by Heather Whitaker
On a crisp, sunny October morning 15 middle school students set-out on a three-day, two-night hiking trip to Carter Notch, in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The students hiked four miles to the huts. Each student carried their own backpack containing clothes, sleeping bag, water, and food. For some students their backpack equaled their own size.
At the huts, students lived with limited electricity, no heat, and sometimes no running water. In that case, students collected water from a nearby pond and then boiled it for safety. We spent our days hiking, exploring the area, all the time engaged in team building activities, learning about the geological landscape, and practicing “leave no trace” philosophy. Some students even accepted a “challenge hike” initiative and reached the summit of their first 4,000+ foot peak.
In the evenings, we cooked and cleaned for ourselves and had what we laughingly called “forced family fun” where we played board games like Scrabble and chess or sat around the table, just talking with each other. Throughout the entire experience, the students, our Outdoor Education teacher, our Alternative Education Technician (teaching assistant), our school social worker, two Appalachian Mountain Club staff, and I immersed ourselves in self-discovery and self-reflection.
Struggles. Though it may seem like all roses, this trip was demanding and, due to their lack of experience and lack of confidence, our students often struggled to participate – whether it was cooking dinner for the group, cleaning their hut or socializing appropriately during free time. They did learn, however, to push themselves to accomplish tasks that are well out of their comfort zone.
For some students, this was the first time they had ever slept away from home. For others, there were real fears about what may happen to members of their family when they are gone.
I have had parents share that their child is a “bedwetter” and they are petrified they will be “found out.” And, the sheer physical requirements of the hike can create a huge mental block for some, blocks that take much support and mental fortitude to overcome.
On the morning we were to return, we found that during the night 14 inches of snow had fallen! The surprise snow storm could have been a struggle, but the students were prepared. Forging back through the snow, reinforced what they had learned about packing properly, relying on one another for safety, and the critical importance of following safety procedures.
Safe, Accepted, Respected. On the last evening of our trip, we purchased a Carter Notch pin for each student and held a pinning ceremony. As each student stood before their peers and the adults, we all shared the many reasons we were proud: Determination, leadership, team work, overcoming challenges, and pure grit were themes that emerged.
As we pointed out their achievements during the three-days, a smile was plastered across every student’s face. Some even asked for a picture to commemorate the moment. After our ceremony, a student looked at the group and said, “You are all like my family.” A chorus of responses like “yeah,” and “exactly” affirmed this sentiment and quickly spread throughout our group.
You see my students, who are in an alternative education program, aren’t usually the ones that are celebrated. They don’t win the awards at award banquets. Their names aren’t celebrated over the school intercom…. So this is why this moment, on a fall evening in the middle of the White Mountains, was so powerful.
From this hiking trip, along with learning from their Outdoor Education class and a series of progressively longer hikes, students learned how to plan trips, proper hiking equipment and attire, trail etiquette, basic first aid, map and compass skills, problem solving, and team building. Equally they practiced interpersonal effectiveness, emotional regulation, and mindfulness.
Perhaps most importantly, the trip strengthened relationships. Standing at our makeshift pinning ceremony, it was clear my students not only felt proud of what they had accomplished, they felt recognized, validated and connected with each other. It was a beautiful moment that brought tears to the eyes of the adults in the room; we witnessed our students being truly “seen” for the first time.
Whether we are working with our traditional achievers or our most at-risk students, the most important work of a teacher is to build an environment where every student feels safe, respected, and accepted. Because of this groundwork, my students are willing to take positive risks not only on these trips, but in the school setting. They are willing to face challenges head-on.
Relationships are at the heart of the work we do. As educators, we must make every day for our students a day where they feel like they just received a Carter Notch Pin. A day where they feel successful and accomplished. But, most of all, loved.
Heather Whitaker, 2020 Maine Teacher of the Year, is an alternative education teacher at Gorham (Maine) Middle School, and has 20 years of teaching experience. To learn more about hiking trips, creating a caring class culture, her students’ community service, or related topics contact Heather at heather.whitaker@gorhamschools.org.
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