Getting Ready for MILE I

October 11–13
New England Outdoor Center
Millinocket, Maine

Designed for Mitchell Scholars who are currently enrolled as undergraduates, the Mitchell Institute Leadership Experience (MILE) I weekend is held in early October at the New England Outdoor Center in Millinocket. Participating Mitchell Scholars develop leadership and relationship-building skills while whitewater rafting the Penobscot, hiking to the summit of Mount Katahdin, completing a community service project within Baxter State Park, and making friendships that will last a lifetime. If you have questions that aren’t addressed at the links below, please contact Scholarship Director Casey Near.

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. 11

  • Between 3 and 5 p.m. — Arrive and check-in at office/River Driver’s restaurant, then head to cabins to unpack and hang out
  • 5–6:30 p.m. — Icebreaker activity and mingle—at “the Point” near the lake
  • 6:30–6:45 p.m. — Take shuttle from River Driver’s restaurant to Event Center (1 mile from main NEOC campus)
  • 6:45–7:30 p.m. — Dinner at the Event Center
  • 7:30–9 p.m. — Mitchell Institute welcome and workshop with staff & alumni at the Event Center
  • 9 p.m. — Take shuttle back to River Driver’s Restaurant
  • After 9 p.m. — Free time for socializing, games, etc.

Saturday, Oct. 12
Please note: It is essential to be on time and ready to go for your excursion!

Katahdin Hikers:

  • 5:30 a.m. — Breakfast at River Driver’s Restaurant (to-go breakfast meals, packed lunches)
  • 6 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. — Breakfast and pack lunches—River Driver’s Restaurant
  • 8:45 a.m. — Depart from River Driver’s Restaurant on the hike

Whitewater Rafters:

  • 7:45–8:30 a.m. — Breakfast and pack lunches—River Driver’s Restaurant
  • 8:45 a.m. — Depart from River Driver’s Restaurant in NEOC bus

Stretch Your Leadership: Mind, Body, and Voice:

  • 7:45–8:45 a.m. — Breakfast and pack lunches—River Driver’s Restaurant
  • 9 a.m. — Depart River Driver’s Restaurant in Mitchell Institute van for the Event Center

Everyone, regardless of activity:

  • 3–6 p.m. — Down time in cabins (return times from each excursion will vary): rest, relax, shower
  • 6–6:15 p.m. — Take shuttle from River Driver’s Restaurant to the Event Center
  • 6:15-7 p.m. — Dinner at the Event Center
  • 7–8:30 p.m. — Mitchell Institute activities at the Event Center
  • 8:30 p.m. — Take shuttle back to River Driver’s Restaurant
  • After 8:30 p.m. — Free time for socializing, games, etc.


Sunday, Oct. 13

  • 7–7:30 a.m. — Breakfast at the River Driver’s Restaurant
  • 7:30 a.m. — Clear out of cabins; lock all personal items in cars or tent
  • 8 a.m. — Depart from NEOC by bus and vans for community service project at Baxter State Park
  • 8:30 a.m.–Noon — Meet Ranger Bruce at Baxter State Park for service projects; take group photo; closing activity
  • 12:30 p.m. — Arrive back at River Driver’s Restaurant; pick up box lunches and depart for home!

Tips:

  • Check the forecast for Millinocket before the final packing process.
  • Layer up and avoid wearing cotton for outdoor activities.
  • No 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

Stretch Your Leadership: Mind, Body, and Voice:

  • Comfortable sweatpants or yoga/athletic pants
  • Journal and pen or device for writing exercise
  • Optional: yoga mat

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 this 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 ranger 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 (games, guitar for the campfire, etc.)

These are the activity options for Saturday, Oct. 12, 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

Stretch Your Leadership: Mind, Body, and Voice: Explore attributes of effective leadership through mindfulness exercises, gentle yoga, and a nature walk. Participants will explore physical, mental, and emotional healthy lifestyle habits; team-building and group problem-solving; and finding empowerment through creative energy and rejuvenation activities. All levels welcome.

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: Want to 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 the 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.

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 us. 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.

or

30 Twin Pines Rd., Millinocket, ME 04462, USA Latitude: 45.726349 | Longitude: -68.818088

Here is a link: Google map for NEOC

Estimated Drive Times in Hours

  • Portland, ME: 3.5
  • Bar Harbor, ME: 2.5
  • Portsmouth, NH: 4.5
  • Boston, MA: 5.5
  • Montreal, QC: 6
  • New York City, NY: 10

Carpooling

Please reach out to Casey at cnear@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 contact Casey to let her know!