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.