LOCALadk Magazine
Issue link: https://localadkmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1531798
LOCALadk 42 in the Woods. Designed specifically for homeschool students and their families, this program fosters connections to the Adirondack Park, the outdoors, and each other while supporting New York State curricu- lum through hands-on, nature-based learning. The program's roots trace back to 2020, when ADK adapted the Three Seasons curriculum into a virtual format during the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative, titled Bringing Heart Lake to Your Backyard, reached over 30 homeschool families in collaboration with Sunita Halasz and North Country Homeschooling. Re- alizing the enthusiasm of the local homeschool com- munity, ADK began exploring ways to create in-person experiences tailored to these families. In May 2023, ADK launched its first Homeschool in the Woods session. Since then, the program has gained momentum, offering two three-week sessions and piloting a six-week session in the fall. Each session focuses on a specific theme, tying lessons together with inquiry-based and experiential learning that mir- rors traditional classroom topics. Although still new, the program has received glow- ing feedback from parents. One shared, "They abso- lutely loved the program—so much that they say it's their favorite activity and ask all the time when they get to go again. She was SO excited there is going to be a winter session!" Another parent noted, "The curriculum aligns perfectly with our science program, but even if it didn't, it's so engaging that my daughters have come back from each class saying it's their favor- ite thing they've ever done!" Looking Ahead ADK's youth programs, from Three Seasons at Heart Lake to Homeschool In the Woods, are laying the foundation for a future where environmental steward- ship is second nature. By engaging children through outdoor adventures and academic connections, these programs nurture a love for nature and a sense of responsibility for its care. As these initiatives grow and evolve, one thing remains clear: the Adirondack Mountain Club's com- mitment to youth education is shaping the next generation of environmental stewards, ensuring that the natural beauty of the Adirondacks will inspire and thrive for years to come. t