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, 2025. 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.

This summer, ten remarkable teens set out on an 8 day expedition with The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE)—an experience designed to challenge, inspire, and transform. What unfolded over those eight days was far more than a trip; it became a journey of courage, community, and connection with the natural world.
A Journey Built on Challenge and Discovery
From the moment their boots hit the trail, these teens embraced every mile with determination. They learned to shoulder packs heavier than expected, navigate technical terrain, and support one another when the path became steep. Backpacking wasn’t just about the miles—they discovered the beauty of pacing themselves, of noticing the quiet details of the forest, and of finding unexpected strength within.
Climbing High—Together
Rock climbing days brought a new kind of challenge. Helmets clipped, ropes checked, and hearts racing, each teen took their turn facing the wall. With peers calling out encouragement from below, they pushed past doubt and reached heights they once thought impossible. Those moments—hands chalked, muscles burning—etched deep memories of perseverance and teamwork.
Living the Principles: Leave No Trace
Throughout the expedition, the group practiced the ethics of Leave No Trace. From campsite selection to waste management to minimizing their impact on trails and shorelines, the teens weren’t just learning outdoor skills—they were learning stewardship. Their efforts earned each of them a Leave No Trace certificate, recognizing their commitment to protecting the wild spaces they explored.
Surf, Sun, and Saltwater Confidence
The last day of the expedition, the crew swapped hiking boots for surfboards. For many, surfing was brand new—a mix of excitement and apprehension. But wave by wave, their confidence swelled. They learned to read the ocean, work with its rhythm, and cheer loudly for every wobble, wipeout, and triumphant stand. Laughter carried across the water as students began to trust their balance, their courage, and each other.


A Heartfelt Graduation Back on Campus
On the final day, the group returned to campus at 9809 River Road, Wilmington, NC 28412, where staff and families gathered for a celebration filled with emotion, laughter, and pride.
The graduation opened with camp skits—hilarious re creations of inside jokes, expedition mishaps, and memorable moments only the crew could fully appreciate. Each performance brought smiles and the kind of belly laughs that come from knowing you’ve shared something special together.
Then came graduation.
One by one, the students stepped forward to receive their Certificate of Completion from NCOAE, marking their achievement and the resilience, skills, and leadership they showed along the way. The moment was heartfelt—teens beaming with pride, parents glowing, and instructors celebrating the incredible growth they witnessed over the past eight days.
More Than an Expedition
This wasn’t just a week of outdoor adventure. It was a journey that built confidence, independence, environmental awareness, and friendships that will last long beyond the final campfire.
To the teens who completed this summer expedition:
Congratulations. You showed up, you dug deep, you supported one another, and you finished strong. The trail you traveled together will stay with you for life.

At Education Without Walls, our mission is to offer meaningful outdoor experiences that inspire confidence, resilience, and connection. Four times a year, our students step outside the traditional classroom to discover who they are and what they are capable of. Our third outing of the year—Palmer Surf Day—became the launch point for something even bigger: a multi-day outdoor adventure that unfolded in ways none of us expected.

A Forecast of Storms, a Day of Sunshine

In the days leading up to Palmer Surf Day, weather forecasts predicted a powerful storm aimed directly at Carolina Beach. Other community events began cancelling, and our team considered doing the same. But in the spirit of cautious optimism—and believing in the value of showing up—we decided to move forward. Sometimes forecasts miss the mark. Sometimes the best memories are made when we take the chance anyway.

When NCOAE instructors departed campus at 6:45 a.m., vans filled with students brimming with excitement, we hoped the skies would cooperate. And they did. As soon as our group crossed the dunes, they spotted the Ocean Cure tent, surfboards lined up, and a smiling team ready to welcome them.

Any nerves faded. The waves rolled in. And the students rose to meet them.

They challenged themselves, cheered for one another, wiped out with laughter, and stood up stronger with each attempt. The predicted storm never arrived. The sun stayed bright. And so did our students.

