Registered Maine Recreational Guide Preparation Course

ACTIVITY

In our six-day guide preparatory course, you’ll learn a range of technical guiding skills to prepare you for leading day and overnight trips for backcountry camping, backpacking, snowshoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddling, canoeing and more.

Our course is taught by Registered Maine Guides who’ll share their wisdom and guiding experiences. You’ll learn the foundational concepts of guiding and all the necessary outdoor skills you’ll need for safely leading clients in the Maine woods. They’ll review the various laws governing the outdoors and how to prepare for canoeing, hiking and winter camping trips. You’ll practice lost-person scenarios and be trained in search-and-rescue techniques – essential for responsible guides. You’ll also learn map skills and how to effectively use a compass and GPS. One day will be spent on the water with coaching on canoe and SUP skills.

You’ll round out your knowledge with instruction on reading the weather, plus tips on trip planning, camp cooking and Leave No Trace® principles. And even if you’re not planning to be a guide, our course is simply the best way to enhance your outdoor skills and knowledge.

This six-day course is offered Friday night and all-day Saturday and Sunday over two weekends. Lunch is included on the day of the cooking segment.

Note: Participation does not guarantee passing the State Guide Exam. Itinerary subject to change at instructors’ discretion. Exam is not part of this course.

Scholarships for this course are available through the Reeno Foundation. Apply Here

L.L.Bean Flying Point Paddling Center

14 Marietta Ln, Freeport, ME 04032

Additional Information

What to Bring
- Weather and activity-appropriate clothing (preferably synthetic*)
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Water shoes or shoes you don't mind getting wet (closed-toe recommended)
- Personal prescriptions such as EpiPen or inhaler
- One quart of water (no glass bottles)
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Lunch and snacks
- Pencil and paper
Optional Items to Bring
- Waterproof camera
- Sunglasses with lanyard (polarized recommended)
- Hat with visor
- Extra change of clothes
- Towel
- Wetsuit or drysuit
- Lip balm with sunscreen
What We Provide
- Handouts and course materials
- Use of all necessary paddling equipment: boats, paddles, PFDs, etc.
Prerequisites
- Previous outdoor recreation experience
QUESTIONS? Contact an Adventure Consultant

outdoor_discovery@llbean.com | 1-888-552-3261 | HOURS: 7 days a week, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. ET

Policies & Agreements

Smoking and Tobacco, and Alcohol Policy

Smoking and Tobacco Policy

L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs activities are tobacco- and smoke-free (including electronic smoking devices) in support of a healthy lifestyle and respect for our participants and guests. We thank you for understanding and respecting this policy.

Alcohol Policy

In general, alcohol consumption is not permitted during L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs events for the safety of all participants. However, alcoholic beverages are allowed on overnight trips and may only be consumed in a responsible way after the day’s activities are finished. If participants consume alcohol to excess in the evening and behave in ways that negatively impact their own safety, that of the group or the natural environment around them, our guides will intervene. We hope that we will never have to remove an offending guest from the remainder of a trip to ensure the group’s safety, but we will do so if necessary.
Minimum Age: 18

Participants must be 18 years of age by the start of trip.
Recreational Guide Preparation: Course Dates
This six-day course is offered Friday night and all-day Saturday and Sunday over two weekends.
- Friday, 5/26/23: 4:00 P.M.-9:00 P.M.
- Saturday, 5/27/23: 8:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.
- Sunday, 5/28/23: 8:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.
- Friday, 6/2/23: 4:00 P.M.-9:00 P.M.
- Saturday, 6/3/23: 8:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.
- Sunday, 6/4/23: 8:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.
Cancellation Policy: Youth Camps & Certifications
This cancellation policy applies to all youth camps, Wilderness Medical Associates courses, and instructor certification courses.
- 14 days in advance: 100% credit or refund
- 7 to 13 days in advance: 50% credit or refund
- Less than 7 days in advance: No credit or refund
L.L.Bean does not usually cancel events due to inclement weather. However, we reserve the right to cancel an event at any time due to severe weather, low enrollment or other concerns. If L.L.Bean cancels your event, you will receive a full refund for the cost of your reservation. All refunds will be in the form of the original transaction. L.L.Bean shall not be responsible or liable for other expenses incurred by the participant as a result of such a cancellation.