LOCALadk Magazine

LOCALadk 23 and the ability to apply for grants. The Lake Placid Rotary, Stewarts, and the Cloudsplitter Foundation have given generous fiscal gifts that show support for this program in public schools. These funds have gone directly to the gear necessary for safe backcountry living. Looking towards the future WOODS believes that a district's ability to recognize the benefits of the program will increase over time as students choose to participate year after year. In November of 2023, both freshmen girls and freshmen boys from LPCSD participated in WOODS trips. Those very same freshmen have the opportunity of gradu- ating in 2027 with up to 20 days of backcountry wil- derness experiences if they were to participate each of their four years in high school. These experiences can become a catalyst for transferable skills that set students up for success in a variety of future endeav- ors, as well as career opportunities in the outdoors, and will lay the foundational groundwork for building happy, healthy humans. For program sustainability, data collection through WOODS and the ability of such to be portrayed at board meetings will be paramount. By increasing the number of student participants each year, as well as expanding amongst different school districts, WOODS will have the capability to collect and analyze data through key measurements that are more than likely to portray increases in student health. WOODS aims to leverage wearable technology, conduct surveys, and collect biometric data to show improvements in met- rics such as: Heart Rate Variability, Resting Heart Rate, lower levels of cortisol (stress hormone in the body), less depression, less anxiety, and stronger meaningful bonds among peers. With these metrics, the WOODS program could take root as a necessary and formative part of the high school curriculum in this region. The Adirondacks could further lead public education to excellence. Imagining possibilities WOODS has been in communication with school districts all over the region, including Ausable Valley, Bouquet Valley, Keene Valley, Saranac Lake, and Tup- per Lake. Many administrators across these districts have shown interest and understand the benefits this experience would offer their students. The WOODS vision is to embed the program in as many districts as possible and create a cross connection between local teens through a shared positive, challenging experi- ence. LPCSD students that have completed a trip share similar sentiments in their surveys, expressing grati- tude for their caregivers, running water, and beds — under ceilings and within walls. And each time, there were consistent statements from students making the point that they did not miss their phones. While they might, and likely do, enjoy all the catching up they get to do once they get their phones back, the reprieve felt refreshing. I'd like to think it is because they gained something more impactful – authentic human connection. Learn more about WOODS by visiting thewoodsprogram.com t All photos were provided by Carolyn Walton

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