In 1936 Junior Maine Guides started as a small group of outdoor enthusiasts.
In 1937 the Junior Maine Guide certification program was officially established by an act of the Maine legislature. It was a joint initiative put forth by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and Maine Summer Camps (formerly known as the Maine Youth Camping Foundation). The program would be aimed at teaching outdoor leadership and living skills to youth between the ages of 9 and 18. Participating Maine summer camps would provide the training and testing the youth needed to qualify as an official Junior Maine Guide.
Today the program boasts more than 2,500 certified members.
Commitment to Reach Maine’s Children
Although Maine Summer Camps is responsible for the implementation of the JMG program, its ongoing partnership with the State of Maine is testimony to the JMG program’s goal of reaching as many Maine youngsters as possible so that they may benefit from this rich legacy.