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.