Today we are catching up with another new friend I made at the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit last fall, Emily Mackeown, who is the outreach coordinator for Maine GearShare, a Brunswick-based gear library that completed its pilot year in 2022 and supported tons of youth groups and non-profits successfully in their quest to get more people outside safely and comfortably.
It’s clear from our conversation that Emily’s truly unique upbringing informed her love of the outdoors, which eventually led to her becoming a registered guide. As she puts it, she’s always interested in talking to strangers, hearing their life stories, taking them somewhere outside their comfort zone, and being in that moment with them. So it’s no surprise that she got involved with an organization like Maine GearShare, which strives to bring more and more people into those moments.
As Emily sees it, Maine GearShare is trying to fire up the spark of a societal shift in thinking - maybe we don’t all have to own everything. And maybe, just maybe, access to the outdoors is a fundamental human right that shouldn’t be limited only to those who can afford the “right” gear, clothing and equipment.
I love this business model, I love geeking out listening to people with a passion talk about bringing their visions to life, I love that organizations like Maine GearShare are acting to expand access to the fun and adventure that can be had outdoors. All.The.Love.
You can get more information about Maine GearShare at mainegearshare.org - check out the kinds of equipment they have in inventory, find out about membership, maybe even make a donation to support their work right there on the website!
(And if you happen to find yourself on Route 1 heading into Brunswick any time soon, maybe hit the Aroma Joe’s first and bring Jackson a treat, he is definitely earning it with all the stanky middle school camping gear that man has to manage!)
Before I go, some fun upcoming events and links: