Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, has partnered with Cranberry Middle School to create the TRAIL (Teaching Responsibility And Inspiring Leadership) Blazers program.
At the school’s request, the program features a series of hikes progressing in difficulty throughout the school year, with a goal of nurturing students’ skills in confidence, leadership, planning, team building and trail etiquette. As the students gain these skills, they can apply them on and off the trail, taking on more responsibility in naturalist exploration, navigation and safety. While this year’s inaugural program had some timing issues due to Hurricane Helene, organizers wanted to make sure this year’s participants still received the opportunity.
“It was important for us to continue on with our TRAIL Blazer plans in the wake of the storm and after local schools were back in session,” said John Caveny, director of conservation and education for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. “Our staff has enjoyed collaborating and planning with Cranberry Middle and wanted to provide students with the chance to hike and learn some things along the way about nature and themselves, even if the program was abbreviated this year.”
In the original TRAIL Blazers plan, Grandfather staff would visit Cranberry Middle School, part of Avery County Schools, every other month throughout the school year to instruct the students on topics they could use on the trail, such as personal leadership skills and introspection. In the months between these in-class sessions, the students were scheduled to hike at Grandfather Mountain or in surrounding areas, implementing the skills they learned in class.
Mast General Store and Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation have partnered to provide all the necessary gear that the students will need for the hikes. At the end of the program the students can keep the gear to use on their own adventures.
“The Mast Store is honored to join Grandfather Mountain to support the TRAIL Blazers program,” said Lisa Cooper, president of Mast General Store. “Providing opportunities for our young people to develop perspective and leadership skills is crucial for the future of our community. Through outdoor learning, students’ horizons will be expanded as will their confidence in their ability to reach their dreams.”
Due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene, this year’s TRAIL Blazers group got a late start in January. With a shortened timeline, the program has focused predominantly on the hikes this year, with hopes of implementing the full program next year. The group is eagerly anticipating one more hike: the Daniel Boone Scout Trail and Grandfather Trail combination hike in May.
“Even in such a short amount of time, it’s clear that the program is making an impact on our students,” said Jacqueline Aldridge, teacher at Cranberry Middle School. “We have a quiet group of leaders, but they’re starting to increase engagement with staff and peers. Even those little interactions show growth, and we’re excited to see it continue.”