Happy First Day of School

Unschooling Adventures on the Appalachian Trail

For most kids, the first day of school means new backpacks, sharpened pencils, and heading back into the classroom after a whirlwind summer of fantastical fun. For my boys, this year’s first day of school looks a little different. Gone are the desks and whiteboards, replaced by rocky trails winding through towering trees. Instead of textbooks, they have the Appalachian Trail, stretching from Georgia to Maine, offering lessons no classroom can match.

What I’ve loved most about this experience is the freedom from screen distractions. It's been a game-changer for my boys, pushing them to tap into their creativity and discover new ways to play. In my view, screens are one of the greatest obstacles to a child’s growth, dulling social skills, stifling imagination, and bombarding them with harmful influences. Watching them thrive without that weight has been incredibly rewarding. I’m determined to find a way to keep this momentum alive once we return home.

As we’ve hiked over the summer, I’ve watched my children learn and grow in ways that have touched my heart deeply. They’ve covered hundreds of miles, but they’ve also discovered new passions, faced challenges, and connected with the world around them in ways I never could have imagined.

Bro is a budding entomologist and claymation animator, with a deep interest in Greek mythology and biology. Super Tramp is passionate about physical fitness, strength, and endurance, and has taken a keen interest in illustrating his own graphic novels while diving into young adult fiction. He's never without his journal and pencil. Ice Cream Sandwich loves identifying plants and insects and has a fascination with natural disasters, especially tornadoes. He’s also starting to journal. Together, all three are captivated by interactive, collaborative storytelling through role-playing games, with Bro at the helm, providing endless entertainment during our hikes.

Watching them on this journey has been one of the greatest joys of my life. As we continue onward, I’m reminded that the most important lessons aren’t the ones you memorize for a test—they’re the ones that change you, that stay with you, that shape who you are. I know that these are the lessons my boys will carry with them long after we reach the end of our adventure. The trail is teaching them—and me—that learning is a lifelong journey, and the best adventures are the ones that make us see the world, and ourselves, a little differently.

Hands-on learning has always been the most effective strategy for me, so I'm thrilled to offer my children an immersive, hands-on educational experience. The first half of our hike presented an abundance of learning opportunities, and I’m eager to discover what the second half will reveal.

Here are just a few examples of the diverse learning experiences my boys have been immersed in during our journey so far:

West Virginia: In Harpers Ferry, they learned about the Civil War and John Brown’s raid by visiting the museum and standing on the very ground where these events unfolded. We visited the Appalachian Trail Conservancy headquarters, where they learned about the history of the trail and its role in American conservation efforts.

Pennsylvania: In Pennsylvania, often referred to as "Rocksylvania" by hikers, my boys learned about geology firsthand as they navigated the trail's notorious rocky terrain. They discovered the difference between sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, and how glacial activity shaped the landscape thousands of years ago. They practiced geology as they navigated the endless trails of sharp, jagged rocks, learning to identify different types of stones like quartzite and shale that covered the trail. At Pine Grove Furnace State Park, they explored the history of the iron industry, learning about the charcoal-fired blast furnaces that were once vital to the area’s economy.

New Jersey: Crossing into New Jersey, the boys learned about ecology and conservation at the Delaware Water Gap. They studied the varied ecosystems, from wetlands to ridges, and observed native wildlife such as black bears and white-tailed deer. We explored Sunfish Pond, a glacial lake where they learned about glacial geology and how the pond was formed during the last Ice Age. They also encountered the impact of invasive species like the emerald ash borer, seeing firsthand how these insects devastate local forests. They explored the history of the Lenape people, the original inhabitants of the region, and learned about their cultural practices and relationship with the land. Along the way, they kept a keen eye on the trail markers, reinforcing their understanding of fractions and measurement as they calculated the miles between each stopping point.

New York: Hiking through New York, my boys delved into the study of biodiversity by exploring the flora and fauna of the Hudson Valley. They learned about the impact of invasive species on native plants and animals and how conservation efforts are helping to restore balance. At Bear Mountain, they absorbed the history of the trail itself, which began construction here in the early 20th century, learning about trail-building techniques and the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps. They walked through a trailside zoo for rehabilitated animals which furthered their understanding of caring for our natural environment. They also practiced physics by understanding the forces at play while rock scrambling and learning about gravity and friction in action.

Connecticut: In Connecticut, we followed the Housatonic River, where the boys explored hydrology and the importance of river ecosystems. They learned about the water cycle and how rainfall feeds the river, which in turn supports a diverse range of plant and animal life. At the Kent Falls State Park, they studied waterfalls and the power of moving water, observing how it carves through rock and shapes the landscape over time. Hiking past colonial-era stone walls, they learned about New England’s agricultural history, imagining the hard work of early settlers who cleared fields and built these enduring structures that still stand today.

Massachusetts: Massachusetts offered lessons in literature and geology as we hiked over Mount Greylock, the highest point in the state, which inspired writers like Herman Melville and Nathaniel Hawthorne. They learned about glacial formations and the state's mountainous terrain while also discovering how the Appalachian Trail connects various literary landmarks. The boys also explored the state's industrial history at places like Cheshire and Dalton, learning about the rise of paper mills and the importance of natural resources like water power in early American industry.

Vermont: Vermont’s Long Trail, which coincides with the Appalachian Trail for 100 miles, taught the boys about the endurance and dedication of long-distance hikers. They practiced identifying tree species like sugar maple and yellow birch, and learned about the history of maple sugaring, a tradition that is still a vital part of Vermont’s culture. At the Green Mountain National Forest, they studied the impact of deforestation and efforts to sustainably manage forests.

New Hampshire: New Hampshire's White Mountains provided a challenging and rich learning environment, where my boys studied alpine ecosystems and the fragile plants and animals that survive in harsh, high-altitude conditions. They learned about weather patterns and the dangers of hypothermia as they crossed exposed ridgelines like Franconia Ridge and the Presidential Range. The geology lessons continued with the granite formations that define the state, and they learned about the history of the region, including the construction of iconic huts and trails by the Appalachian Mountain Club. The White Mountains of New Hampshire were both breathtaking and challenging, teaching the boys about the power of weather and the importance of preparation.

Maine: In Maine, the boys learned about the state's rugged wilderness and the importance of preserving such pristine environments. They studied the ecosystems of the 100-Mile Wilderness, observing animals in their natural habitats. They also learned about glacial lakes and how the last Ice Age shaped Maine's rugged terrain. At Baxter State Park, they reflected on the history of conservationist Percival Baxter, who preserved the land for future generations. They learned about Maine’s logging history at Gulf Hagas, the “Grand Canyon of the East,” observing how natural beauty and human industry coexist. At Baxter State Park, they climbed Mount Katahdin, the northern terminus of the trail.

As the kids immerse themselves in these experiences, the lessons become a natural part of their growth. The most cherished lessons are often those they absorb effortlessly, without even realizing they're learning. My hope is that this journey serves as a springboard, igniting a lifelong curiosity, fostering a lasting love for learning and adventure that will guide them throughout their lives.

Happy hiking!