The Community Behind the Magic

This unforgettable day was made possible through the generous support of many:
– The Palmer Foundation sponsored the entire surf experience and gifted each student a rash guard to take home.
– The dedicated Ocean Cure volunteers provided professional instruction infused with warmth, patience, and encouragement.
– Supporters of “The Big 24” helped fund outdoor learning opportunities throughout the year, ensuring every student can rise to new challenges.

For many of our students, who navigate chaotic or uncertain home environments, a day like this is transformational. It is grounding. It is joyful. And it is healing.

But this year, the adventure didn’t end at the shoreline.

Expanding the Journey: Camping and Dragon Boat Paddling

Building off the energy and success of Palmer Surf Day, our students continued their outdoor education experience with an overnight campout at Carolina Beach State Park—followed the next day by an exhilarating introduction to dragon boat paddling.

Camping Under the Carolina Pines

After surfing, students headed into the peaceful forests of Carolina Beach State Park to set up camp. For many, this was their first night sleeping outdoors. They learned how to pitch tents, cook meals together, and practice Leave No Trace principles. As the sun set, students gathered for reflection circles, storytelling, and quiet moments under a star-filled sky.

The campout fostered teamwork, independence, and a sense of belonging that only grows around a shared campfire.

Dragon Boat Day: Learning to Move as One

The next morning, the adventure shifted to the water once again—this time in a dragon boat. Students learned how to paddle in sync, communicate clearly, and move as a unified team toward a shared goal. Dragon boat paddling demanded teamwork and rhythm, offering a thrilling blend of physical challenge and community connection.

For many students, this experience became a powerful metaphor: progress happens when we paddle together.

Our second outing of the program year started off chilly and stoic, reflecting both the weather and our students’ moods. However, within moments, carefully planned games sparked laughter and trust, transforming the 22 apprehensive teens into a positive peer group, engaged with each other and the day ahead. Soon, they set out for a day of activities designed to build on this newfound cohesion. They played disc golf relay races on the grass, balloon hacky sack, and high-energy games of capture the flag on the sand. Thanks to a generous donation from Jersey Mike’s, everyone enjoyed sandwiches during a picturesque picnic under the shade of beautiful oak trees. After a special closing circle, the students said their goodbyes, already talking about the next trip! Days like these are an important step in the bigger picture of what we do. Our mission-driven program focuses on helping students reach their goals by fostering their self-esteem, self-actualization, communication, and decision-making skills. Next up is a three-day “Intro to Backpacking” trip designed to continue the journey of belonging, self-discovery, and achievement.

I am happy to report that Education Without Walls had perfect weather to kicked off the new program year on Sunday. This was an all-day event filled with “get-to-know-you” and “just-for-fun” games.  With the support of five passionate advocates and two professional outdoor educators, our group bounded through fun initiatives that encouraged the students to learn more about each other and themselves.  Also, a spirited round of Capture the Flag had everyone laughing and feeling very winded! The Island Men also joined the effort, sharing their time and talents by grilling delicious hamburgers and hotdogs for all the participants—one of our students ate 5 cheese burgers!

The orientation was a wonderful start to a full year of programming with these teens. Sunday was a stepping stone and the students are already excited for our next outing: frisbee golf and a beach clean-up. Your contribution has made a difference in these teens’ lives, giving them a day of joy, teamwork, and growth.

3 Days at Eno River State Park

Day 1:
6:00 AM: Road Trip! The day starts with picking up students from New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick County. The van fills with nervous chatter and excited whispers. The students, aged 13 to 18, are a diverse group—some have never camped before, while others boast over 30 trail days. Snapshot: teens talking and not on their phones. 10:00 AM: Arrive. The air is crisp, and the scent of pine trees invigorates our spirits. At the trailhead, we pack our backpacks and ensure everyone has what they need. We hiked one mile to our campsite next to the rushing river. The day is filled with activities to build the students’ self-esteem and insight. Educators deliver lessons on packing a backpack, knot tying, water purification, feelings identification, and backcountry cooking. 6:00 PM: Burritos, Fire, Summit, Bed. As the sun sets, we gather for Summit, allowing the students to process the day’s events, deepen their insights, and connect their discoveries to their personal lives. After days like today, sleep is a well-earned prize.

