Why a 55-mile trek is a mandatory rite of passage for freshmen at one high school
Summary
St. Benedict's Preparatory School in Newark, New Jersey, requires all freshmen to complete a 55-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail as part of a 53-year-old tradition. The hike takes five days with some adult supervision, teaching students teamwork and resilience.Key Facts
- The hike is mandatory for all freshmen at St. Benedict's Prep.
- Students train starting in early spring with exercises and team-building.
- They hike in small groups with assigned roles like captain, cook, medic, and navigator.
- The trek lasts five days and covers 55 miles on the Appalachian Trail.
- The school encourages hiking even in rain to prepare students for difficult situations.
- The goal is to teach students to rely on each other and develop independence.
- This tradition has been ongoing for 53 years.
- The program is unusual for a school in an urban setting like Newark, where hiking is uncommon.
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