For Parents
WILL offers teens new horizons for their lives.
Wilderness, Leadership & Learning (WILL), Inc., is grounded
in the belief that our youth are our greatest resource and
that no barrier—real or perceived—should keep
anyone from having the best life they can envision.
Parents Orientation:
During the Annual Holiday Party, WILL engages WILL parents
and family members in an enlightening and engaging discussion
about the WILL Year where we answer questions and reach a
mutual understanding of expectations and the need for communication.
Parents play an important role in ensuring that their sons
and daughters have a successful WILL experience. By supporting
WILL's mission, parents also support the development of mature
decision-making skills in their children, helping them to
understand consequences and the impact of their actions-or
lack of action.
"Xavier
is more respectful to his peers and he has learned to
interact in a group. He has also grown more into a young
man."
— Geraldine, WILL
Parent
"The WILL program was God-sent. It was much more than
I ever expected and I see the maturity level in my daughter
changing because of the program."
— Tyna, WILL Parent
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Frequently Asked Questions for Parents:
- Who joins WILL?
WILL is generally for 9th and 10th graders and is free for
its members, who must commit to being in the program for
at least a year and to actively participate in WILL events.
- What does WILL do?
WILL gives young people the opportunity to see their world
in a whole new way by participating in a variety of programs.
These include wilderness challenges, educational trips,
and special events designed to promote team-building and
inspire mutual trust and growth as a leader. Each new experience
is intended to help a teenager learn how to approach his
or her life with integrity, self-reliance, and confidence.
WILL members also have the opportunity to fulfill community
service hours and to unravel the mysteries of the college
admissions process. WILL staff can also write required letters
of recommendation for your child and help them learn about
scholarships, financial aid, and student loans and grants.
- How often does WILL meet—and
where?
WILL generally meets twice a month meets on Saturdays and
school holidays, including a 3-day adventure at the Chesapeake
Bay over Spring Break and a 7-day Expedition on the Appalachian
Trail over the summer. From October through the following
September, each youth participates in WILL activities for
at least 284 hours, which equals more than 1.5 hours per
student day, above and beyond each member’s regular
in-school time. Meeting locations vary according to the
activity; typically everyone meets at a central location,
then we travel as a group to the event. Sometimes we meet
at the program site.
- As a parent, how do I participate
in WILL?
Parents are an integral and important part of the WILL family
and help ensure their child’s participation in WILL
events and activities. The involvement and commitment of
all of our members is necessary for the program’s
success.
"When Labrina first told me about the WILL program
coming to her school and how she wanted to join in,
I was kinda skeptical about it. Then I thought maybe
I should let her join up as a way to keep her busy,
and honestly that's how I viewed to program at first.
After the first few sessions is when I began to take
an interest in the program ... since then I have seen
a tremendous amount of growth in Labrina.
Her leadership and uncanny ability to stand in front
of a crowd and speak has brought tears of joy as I watch
her blossom into a wonderful young lady. Her ability
to speak up and learn more about environment is amazing.
So, I say thank you.
I also would like to say thank you for the opportunities
and experiences that she was exposed to that she might
not otherwise have experienced ...such as camping in
the Appalachian mountains, rock climbing, canoeing,
and spending time at the Karen Noonan center!
Again, I sincerely say thank you and I appreciate you
and your program for the opportunities you provide for
the youth in our communities!!!!! :)
With heartfelt thanks," —
Daniel, WILL Graduate's Brother/Guardian |
About our Logo…The WILL logo depicts the three
main aspects of our philosophy:
Each word in the name Wilderness Leadership & Learning
is purposeful and plays a role in advancing our goals. WILL’s
various program elements overlap and mesh together with specific
learning objectives in mind, all toward developing each member’s
self-confidence, leadership, and decision-making abilities.
- Wilderness - The outdoors
provides tremendous learning and teaching opportunities.
Most importantly, the wilderness allows us to positively
challenge WILL members, to push the envelope and expand
their respective comfort zones so that they come to understand
there is NO barrier they cannot overcome and that they can
each achieve the greatest life each envisions. The wilderness
also provides a myriad of new experiences for everyone.
- Leadership - For WILL, being
a leader can mean and be many things, including being responsible
and making good decisions (being a leader within/to oneself);
one who has breadth of experience, has respect, compassion
and empathy for others and the environment, is a good communicator
and listener, positively deals with challenges, sets the
example, and can both lead and follow, as appropriate.
- Learning - WILL strives for
its participants to experience and be exposed to new opportunities.
Through the program’s learning crucibles, decision-making
and life skills increase and curiosity and appreciation
for trying new things and not being afraid of the unknown
expands.
The sun and the water are the commitment and support offered
by the WILL family so that our kids can flourish and reach
their full potential.
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"The
college workshop sponsored by WILL in May was very informative.
I had the opportunity to talk with representatives from
a variety of colleges and universities and gain a better
understanding of the admissions and financial assistance
processes." —
Sharon, WILL Parent
"WILL
has changed me in many ways... from now on, I will always
do things to the best of my ability, and my school work
will not be late." —
Hector, WILL Member |
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