October 10 – 12
New England Outdoor Center
Millinocket, Maine
We’re excited to see you at MILE I this year! The Mitchell Institute Leadership Experience (MILE) I weekend will be Oct 10th – 12th at the New England Outdoor Center in Millinocket. Our hope for this weekend is you are able to challenge yourself and find ways to grow. Whether that’s making a new friend, trying a new activity, or strengthening a skill, the mix of leadership and relationship-building activities will help you stretch your comfort zone and develop skills to bring back to college (and beyond!). If you have questions that aren’t addressed at the links below, please email us here.
Participation Forms: In order to participate in MILE I, we need a completed participation form and NEOC Waiver from you. You can fill out the participation form here. The NEOC waiver is below. When you click download, it will bring you to the form so that you can fill it out and sign it before downloading, or you can download a blank copy and fill it out by hand. You can then upload your completed copy, or a picture of your hand-filled copy in your participation form.
MILE I Weekend will be held at the New England Outdoor Center, which is located at 30 Twin Pines Road in Millinockett, Maine. (Phone: 207-723-5438 or 800-634-7238)
Friday, Oct. 10
- 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. — Arrive and check-in at the office/River Driver’s restaurant, then head to your cabins to unpack. There will be a variety of activities for you to choose from during this time once you are settled in.
- 5:00 – 5:30 p.m. — Wrap up your activities and go to the shuttle at River Driver’s restaurant.
- 5:30 – 5:45 p.m. — Take the shuttle from River Driver’s restaurant to the Event Center (1 mile from main NEOC campus)
- 5:45 – 6:30 p.m. — Get to know each other with an icebreaker at the Event Center (either outside or inside, depending on the weather)
- 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. — Have dinner together at the Event Center
- 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. — Mitchell Institute welcome + workshop with staff + alumni at the Event Center
- 9:00 p.m. — Take shuttle back to River Driver’s restaurant
- After 9:00 p.m. — Enjoy free time for socializing, games, etc., though we do recommend heading to bed early, especially for folks who are planning to hike Katahdin the next day!
Saturday, Oct. 11
*Please note: It is essential to be on time and ready to go for your excursion!*
Katahdin Hikers:
- 5:30 a.m. — Pick up your meals at the River Driver’s Restaurant (to-go breakfast meals, packed lunches).
- 6:00 a.m. sharp (especially important for this hike) — Depart from River Driver’s Restaurant in Mitchell lnstitute/NEOC vans.
Non-Katahdin Hikers:
- 7:45 – 8:30 a.m. — Eat breakfast and pick up your packed lunch at the River Driver’s Restaurant
- 8:45 a.m. — Depart from the River Driver’s Restaurant on the hike
Whitewater Rafters:
- 7:45 – 8:30 a.m. — Eat breakfast and pick up your pack lunches at the River Driver’s Restaurant
- 8:45 a.m. — Depart from the River Driver’s Restaurant in the NEOC bus
Level Up Your Leadership Participants:
- 7:45 – 8:45 a.m. — Eat breakfast and pick up your pack lunches at the River Driver’s Restaurant.
- 9:00 a.m. — Depart from the River Driver’s Restaurant in Mitchell Institute vans for the Knife’s Edge Brewery.
Everyone, regardless of activity:
- 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. — Enjoy some relaxation and connection time at the cabins (return times from each excursion will vary): rest, relax, shower, and choose from a variety of activities led by your fellow Scholars.
- 6:00 – 6:15 p.m. — Take the shuttle from River Driver’s Restaurant to the Knife’s Edge Brewery.
- 6:15 – 7:00 p.m. — Enjoy a well-earned dinner at the Knife’s Edge Brewery.
- 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. — Engage in the Mitchell Institute activities at the Knife’s Edge Brewery.
- 8:30 p.m. — Take the shuttle back to the River Driver’s Restaurant.
- After 8:30 p.m. — Enjoy free time for socializing, games, etc.
Sunday, Oct. 12
- 7:00 – 7:30 a.m. — Eat breakfast at the River Driver’s Restaurant.
- 7:30 a.m. — Pack up and clear out of your cabin; load your belongings in the vehicle that you are going home in.
- 8 a.m. — Depart from NEOC by bus and vans for our community service project at Baxter State Park.
- 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Meet Ranger Bruce at Baxter State Park for our service projects – when projects are finished, we’ll come back together to take a group photo and do a closing activity.
- 1:00 p.m. — Arrive back at the River Driver’s Restaurant; pick up your box lunch and depart for home!
Tips:
- Check the forecast for Millinocket before your final packing process.
- Plan to layer up and avoid wearing cotton for outdoor activities if possible.
- You do not need to bring sleeping bag, pillows, or towels since these will all be provided.
- Avoid bringing valuable items; lock anything of value in a car.
Important items for specific excursions:
Hikers:
- Large water bottle (be sure to hydrate well in the days leading up to the hike)
- Waterproof hiking boots – running shoes are not recommended for summiting Katahdin
- Extra layers, a warm hat, and gloves since conditions can change very quickly (please do not wear jeans!)
