The University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) recently welcomed 20 students from across the University of Maine System (UMS) for a hands-on winter outdoor recreation course that prepared them for in-demand careers in Maine tourism, hospitality and outdoor recreation.
Students representing six UMS universities, including UMFK, the University of Maine and its regional campus, the University of Maine at Machias, the University of Maine at Farmington, the University of Maine at Presque Isle and the University of Southern Maine participated in “BYS 340: Special Topics in Business: Winter Outdoor Recreation.”
The course is part of the new 18-credit Tourism, Hospitality and Outdoor Recreation (THOR) minor offered at every UMS university, which emphasizes experiential learning and real-world connections within Maine’s tourism and outdoor recreation industries. The innovative multi-university collaboration is made possible thanks to the System’s unique unified accreditation.
“The THOR minor offers students a broader understanding of the state of Maine in the context of tourism, hospitality, and outdoor recreation through hands-on learning and connections with workforce leaders,” said Emily Zider, program manager of the UMS THOR Institute.
UMFK Associate Professor of Business Dr. Michael Curran designed the course with several goals in mind. Prior to arriving on campus, students completed a series of online learning modules designed to build foundational knowledge and prepare them for the immersive, on-site experience at UMFK. Once on campus, students engaged in a wide range of winter outdoor recreation activities, including cross-country skiing, biathlon shooting, ice fishing, dog sledding, downhill skiing, and snowshoeing. These experiences were coordinated by UMFK’s Experiential Learning & Recreation Manager Shannon Lugdon. Due to strong student interest, the course reached maximum capacity.
“At UMFK, we pride ourselves in providing students with practical experiences to enhance their learning,” said Dr. Curran. “When designing the THOR course, I wanted to build a strong business foundation in management, marketing, and entrepreneurship through online learning modules, but I also wanted to give students the opportunity to participate in their learning. Combining winter outdoor experiences with direct conversations with registered Maine Guides, winter sport managers, and sporting camp owners allowed us to deliver that curriculum in a truly meaningful and unique way.”
By connecting with business leaders throughout the St. John Valley, students gained insight into the opportunities and challenges facing winter recreation and tourism businesses in Maine. These conversations provided valuable perspective on entrepreneurship, workforce needs, sustainability, and the economic impact of outdoor recreation in rural communities.
“Each event gave me the opportunity to experience how both sides of the industry work,” said Sarah Craig, a UMFK student who participated in the course. “I was able to have fun and participate in snowshoeing, skiing, and dog sledding, and I was also able to see what it was like to put these events together — all the time, energy, and money it takes to make them run smoothly.”
The course’s design is closely tied to UMFK’s strengths. The University’s location, climate, roles, and partnerships make it an ideal setting for immersive outdoor education. UMFK offers other courses that contribute to the THOR minor, including “Wilderness First Aid” and “Water Recreation and Stewardship.”
For more information on UMFK, visit the UMFK website.
For more information on THOR Institute, visit the THOR Institute website.