up with lifejackets, kayaks and paddles.
### 2026 Trip Dates
These free kayaking programs are in high demand and we hope to give as many individuals as possible the opportunity to participate. We ask that you only register for one trip per season. If you would like to be put on a contact list for open spots, please email pmurray@yorkmaine.org.
Friday, May 22 - 4:00 p.m. [Register](https://secure.rec1.com/ME/york-parks-recreation/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTQwNTcwMTU=)
Friday, June 5 - 4:00 p.m. [Register](https://secure.rec1.com/ME/york-parks-recreation/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTQwNTcwNTk=)
Thursday, June 18 - 3:00 p.m. [Register](https://secure.rec1.com/ME/york-parks-recreation/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTQwNTcwNjM=)
Friday, July 24 - 7:30 p.m. - Moonlight paddle - [Register](https://secure.rec1.com/ME/york-parks-recreation/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTQwNTcwNjY=)
Thursday, August 6 - 5:00 p.m. [Register](https://secure.rec1.com/ME/york-parks-recreation/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTQwNTcxOTM=)
Friday, September 4 - 5:00 p.m. [Register](https://secure.rec1.com/ME/york-parks-recreation/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTQwNTcxOTg=)
Saturday, September 5 - 6:00 a.m. - Sunrise paddle - [Register](https://secure.rec1.com/ME/york-parks-recreation/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTQwNTcyMDE=)
Explore
### Wilderness First Aid
##### May 30 & 31
SOLO is the longest continuously operating wilderness medical school in the country and they are a great resource.
SOLO WFA courses are a great tool for anyone who wants to spend time outside. This 16 hour, 2 day program will introduce you to patient assessment, treatment and management of injuries in backcountry conditions. You will learn to improvise splints and litters, stop bleeding, and other potentially lifesaving skills.
May 30 & 31, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Mount Agamenticus Lodge - 21 Mount Agamenticus Rd. York ME 03909
Cost $225
To learn more about SOLO go to [https://www.soloschools.com/home](https://www.soloschools.com/home)
[Register](https://secure.rec1.com/ME/york-parks-recreation/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTQwNjUwNTY=)
### Registered Maine Guide Training
##### October 1-3, 2026
**Maine Outdoor Learning Center**
**Registered Maine Guide School**
York Parks and Recreation is partnering with MOLC to provide this in depth 3 day training.
25 clock hours Registered Maine Guide Training
$495.00 per person
3 Days /Educational / Professional Instructors / 29 Years Teaching the Maine Guide Program and 40 plus years experience as a Master Maine Guide, you will be prepared!
Thursday - Saturday, October 1-3, 2026
9 am to 5 pm in Person (3-Days)
Includes:
- MOLC's 150 Page Maine Guide Handbook
- 500 Question Practice Tests
- Map & Compass Study Guide w/ Questions and Answers
- Silva Compass
- Professional Instruction for Recreation, Fishing, and Hunting Guide Licenses
Class will take place at York Parks and Recreation – 200 US Rte. 1
### Maine Sea Kayaking Guide Training
##### May 2 & 3, 2026
**Specialized Sea Kayaking Registered Maine Guide School**
29 Years of Teaching the Maine Guide Program. YOU Will BE Prepared!!!
16 clock hours Registered Maine Guide Training
$395.00 per person
2 Days /Educational / Professional Instructors / 29 Years Teaching the Maine Guide Program and 40 plus years experience as a Master Maine Guide.
Saturday – Sunday, May 2 & 3 (Postponed until fall 2026)
9 am to 5 pm in Person (2-Days)
Includes:
- MOLC's Maine Guide Handbook
- Practice Tests
- Chart Work
**Spring Course Postponed**
### Free Snow Shoe Rental!
##### December - March
Visit the York Parks and Recreation Department to borrow snow shoes and trekking poles to enjoy the beautiful winter weather. The Parks and Recreation office is open Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m..
## Sign up for our Yorks Illustrated Brochure!
The Yorks Illustrated is mailed to every household in York. To be put on a list to be emailed a digital version, please complete this form.
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PLACES
- [- Community Center](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/community-center)
- [- Nubble Lighthouse](https://www.nubblelightstore.com/)
- [- Mt. Agamenticus](https://agamenticus.org/)
PARTNERS
- [- Sponsorship](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/sponsorship)
- [- Community Partners](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/community-partners)
- [- Town of York](https://www.yorkmaine.org/)
ABOUT
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- [-Accident Report](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/accidentreport)
LEGAL
- [- Policies and Regulations](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/policies-and-regulations)
- [- Ordinances](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/ordinances)
- [- Requests for Proposals](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/rfp)
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