Whitewater Rafters:
- Sunglasses with strap for potential glare off the water
- Secure footwear (no flip-flops) that may get wet
- Shorts or swimwear (or other quick-dry clothing) for under wetsuit
- An extra pair of dry shoes and set of clothes for post-rafting activities
Level Up Your Leadership Participants:
- Comfortable clothes
Items for everyone to pack:
Tops
- Synthetic t-shirts (long and short-sleeved) that wick moisture — avoid cotton for excursions
- Long-sleeved insulated synthetic base layer
- Lightweight fleece or wool shirt
- Midweight fleece or wool jacket/sweater
- Insulated jacket (especially important for hikers!)
- Hooded rain jacket (waterproof with sealed seams)
Bottoms
- Underwear
- Long underwear bottoms
- Medium-weight pants
- Rain/quick-dry pants
Head, Hands, and Feet
- Sun hat
- Winter hat (especially important for hikers!)
- Gloves (especially important for hikers!)
- Sunglasses and strap
- Several pairs of sturdy shoes for outdoor activities, ideally something that can withstand water (for volunteering & hiking)
- Several pairs of active wear socks (thick, wicking material — wool/synthetic not cotton)
- Several pairs of regular socks
Miscellaneous
- Small backpack/daypack (waterproof is best) to carry water, snacks, phone, etc. (especially important for hikers!).
- Water bottle (hikers should bring a large water bottle or several smaller ones) everyone should bring their water bottles with them everywhere
- Flashlight or headlamp (especially important for hikers!)
- Watch
- Alarm clock
- Medications as needed (asthma inhaler, Epi pens, nitro, insulin, etc.) *please share medical conditions with your activity guide on Saturday and Baxter State Park rangers on Sunday as appropriate
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, contact lenses/glasses if needed, etc.) – we will have sunscreen and bug spray
- Favorite things to do during free time either individually or with a group (indoor or outdoor games, guitar, book, craft, etc.)
These are the activity options for Saturday, Oct. 11, that will be held at the New England Outdoor Center (NEOC) or away from the NEOC. Details to be finalized and may be subject to change. A total of four activities will be offered:
Low difficulty, stay at NEOC
Level Up Your Leadership: Challenge yourself to think, collaborate, and lead in dynamic problem-solving scenarios. Through puzzle-based activities you will sharpen essential leadership skills such as communication, strategic thinking, adaptability, and teamwork. Alongside the hands-on experiences, you will reflect on your own leadership and explore how these skills can be applied in academic, professional, and community contexts.
Moderate difficulty, leave NEOC
Whitewater Rafting: Whitewater rafting on the Penobscot River offers one of the most spectacular river experiences in the eastern United States. This trip travels the lower river, which is a bit milder and well-suited for first-time rafters. Enjoy breathtaking scenery in the shadow of Katahdin that likely includes Maine wildlife sightings (maybe even eagles and moose!). All levels welcome.
Non-Katahdin Hike: Get out on the trails for a more leisurely/moderate hike! There are a number of gorgeous options in Baxter State Park that boast beautiful views and peaceful time in nature without the intensity and mileage that a Katahdin ascent brings. We will determine the trail based on conditions and number of hikers.
Strenuous difficulty, leave NEOC
Katahdin Ascents: Hoping to make it to the top for the best views? Choose this option if you are in top physical shape and look forward to a full day of highly rigorous hiking and steep climbing. The final trail choice is determined by the experienced NEOC guides depending on weather conditions and group size. The average round trip time for a Katahdin hike is 8-12 hours and may cover 8+ miles round-trip, depending on trails and conditions. This means an early morning departure!
Directions to New England Outdoor Center (NEOC)
Please note: MILE I is based at the main facility, which is known as NEOC Headquarters at Twin Pines. The main facility is also the location of the River Driver’s Restaurant.
Phone number at NEOC Headquarters: 207-723-5438 or 800-634-7238 (cell phones likely will not work at NEOC)
Directions:
- Take Exit 244 for Medway off the Maine Turnpike/Interstate 95
- Take routes 11/157 west toward Millinocket; follow route 157 and signs to Baxter State Park
- You will drive approximately 8 miles from the town of Millinocket toward Millinocket Lake. Our road entrance is on the right just after a 35mph sign. If you pass North Woods Trading Post, you’ve gone too far.
GPS: Many GPS systems have outdated maps and incorrect addresses for NEOC. Here are a few options depending on the system that you use for the New England Outdoor Center – NEOC | Twin Pines | River Driver’s Restaurant:
- If 30 Twin Pines Rd, Millinocket does not turn up on your GPS or phone, we suggest entering in 160 Bates Street, Millinocket, ME, 04462. This is the last general store you will pass on your way to us. Once you get to 160 Bates Street address, drive an additional 8 miles straight, and turn right onto Blackcat Road. Follow the Blackcat Rd. for one mile to reach Twin Pines, NEOC and the River Driver’s Restaurant.
- 30 Twin Pines Rd., Millinocket, ME 04462, USA Latitude: 45.726349 | Longitude: -68.818088
- Here is a link: Google map for NEOC
Carpooling
We will in touch to help coordinate carpooling for those who have indicated interest on the registration form. Please reach out to Erica at eleighton@mitchellinstitute.org if you need a ride and haven’t already requested one.
Please check the weather forecast before you leave to make final decisions about what to wear and what to bring — and be sure to drive safely! We cannot wait to see you at NEOC for MILE I Weekend! If your plans change at the last minute and you are unable to attend, please send us an email as soon as you can to let us know!