It’s been about a month since we hosted our first Climbing and Confidence Course. As we continue guiding teens toward reaching their goals, I wanted to share three highlights from our day together.

Wilmington Rock Gym
While we’ve roped up at the base of Shining Rock before, this was EWoW’s first time taking students to Wilmington Rock Gym. It’s a great spot for teens who want to go far—right here in Wilmington. They supplied all the gear, safe instruction, and buckets of positive vibes. A super dyno to all of this is that our Climbing Fairy Godfather made the connection and sponsored our time at the gym!

Step Up Wilmington
Another first for EWoW. We work with a lot of organizations (Ocean Cure, Carousel Center, and Yoga Village, to name a few), but this was our debut at their great space in the Brooklyn Arts District. It was outside our comfort zone, yet completely aligned with our goals to help teens improve communication, decision-making, insight, and self-esteem. Taking time to identify what “I am” helped our students see what they have to offer the workforce and gave them concrete steps toward employment. Our students left with new insight, new confidence, and—let’s be honest—a deep appreciation for Step Up’s legendary snack stash. (Teens run on pretzels.)

Teens Will Leave the House for Snacks & a Harness
All but two students attended—that’s a huge win, the best win really. It’s hard to “show up” these days. There’s so much heavy stuff, and sometimes it’s hard to go. This is especially true for our EWoW students. We all know the pitfalls of being 13 to 18 years old… add lack of transportation, living in a two-bedroom home with six people, no HVAC, or debilitating anxiety. Despite these barriers, all but two made it! It’s proof that when you invest in teens, they rise. They show up. They climb.

What’s Next: Intro to Backpacking
This spring break, we’ll head into Eno River State Park for our next course: Intro to Backpacking. Three days, packs on our backs, trails under our feet, and a group of teens ready to discover what they’re capable of when the only way forward is step by step.

We’re thrilled to share the impact of Education Without Walls’ second outdoor education course, held on November 15, 2026 This day was dedicated to team-building activities designed to unite a diverse group of teens and help them feel seen and valued as part of a positive peer group. The day was filled with “Get to Know Me” games that sparked conversation and broke the ice, team-oriented disc golf that encouraged collaboration and problem-solving, and the creation of a group flag—a symbolic project that gave the teens a shared identity.

Beyond the fun, we witnessed powerful shifts — a few shy and insecure teens began stepping into confidence; others deepened connections and engaged in new conversations, and some started to feel truly integrated and part of something special. Not every teen fits perfectly or finds their stride right away—and that’s okay. Our mission throughout the year is to support each student as they work through challenges and discover ways to flourish—in the classroom, with friends, at home, and eventually in their future workplaces.

Next up: Wilmington Rock Gym! Our third course will challenge teens to push past their comfort zones, build resilience, and discover the strength that comes from trust and perseverance. We can’t wait to share those stories with you soon!

On September 6, 2025 Education Without Walls officially launched our new program year at Carolina Beach State Park. The event brought together 24 exceptional students from Pender, Brunswick, and New Hanover Counties, including 13 new participants. Among them were a paid Leader-in-Training already shaping the future, avid readers, a future Top Chef, and adventurers with over 32 backcountry days logged. There’s a track star determined to keep his grades up (this year), a young photographer who connects from behind the lens, a budding social butterfly just breaking out of her cocoon, and two loving brothers. Threaded through this tapestry are students navigating the complexities of foster care, adoption, poverty, instability, or trauma — each one carrying a story of resilience, courage, and hope. Their journeys may be marked by challenge, but they show up with drive, heart, and an adventurous spirit.

Throughout the day, students hiked, played endless games of tag, received their EWOW journals, completed a two-mile scavenger hunt, participated in a Summit and a Communication Ed. group, ate infinite amounts of burgers/hotdogs, and relaxed into a restorative yoga session. The energy and engagement from our youth set a powerful tone for the year ahead.

Thank you for your continued support in making these transformative experiences possible. Next up Disk Golf and Beach Games in November.