Becoming a True Pathfinder: The Junior Maine Guide Program at Camp Forest

In the heart of Maine’s wild and beautiful backcountry, a unique tradition is quietly shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

The Junior Maine Guide Program (JMG), one of the most respected wilderness skills certifications in the nation, offers youth a chance to step away from screens and into self-discovery—through fire-building, canoe paddling, compass reading, and much more.

Sponsored by the Maine Youth Camping Foundation in partnership with the Maine State Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, JMG has been a cornerstone of outdoor education since 1937.

And now, families seeking a truly immersive experience can find it at Camp Forest in Brooks, Maine—a camp that shares the program’s deep respect for nature, tradition, and hands-on learning.

What is the Junior Maine Guide Program?

JMG is a rigorous, multi-year wilderness training and certification program for motivated youth, typically ages 14–18. It’s designed to teach practical outdoor skills while fostering leadership, independence, environmental awareness, and self-reliance.

Participants train throughout the summer under the guidance of experienced mentors. Their efforts culminate in a challenging, week-long testing encampment, where they demonstrate mastery of a comprehensive set of outdoor skills in real-life settings.

This is not just about passing a test—it’s about becoming part of a living legacy of Maine guides who respect and steward the natural world.

Skills That Last a Lifetime

The JMG curriculum covers an impressive range of wilderness knowledge and survival skills, including:

• Fire building and outdoor cooking

• Canoeing, water safety, and rescue techniques

• Navigation using map and compass

• First aid and emergency preparedness

• Plant and tree identification

• Shelter building and campsite setup

• Environmental responsibility and conservation ethics

Campers not only learn how to survive in the wild—they learn how to thrive, work as a team, solve real-world challenges, and develop a deep personal connection to the land.

Camp Forest: A Natural Fit for JMG

Located in the woods of Brooks, Maine, Camp Forest has long been dedicated to teaching wilderness living skills from cultures around the world. The camp’s mission—to preserve, teach, and honor global wilderness traditions—makes it a perfect setting for the Junior Maine Guide Program.

At Camp Forest, JMG candidates train under caring, knowledgeable mentors who provide individualized guidance and support. Campers practice their skills in a safe, natural environment that encourages exploration, resilience, and curiosity.

The camp’s holistic approach also integrates global wilderness wisdom, mindfulness, and cultural storytelling—creating a truly rich and well-rounded outdoor education experience.

Why JMG at Camp Forest?

• Authentic wilderness immersion in Maine’s natural landscape

• Dedicated instructors who know the JMG process inside and out

• A values-based environment focused on respect, responsibility, and personal growth

• Opportunity to join a community of like-minded young leaders

• A life-changing experience that builds real skills—and real confidence

Ready to Begin the Journey?

If your teen is ready to challenge themselves, grow their skills, and take the first step toward becoming a certified Junior Maine Guide, Camp Forest is an ideal place to start.

To learn more about JMG training at Camp Forest in Brooks, Maine, visit www.campforestmaine.com or contact the camp directly for program details and registration

The forest is calling. The trail is waiting. And the next generation of wilderness leaders is ready to rise.

Camp Forest and the Junior Maine Guide Program—where adventure becomes purpose, and nature becomes a lifelong guide.