Starting the Season Strong with Ethel Walker's 7th Grade!



On May 9th Outside Perspectives embarked on its' first expedition of the season with all 12 girls from the Ethel Walker School's 7th Grade class. The Ethel Walker School is an independent, college preparatory, boarding and day school for girls in grades 6 through 12 in Simsbury, CT. Coming at the end of the school year, the expedition fortified the existing relationships between the girls and supported the school's grounding values of integrity, respect, confidence, courage, conviction, and love of learning. By reflecting these important values in all aspects of the expedition, Outside Perspectives is supporting the framework for personal, ethical and social growth which will follow them as they move into the 8th grade and beyond.


The girls tackled many obstacles on their journey and explored some of the most beautiful scenery Connecticut and Massachusettes has to offer. Hiking eight strenuous miles with heavy packs, these ladies came together as a crew and supported each other through the highs and lows. Highlights include climbing to the top of Race Brook Falls. They jumped in with both feet digging deep and pushing the limits of what they thought they were capable of. After coming out on top many expressed feeling strong and powerful!


Hiking on the Appalachian Trail, the East Coast's iconic long-distance trail stretching from Georgia to Maine, with its cliff-like ridgeline and sweeping views of the Housatonic River Valley was a highlight for many, but for some, it was an opportunity to face a fear of heights!


On the last day, the girls woke early, quickly broke down camp and climbed to the top of the highest mountain in CT to eat breakfast! Scrambling their way to the top of Bear Mountain, these ladies triumphed as a team. Reflecting on their experience many expressed that they were capable of much more then they thought they were and that they felt more empathy towards one another. The experience clearly brought them closer together.


Thanks so much to these courageous ladies for taking a leap into the unknown! We are so proud of everything you accomplished on your journey. Thanks also to the amazing Dr. Semk for joining the expedition and supporting these ladies from the beginning to the end. Also a big thanks to Ms. Harris for taking care of all the behind the scenes details and making sure all the participants and their families had everything they needed throughout the process. Thanks finally to the Ethel Walker School and the families for sharing these amazing young women with Outside Perspectives. It was a pleasure to take them into the wilderness! We wish these ladies the best of luck as they finish the academic year strong!

All the best,

Instructors Nicky & Shannon

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