Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Extracurricular Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
RSU 10 approves overnight Falcon Club trips after student presentations
Summary
After student presentations and a safety review, the RSU 10 school board approved overnight and out-of-state components of the Summer Falcon Club trips for 2026, noting most costs are covered by grants so families will not pay full trip fees.
The Western Foothills Regional School Unit 10 school board on Wednesday approved overnight and out-of-state components of the Summer Falcon Club trips for 2026 after presentations from staff and students describing past experiences and safety protocols.
Outing Club leaders Todd Papineau and Karen Wilson told the board their program aims to remove financial barriers: grant funding from local organizations including Friends of River Valley, L.L. Bean and the Appalachian Mountain Club covers most costs so students generally go at no charge. "We primarily have all of our trips be free so that there's no barrier," Papineau said, adding that some trips require a small deposit to confirm commitment.
Students described prior outings and educational benefits. Wyatt Perham, a senior and Outing Club president, recounted camping, white-water rafting and leadership skills learned on earlier trips. "It was full of adrenaline, full of fun," Perham said of a previous trip, noting instructor-led safety measures.
Board members pressed presenters on safety and logistics. The presenters said they submit trip plans and safety protocols to district staff, carry four long-life waterproof walkie-talkies, and plan to use a Garmin inReach satellite transponder for remote-location tracking. Both trip leaders hold wilderness first-aid certification; Papineau said he previously worked as a backcountry ranger in the White Mountains.
The board voted on a motion to approve overnight trips for Summer Falcon Club 2026 (motion made by Bonnie, seconded by Peter). The motion passed. Following the approval, the board also approved related personnel and contract items on the consent agenda.
The permission clears the way for three trip types this summer: day trips that do not require overnight permission, an overnight canoeing trip and an advanced Presidential Traverse hut-to-hut hike in the White Mountains. Outing Club leaders said group sizes will be kept intentionally small (8–10 for water/overnight trips) to maintain safety and low environmental impact.
Next steps: the club will finalize participant lists and submit trip-specific safety plans to the superintendent's office as required by district procedures.
