I am writing to highlight an exemplary program at Somerset Career and Technical Center in Skowhegan.

There are many great programs at SCTC, and one in particular has grown and at once is reminiscent of Gil Gilpatrick’s classes back in the day. It is now back and teaching important skills that are unique to Maine. The Outdoor Recreation program teaches many important skills, both soft skills (team work, problem solving, leadership, innovation and a bit of needed courage) and hard skills (canoe craft, collaborative opportunities, Maine crafts and traditions such as basket making, paddle making, safety and survival skills, marksmanship, wilderness stewardship, river skills, and many more), all highlighting skills that prepare them for life and to be a Maine Guide, Game Warden, trip leaders, wood artists, teachers, first responders, wilderness EMT , etc.

These skills are useful in every aspect of life. Hats off to SCTC for having this awesome opportunity for students and it is been so great to see Soren Siren grow this program into an educational experience that will carry these hard-working students into the future with impressive skills.

Lisa Kimball

East Madison