We’re back! Our fall cohort returned Friday afternoon from five days along the Appalachian Trail just across the river in north Jersey this past week, where we hiked about 28 fairly rocky miles and climbed the equivalent of nearly seventy floors, finding camp at a new location each evening. We also got in a morning of rock climbing Thursday. We had beautiful weather for most of the week, with heavy rain only overnight Monday, and some occasional very light rain during a couple of our hikes. With seven amazing students, came with a range of experience, eagerness and connections and all left greatly changed for the better by the experience. Outward Bound is far more than a five day backpacking expedition, which they often don’t learn until the end of day two. Our students gain an experience unlike most others they could enjoy in any typical school week. It is a truly transformative experience for our students that are open to a new and exciting challenge, but, most importantly, using it as an opportunity of introspection, personal goal-setting and building connections.

The start of our hike, near Kittatinny Point VC along the Appalachian Trail, on Monday afternoon.

 

Taking in the scenery at Sunfish Pond on the morning of day two.

 

Our pic at the “Pile of Rocks”, at the summit of our six mile day two hike around midday.

 

Taking a break to take in the view on day three. Our kids took on day three with renewed motivation after a thoughtful discussion the previous evening.

 

Kenneth climbing.

 

Griffin climbing. Clearly he’s done this before.

 

A packs-on break on our last long hike taking in the majestic beauty of man-made electrical power, headed to our last camp on day four.

 

At our final campsite late Thursday afternoon. We’d have an early morning breakdown of camp in the dark the next day and a two mile hike at sunrise to our transportation.