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.

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.