The Woods Project
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Mission Statement
The Woods Project is a comprehensive program of wilderness education experiences oriented toward the development of life skills in youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Woods Project programming starts in September of each year with selected High School students. Programming continues through the school year and culminates in intensive summer sessions designed to promote team building, provide physical challenges and opportunities for leadership development. During the fall and spring, activities include: Weekly after school Outdoor/Environmental Clubs, hosted at several of our Houston School Partners. The curriculum for these Clubs promotes a bigger vision of the world. Weekend backpacking, camping and service projects in the national forests and park areas near Houston. These activities are intended to improve self esteem, self reliance and leadership skills while giving the students a preview of the challenges they will encounter during the summer session.
About This Cause
Purpose: Creating wilderness exploration experiences that promote academic success, college and career readiness, and lifelong thriving for Houston high school students who wouldn't otherwise have access to these opportunities. Vision: All students will have the social and emotional skills required for success in school and life. Mission: The Woods Project creates wilderness education and exploration experiences that develop critical behaviors needed for disadvantaged students to achieve success in school and life. We seek to develop the following abilities in our students: Independence/Self-Control - Independently make decisions and think through consequences Adaptability - Embrace and function effectively in new environments Grit/Perseverance - Accept failure without accepting defeat Zest/Curiosity – Be more outwardly focused, more engaged and enthusiastic in school, the community and the wider world Social Intelligence – Work with others to achieve common goals Critical Thinking – Work through complex challenges and ask the questions necessary to achieve a solution Environmental Awareness - Develop a strong connection with nature and an understanding of the relationship between science and the environment Students can participate in year-round programming: SCHOOL YEAR PROGRAM After-School Clubs, hosted at several of our Houston School Partners. The curriculum for club promotes a bigger vision of the world and includes projects related to both outdoor and environmental studies. Students learn everything from Leave No Trace principles to how to work as a team to conquer everyday challenges. Fall and Spring Weekend Trips, including environmental service projects, backpacking, canoeing and kayaking programs in the national forests and park areas near Houston. These activities are intended to improve self-esteem, self-reliance and leadership skills while giving the students a preview of the challenges they will encounter during the summer session. SUMMER PROGRAM The school-year programming prepares students for the core of our program, which is an intensive two-week summer trip at locations around the country. Students spend their time at nationally recognized wilderness institutes which offer in-depth work in the sciences, journaling, creative writing, and more. In addition to the academic sessions, students participate in a 5-night backpacking trip covering 30-40 miles over mountain peaks at places like Olympic National Park and Donner Summit/Desolation Wilderness. The summer immersion session reinforces the lessons learned during the school year and exposes the students to a wide variety of new experiences that serve to further develop the character strengths and life skills necessary to function effectively in the college environment and beyond.