I was given a gift as a young man to have known and been mentored by Bill Moore. I became the second Director of the Connecticut Wilderness School at the end of the School’s second summer in September 1975. Bill was the founder / chairman of the board / Godfather of the School. Bill was the force behind the School’s founding. It was Bill’s vision and his determination and leadership that brought the School into being. It was Bill’s deep understanding and belief in the power of experience to transform lives that was the foundation of the School.

Hiking through an Appalachian forest in northwestern Connecticut, with my co-instructor and ten pre-adjudicated youth, we are making our presence known. It is day three of a 26-day wilderness experience designed to help these young people set their lives upon a new, more positive course. As the last light filters through the trees, their raucous trail banter gradually gives way to the rhythmic pants of a steep ascent. In this still moment, I am aware of the vulnerability and resilience of these ancient mountains mirrored in the ways of our small tribe. We have returned to this primeval forest to repair and renew.

Welcome to the very first blog post of the Friends of the Connecticut Wilderness School initiative! We’re so excited to kick off this space for connection, creativity, and collaboration within the Wilderness School family. This blog is about building community, a place where all of us—alumni, current members, and friends—can come together to share stories, ideas, and reflections.