Tales from the Trails - Transformation
A quarterly account of when the hard edges of city lift meet the grit of the outdoors.
In our first edition of Tales from the Trails we heard from our students about what thankfulness means to them.
For our second installment, we spoke with CREW advisors about TRANSFORMATION and the personal growth they witness in their students when out in nature. Read on as we share stories from four advisors.
PUSHING BOUNDARIES
Tiffany has been an advisor for Adventure Crew at Bellevue High School for almost five years. In that time, she's witnessed how students on adventures face their fear and anxiety, tackle challenges, and grow through determination.
"Adventure Crew provides invaluable experiences for our students. Adventure Crew provides structured opportunities for them to get outside of their comfort zone. As a result, our students are maturing and developing grit and perseverance, inside and outside of the classroom."
A PLACE TO BELONG
Tammy recently told one of her students at Ludlow High School about an upcoming school dance. His response, "I'd rather be out with Adventure Crew."
“This kiddo just needs a 'team' to belong to. He doesn’t play sports. He doesn’t participate in other clubs. But he is a member of the Adventure Crew. And if someone asks him, that’s his club. He knows about the adventures and he can talk confidently about things he’s done. The Monday after a trip seems like his favorite school day.
He is so excited about the hiking trip this weekend because he’s going to get a new Adventure Crew hoodie! Our other school teams have gear and now he can represent, too! I am confident that he will wear this hoodie quite often and very proudly. I can’t wait to see him with it on.”
OUTDOORS FOR ALL
Neelum is a school psychologist at Withrow High School and loves the therapeutic benefits nature offers all of her students, regardless of ability.
“One of my dear students has a physical and cognitive disability. At school, he doesn’t always get treated in the most kind ways by his peers, yet day after day I see his face smiling through the halls. He radiates positivity and warmth to everyone around him.
He is always quick to ask about the next Adventure Crew trip. It is incredible to see the excitement that comes to him from being able to be a part of a group that he feels like he belongs to. For many of our students, being outdoors is therapeutic in its own way. As we go on adventures, I see students overcome their doubts and realize that there is no judgement when you enter nature.”
TAKING THE LEAD
Clark Montessori advisor, Ann, knows students engage and learn differently. For one student in particular, Adventure Crew provides an unique opportunity to grow as a learner and leader.
“I have a student who struggles with classwork and homework completion. The area where he excels is in Adventure Crew. Adventure Crew is where his exuberance and fun personality shine.
He is a go-getter and is the best CREW recruiter I have ever had. He excites the other students about the outdoors and is at almost every adventure we have. It is a joy to see him feeling so good about himself and his accomplishments in the outdoors.”
If these stories of TRANSFORMATION move you, please consider donating to make more of them possible through Adventure Crew. With your support, city teens in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky can continue to experience the special sense of belonging in nature.