John “Moose” Curtis

Moose has been the JMG Director since 1977. He is a Registered Maine Guide who began his long career in outdoor education at Camp Winona in Bridgton, Maine. He recently retired after a 40-year teaching career at Hebron Academy, where he taught chemistry and coached football, alpine skiing and lacrosse. He was also active in helping to lead the school outing club on river trips throughout Maine.

Moose spent 25 summers at Camp Winona as a camper and counselor, and developed his outdoor skills under the guidance of Bob Whiting, who later became JMG director. Under Bob’s leadership, Moose became a Junior Maine Guide during his final summer as a camper. As a Winona staff member Moose initially taught campcraft and canoeing and assisted on mountain and canoe trips. He eventually became the director of Winona’s canoe trip program, led their Junior Maine Guide program and became an examiner at JMG camp.

Moose took a brief sabbatical from Winona during which time he lead his own canoe trip program for four summers. Called Wilderness Water Ways, the program took high school age campers on extended canoe trips through the waters of Northern Maine. In 1977, Moose was asked to take over the directorship of the Junior Maine Guide program, and he returned to Winona the following summer.

After the birth of his daughters (who are also JMG alumni and JMG testers) Moose stepped away from Winona to spend more time running the JMG program and paddling with his family and friends during the summer months. His nearly 40-year tenure as JMG Director is a testament to his appreciation for outdoor education, his commitment to youngsters, and his long-standing respect for the Maine’s wilderness.