Gain Your Outside Perspective

Last weekend Outside Perspectives took youth from Waterbury Youth Services to Black Rock State Park in Thomaston, CT. Tucked into the scenic rolling hills of the Western Highlands, 439-acre Black Rock Park offers a variety of outdoor activities. [caption id="attachment_924" align="alignright" width="256"] Activity field[/caption] Starting the day off with some fun games in the field we started to get to know each other a bit. Next we set our sights on the large protruding, aptly named, black rock at the top of a hill overlooking the field. [caption id="attachment_922" align="alignleft" width="284"] Black Rock[/caption]   The descriptive name for the rock is given because of its' contrasting darker-colored material known as graphite. A material found in your average #2 pencil. This fact is directly linked to the area's history, as early settlers to the Naugatuck Valley were given rights to mine graphite lead by the re...

[caption id="attachment_558" align="aligncenter" width="5184"] YEP youth and mentors taking in the sunset from atop Alander Mountain. [/caption] Outside Perspectives teamed up with The Connecticut Youth Excellence Project  (YEP) for an action-packed  trip to Alander Mountain in Massachusetts. Upon arrival at the trailhead on Saturday, June 11th, the skies opened up giving ample opportunity for mama Nature's experiential lessons on clothing choices and preparedness. After a conversation about how to stay warm and dry in inclement weather, the group put on ponchos, packed gear and headed out to brave the elements. While it was a soggy start, the weather cleared and the sun shone bright in the afternoon. We powered our way into camp and the students set up our generously donated brand new tents. Click here  for an entertaining speedy set-up video. [caption id="attachment_555" align="aligncenter" width="5184"] Hiking throu...