Will Restrospective - A pictorial history
2004 - 2005
In the fall of 2004, the first special group of young men and women were chosen to become Wilderness Leadership & Learning (WILL) members. During the next year, these teens learned life lessons about what a person can accomplish though commitment to setting and achieving goals and being accountable on all levels. Through demonstrating responsibility, consideration, and integrity, they also grew to touch each others' lives (and mine). Below is the pictorial story of their journey-come relive their passage!
- Steve Abraham, WILL founder
In November, WILL kicked off 2004 - 2005 with a challenge/ropes course program.
"Today is another great day-unbelievable experience to be able to see what we have seen and done. Thanks for everything."
— Tom
"Today was the first day that I felt like a leader. The teamwork, the cooperation, and the communication are all examples of becoming and being a leader. I love the fact that I was nominated to become part of this program."
— Taylor
Throughout the winter and early spring months, our activities including touring the U.S. Capitol, The Pentagon, and the 3rd District Metropolitan Police Station.
"The Capitol building is full of outstanding statues and historical paintings. From the first step I [took to] enter the building to this minute, I feel inspired to be a leader-and to be one of those pictures."
— Dani
"You have provided a chance for me to meet new and diverse people and to be a part of a program that will broaden my horizons. A part of me has changed forever!"
— Taylor
In May, our members and their families got a personal look at the college admissions process at WILL's College Admissions Forum.
"When I participate [in WILL], I enjoy myself while learning."
— Nikki
For our first annual WILL Service Project, we spent a day with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation on the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers and helped clean up Anacostia Park.
"Being a member of WILL has taught me about leadership. A leader is someone who is responsible. A leader steps up when no one else will. They know what to do and when to do it. They take responsibility for their actions."
— Julian
"For me, WILL has been the best experience-I have learned from others, and others have learned from me. I've also discovered many things about myself through this program."
— Nebiat
The culmination of WILL's incredible 1st year was the Expedition-10 awesome days in August backpacking along the famous Appalachian Trail. WILL members explored the furthest reaches of physical, mental, and spiritual boundaries; pushed beyond perceived limits to develop greater self-confidence and greater trust in others; and learned to appreciate even more the benefits of working as a team and that, with commitment, we can reach the goals we set for our lives.
"This program has given me many tools that I can use in the future. The expedition, in particular, opened my eyes to learning about myself and what I can do when I push my limits."
— Tom
"Because of your support of the WILL program, I have changed for the better, and have become a great role model for other youth."
— Sierra
To view the 2005 - 2006 WILL Retrospective, please click here.
To view the 2006 - 2007 WILL Retrospective, please click
here.
To return to WILL Programs, please click
here.
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