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.

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!