Celebration event April 9 at Allagash Brewing Company honors two decades of impact and looks ahead to the future of outdoor access for Maine youth
PORTLAND — Teens to Trails, a Brunswick-based nonprofit dedicated to connecting Maine middle and high school students with life-changing outdoor experiences, is celebrating a major milestone in 2026: 20 years of building a statewide movement to get young people outside. To mark this anniversary, the organization invites the community to its annual fundraiser Bow Ties & Bean Boots 2026 on Thursday, April 9 from 5-7 p.m. at The Cellars at Allagash Brewing in Portland.
What began in 2006, when Carol and Bob Leone founded Teens to Trails in memory of their daughter Sara, has grown into a robust network of school-based outdoor clubs, year-round programs, gear access, scholarships and comprehensive support for educators and youth across Maine. Over two decades, thousands of students, teachers, Outdoor Club leaders and community partners have helped turn a simple idea, “get teens outside”, into a statewide movement that now serves more than 7,000 students across Maine each year.
This year’s theme “Celebrating the Path Forward” honors the journey, the people who make it possible and where the organization is headed next. Teens to Trails is focused on expanding access to more schools, supporting the educators who lead outdoor clubs and creating new opportunities for Maine students to experience the outdoors.
The evening will feature live music from Extra Credit, a local teacher band, along with light bites from Charcutemarie, treats from Fred’s Fried Dough and craft beverages from Allagash Brewing Company. The iconic L.L.Bean Bootmobile will also be on site. Guests can participate in a raffle featuring outdoor gear and experiences. Event tickets are $75 and include a complimentary raffle ticket. Those unable to attend may still purchase raffle tickets online, and do not need to be present to win.
“For 20 years, we have seen teens arrive nervous and leave confident, shaped by first adventures on the water, in the woods, and beyond,” said David Butler, longtime Teens to Trails volunteer and Master Maine Recreational Guide. “I am proud to have played a small part in that.”
Educators across Maine echo that sentiment. “We would not and could not exist without the support of Teens to Trails,” said Michelle Martin, Outdoor Club advisor at Houlton High School. “You do so much to make our club possible for both students and advisors.”
All proceeds from Bow Ties & Bean Boots benefit Teens to Trails’ mission to connect Maine students with life-changing outdoor experiences. The organization looks forward to welcoming supporters, partners, and community members for a night of celebration as it enters its next chapter.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Bow Ties & Bean Boots, Teens to Trails Annual Fundraiser
When: Thursday, April 9, 5-7 p.m.
Where: The Cellars at Allagash Brewing, 100 Industrial Way, Portland, ME 04103
Tickets: $75 at teenstotrails.org/btbb2026 (includes a complimentary raffle ticket). Tickets available online; no need to be present to win
Teens to Trails is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit dedicated to connecting Maine middle and high school students to life-changing outdoor experiences, with a vision that all teens have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors together.