Day 2:
7:00 AM: Backcountry Breakfast. Lots to do today, including three important lessons: Expeditionary Mindset, Communication 101, and Map Reading. The students document their experiences in field journals, blending structured notetaking with personal reflection. The new students learn from their more experienced peers, fostering a sense of community and mutual support. A 2-mile-long day hike allows for time by (and in) the river, rock skipping, and daydreams about the big fish. Maria, an 18-year-old dual-enrolled student and in her 4th year with Education Without Walls is helping with the younger group. She works closely with the NCOAE instructors to corral students and teach lessons. Her presence is invaluable, bridging the gap between new and experienced students. 5:30 PM: Personal Pizzas, Fire, Summit, Bed. Tonight’s Summit brings the students even closer together. Led by Maria’s prompt, “What brought you here?”, the students have plenty to talk about.

Day 3:
7:00 AM: Tent & Trail. On the final day, we continue to practice the skills learned. Tents are taken down, bags packed, cook crew makes oatmeal with brown sugar and walnuts, leaders of the day orient the map, water crew purifies, and off we go. 1:00 PM: Road & Home. The closing circle is always a mixed bag of sweet and sour but as we prepare to leave the park, I can see the transformation in each student. They emerge from the treeline with a renewed sense of self-worth and lighter stride. 3:30 PM: Drop off. Numbers and user tags are exchanged, profiles are liked, plans are made, hugs are shared. Next up: Camp out – Surf & Dragon Boat Racing in June!

Famed 19th-century self-promoter Phineas T. Barnum often opined that there’s no such thing as bad publicity. And while that philosophy certainly worked well for the American circus owner, we here at The National Center for Outdoor and Adventure Education (NCOAE) have discovered that a little promotion for a genuinely good cause can go even further.

We scored some valuable press coverage recently, and we weren’t a bit shy about our self-promoting efforts. The result was a seven-minute video-enhanced piece of journalism titled Beyond the Classroom, beautifully produced by EducationNC, an independent source of news, data, and analysis of education for the people of North Carolina. EdNC’s content encourages the public’s participation and leadership on behalf of school children in this state.

With kids’ education top of mind, we reached out to EdNC, suggesting the news organization might want to send a reporter or two to investigate our Education Without Walls program. Education Without Walls is NCOAE’s not-for-profit subsidiary. It is a wilderness-based outdoor education program for teenagers, many of whom — through no fault of their own — live at or below the federal poverty level.

Following a number of phone conversations between our administrators and theirs — as well as a few face-to-face meetings and invites to view some of our previously produced videos — EdNC committed to send Robert Kinlaw, a journalist and award-winning documentary filmmaker, along with Alex Granados, a researcher and legislative reporter for EducationNC, to our headquarters in Wilmington, N.C., to join us on two of our five-day Education Without Walls wilderness adventures.

The two trips — one a sea kayaking adventure and the other a backpacking trek — were brilliantly captured on film, along with interviews with NCOAE staff members and their young charges.

As you’ll see below, we couldn’t be more thrilled with the results, and we truly appreciate EdNC’s coverage of Education Without Walls.

Beyond the Classroom from Robert Kinlaw on Vimeo.

If you enjoy the video and are favorably impressed with Education Without Walls, we’re going to step up again and do some more self-promotion. We’re going to ask you to consider making a charitable donation to Education Without Walls by helping enroll a deserving member of the community in an upcoming wilderness outing.

As the video demonstrates, these students do far more than just learning how to set up a tent or cook outdoors. Our program teaches these deserving youth how to identify and improve their decision-making and communications skills, with many of them experiencing a sense of self-worth for the first time in their young lives. So, we urge you to make a donation to NCOAE for Education Without Walls today.

