At The River Fund Maine, we believe that access to outdoor recreation is essential to a healthy, confident, and connected community. Through strong local partnerships and targeted programs, we work to remove financial and logistical barriers so that more youth across Western Maine can experience the outdoors year-round.
Our recreation initiatives focus on physical literacy, skill-building, and social-emotional growth, helping students develop confidence both on and off the mountain.
Organizations We Support:
Maine West Project Play
Mahoosuc Kids Association
Maine West Project Play
Maine West Project Play (MWPP) is a regional initiative supported by The River Fund Maine that increases access to year-round, human-powered outdoor sports.
By working with schools and community organizations, MWPP helps youth in the Bethel, Oxford Hills, and River Valley regions participate in activities such as:
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Nordic skiing
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Mountain biking
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Trail-based outdoor programs
MWPP is designed to remove barriers to participation—whether financial, geographic, or social—so that more kids can stay active and connected to Maine’s natural environment throughout all four seasons.
Mahoosuc Kids Association
The River Fund Maine partners with the Mahoosuc Kids Association (MKA) to support youth through outdoor recreation and enrichment opportunities.
This collaboration helps expand access to programs that encourage:
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Outdoor exploration
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Confidence and independence
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Strong community connections
Together, we are helping young people build lifelong relationships with the outdoors while developing important personal and social skills.
Community Access Program (CAP)
The Community Access Program (CAP) is one of The River Fund Maine’s most impactful initiatives, providing nearly 300 local students each year with access to winter recreation opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.
Serving youth in RSU 10, SAD 44, and MSAD 17, CAP is designed to remove financial barriers and ensure that all students—regardless of background—can participate in skiing and snowboarding, which are core to life in Western Maine.
Through strong partnerships with Sunday River Resort and the Sunday River Ski & Snowboard Club, CAP provides a comprehensive access model, not just a lift ticket.
Eligibility Requirements
CAP is available to students who:
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Are in grades K–12
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Live in and attend school in RSU 10, SAD 44, or MSAD 17
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Meet financial eligibility requirements (verified through schools or income documentation)
Additional details:
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Homeschooled students are eligible if registered within participating districts
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Only one application per family is required (multiple children can be included)
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All information is kept confidential and verified with school districts
📅 Application Timeline:
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Opens: Mid-September (typically around September 16)
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Closes: Late October (no late submissions accepted!)
Season Pass Access
Students selected for the program receive:
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A season pass scholarship for full access to the slopes
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A complimentary membership to the Sunday River Ski & Snowboard Club
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Access to a supportive community of coaches, mentors, and peers
This combination allows students to not only ski and ride, but also build relationships, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
Equipment Access (Seasonal Rentals)
CAP goes beyond lift access. For students who do not have equipment, the Seasonal Rental Scholarship ensures full participation.
Eligible CAP recipients can receive:
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Skis or snowboards
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Boots and poles
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Helmets and winter gear
This program ensures that lack of equipment is never a barrier to participation.
Why CAP Matters
Winter sports are a major part of the culture and economy of Western Maine—but they can be expensive. CAP helps level the playing field by:
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Expanding access to outdoor recreation
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Supporting physical health and confidence
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Creating mentorship and community connections
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Giving students opportunities they may not otherwise have
By removing barriers, CAP helps students fully engage in their community and build lifelong skills.
❤️ Support Community Access
Programs like CAP are made possible through generous community support.
You can help by:
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Donating to fund passes and equipment
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Supporting gear drives or contributing equipment
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Partnering with The River Fund Maine
Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to experience the mountain.