🦪 Sharing the Water: A Day with the Pathfinders Reentry Program
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Earlier this June, we had the honor of hosting a group of young women from the Pathfinders Reentry Focused Outdoor Project — a new initiative supporting youth reentering the community from the Long Creek Youth Development Center.
It was a beautiful day on Casco Bay, and for a few hours, our office — a floating oyster farm in Yarmouth, Maine — became a place of conversation, curiosity, and calm. If you’ve ever thought about visiting Yarmouth for a unique coastal experience, this is the kind of connection we aim to foster on our oyster farm tours.
For two of the girls, it was their very first time tasting an oyster. For all of us, it was a reminder of the power of nature, storytelling, and hands-on learning. We talked about what it’s like to work on the water, how you can earn a captain’s license without going to college or a marine academy, and how aquaculture can lead to careers that are both sustainable and empowering.
This program, led by Christopher Poulos of the Center for Justice and Human Dignity, uses outdoor experiences to support healing and reentry for youth involved with the justice system. It’s about more than just time outside — it’s about building relationships, sparking curiosity, and introducing new possibilities.
One of the most meaningful parts of the day was watching the shift in energy. Many of the young women had never been on a boat before. But by the end of the trip, they were asking questions about the gear we use, how long it takes to grow oysters, and what it takes to run your own tour business or get your captain’s license.
These are the kinds of conversations we hope for on every private oyster farm tour — moments where curiosity meets possibility, and guests leave with a new understanding of Maine’s working waterfront.
We're incredibly grateful to be part of a growing community that believes in second chances, fresh air, and the value of connection. Whether you’re joining us for a tour, exploring a career path, or just visiting Yarmouth for a day on the water, we hope to share something meaningful with you.
About the Pathfinders Project:
This community-based program is a collaboration between the Maine Department of Corrections, the Center for Justice and Human Dignity, and local partners. It’s part of a broader shift to reduce confinement and increase community support, including outdoor programs that promote personal growth, confidence, and career exposure.
📺 Read or watch the full WMTW story here: WMTW Coverage – Pathfinders Reentry Project
Interested in visiting our farm?
We offer oyster farm tours in Yarmouth, Maine, where guests can explore the ins and outs of aquaculture, learn about captain’s licenses, and experience life on the water — sustainably and up close.
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