Here are a few options for donating:

• Make a Gift-in-Kind. We’re always in need of new outdoor gear. Equipment wears out and Education Without Walls is expanding. Call us at (910) 399-8090 and let us tell you about our wish list.
• Volunteer Your Expertise. Each of you possesses a unique set of skills and talents. Let’s have a conversation. Tell us how you’d like to help. Call us today at (910) 399-8090.
• Share Our Message. Get the word out. Tell your friends and family about the good work we do. Approach people who have a passion for education, the outdoors and helping people youth get a head start on all that life has in store.
• Share This Blog Post: Join us in some promotion of your own. Send this blog post to your friends and relatives and urge them to get involved in the future of these North Carolina youngsters who deserve the best education possible.
• Make a Donation: You knew we’d ask, and since Education Without Walls is a not-for-profit subsidiary of The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education, your cash donation is considered tax deductible nu the IRS. To make a donation or inquire about the covering the cost of one student to participate in Education Without Walls, call us today at (910) 399-8090.

Over the past two summers, The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) has received a total of nearly $9,000 from Island Women, Inc., a group of savvy, talented and passionate women who live in nearby Pleasure Island, N.C.  Island Women is a not-for-profit organization that’s on a mission to enhance the quality of life on Pleasure Island, which is located just five minutes south of NCOAE’s headquarters facilities in Wilmington.

The generous donation (totaling $8,874) was designated by the local group to be used in NCOAE’s not-for-profit subsidiary, Education Without Walls — an outdoor- and adventure-based program that provides academic and life skill guidance for high school kids living at or below the Federal Poverty Level. The end goal of our program is to motivate and support low-income students in identifying and achieving their potential.Among many other commitments, Island Women promotes education, cultural expression, and mentoring among women. In our case, Island Women’s members were interested in our Education Without Walls program after NCOAE Co-Founder Celine Adair was invited to address the organization in the summer of 2016.

Celine described how the majority of our Education Without Walls participants have not led easy lives, with few coming home each night to both biological parents. Many live with single mothers or fathers, while others live with a grandparent, an older brother or sister, or are being cared for by foster parents.

Many have even experienced the loss of family members to suicide, drugs, incarceration, and despair. Of course, many of those who are in charge of these youngsters suffer their own issues and tragedies, making them unable to provide even the briefest respite or relief from the poverty these youngsters experience on a daily basis. Most of these kids tell us they have never enjoyed so much as a family “road trip” or a weekend camping adventure.

And that’s where Education Without Walls comes into focus, by providing effective personal and academic growth experiences through outdoor education. In short, professionally managed and guided outdoor & experiential education experiences have been proven to mitigate a multitude of negative impacts and instead, provide positive and productive impressions to high-risk youngsters.

As a result of that chat before a group of 50 to 60 ladies that summer day in 2016, Island Women voted to support our Education Without Walls program in both 2017 and 2018.

Over the past two years, local middle and high school students have enjoyed summer adventures that go far beyond their expectations, and it’s all made possible in part because of the generous grants from Island Women.

We are so fortunate that Island Women’s members chose to focus some of their efforts on local kids and education, as doing so has made a world of difference through the offering of life-changing outdoor experiences for youth who often them the most.

If you would like to learn more about Island Woman, visit their website at IslandWomen.org.

If you’d like to support the next generation of talented and promising youth from low income families identify and achieve their potential, then please contact our Co-founder and Director of Operations, Celina Adair at our national headquarters (910-399-8090) or drop her note by email using celine at ncoae dot org. Education Without Walls teens participate in multi-day adventures that introduced them to kayaking on the Cape Fear River, surfing at Carolina Beach, rock climbing in Pilot Mountain State Park, mountaineering in Pisgah National Forest, backpacking in Uwharrie National Forest and paddling along the French Broad River.