Discovering the Forest: Our First Weeks at TrailBreak

Welcoming New Explorers

This spring, we embarked on our inaugural weeks at TrailBreak Journeys, and the energy in the forest has been electric! Our young learners arrived eager to meet new friends, set up their journals, and begin their journey in outdoor project-based learning.

Adapting to Nature’s Classroom

From mud-trail hikes to creekside investigations, students embraced the unpredictable rhythms of the outdoors. Their curiosity blossomed as we discovered our base camp, learned to spot native plants, and discussed our goals for the semester. Morning circle has become a cherished ritual, filled with gratitude, songs, and sharing.

Early Projects

• Creating personalized field journals

• Setting up a mini weather station

• Designing scavenger hunts to learn site boundaries

Our first module introduced the basics of map-making, with kids drawing their own site maps and practicing navigation skills. Each day, it’s amazing to see how quickly confidence grows—even in the rain!

Reflection

These early weeks have been a testament to the power of learning outside. Our students are not just absorbing knowledge—they’re shaping the experience themselves, one adventure at a time.