The mission of Kittery Trading Post Outdoor Academy ("KODA") is to educate K-12 students about (1) the natural world, (2) humans' interactions with the natural world, and (3) the benefits of healthful outdoor recreation. KODA does this by providing outdoor learning experiences that are integrated with classroom lessons. Its targeted service population is K-12 public school students in southwest Maine and southeast New Hampshire.

Description:
KODA is a Maine nonprofit corporation organized to provide outdoor and environmental education programs. It is a partnership between the Kittery Trading Post and several school districts in southwest Maine and southeast New Hampshire.

The programs are designed by educators from the participating school districts to be integrated with existing curricula and lesson plans. Trading Post employees with outdoor and environmental expertise assist in delivering the programs to students. KODA's board of directors currently includes representatives from six school districts and a Trading Post representative. A Trading Post employee currently serves as the executive director.

Examples of planned student activities include orienteering (map and compass navigation), hiking to historic locales, studying climatic zones from seaside to mountaintop, canoeing and kayaking, snowshoeing, and environmental service learning projects in local communities.

History:
KODA was created from the mutual desire of local educators and Trading Post managers to foster a greater appreciation for the outdoors among students. When they saw the potential benefits of working in partnership, they agreed to create a nonprofit, charitable and educational foundation to share resources and to accomplish their common goals.

KODA was incorporated on October 14, 2005. It is currently preparing an application to the IRS for section 501(c)(3) exemption recognition, as well as future registrations to solicit charitable donations in Maine and New Hampshire. KODA will not solicit donations until these steps are completed.

Contact person: Charles Ek, Executive Director, (phone), (email)

Address:

P.O. Box 904, 301 U.S. Route 1 Kittery, ME 03904

Directions:

From I-95 in Kittery, Maine: Take Exit 3 to northbound Route 1. Watch for Kittery Trading Post on left. Park adjacent to store and ask at the door for directions to the Katahdin Rooms.

Miscellaneous Information

Name of Executive Director (or equivalent) if not listed above:
	Charles Ek
Type of organization
	Nonprofit other than 501(c)3
Is your organization a Health and Human Service agency?
	No