This past October, Joshua and I had the privilege of leading five students on a weeklong canoeing adventure in Northern Maine’s Moose Bow Loop for Electives Week, one of the many unique experiences that set Oliverian apart as an alternative boarding school rooted in experiential education. Now, many months later, we find ourselves still reflecting on just how meaningful that experience was—not just for the students, but for us as well. In the backcountry, far from the distractions of everyday life, Oliverian’s core values of individuality/community, growth/acceptance, and joy/discomfort revealed themselves in ways that felt raw, real, and unforgettable.

Take individuality and community, for instance. Out in the wilderness, each student had to focus on their own basic needs: paddling, setting up camp, and staying warm. Yet, it quickly became clear that success was only possible if we leaned into the collective strength of our group. A perfect example was our mile-and-a-half portage through slippery bog boards. Initially, it was every canoe for itself—frustration and fatigue hung heavy in the air. But when we joined forces and carried the canoes together, the mood shifted completely. Laughter replaced complaints, and what began as an ordeal turned into one of the most cherished memories of the trip, complete with silly inside jokes ($10/day!!!). It was a tangible lesson: even when we strive for independence, community is what carries us forward—something we see every day at Oliverian.

The tension between joy and discomfort was equally palpable. Being out in 45-degree rain without electronics is uncomfortable, no question. Yet, it’s amazing how much joy we found in the simplest things: sipping hot Jello by the fire, devouring (sometimes burnt) quesadillas, and discovering that cheddar cheese and chocolate chip cookies are unexpectedly delicious together. And who could forget sitting on a rain-soaked rock, watching two moose graze for 30 awe-filled minutes? Even when our plans changed and we had to turn back mid-paddle due to shifting weather, the students rallied. Their willingness to adapt, put the group’s safety first, and embrace the unpredictability of nature-based learning was a testament to their growth. That last unplanned day, spent telling stories and connecting as we waited for our shuttle, reminded us that sometimes, rolling with the punches leads to the sweetest memories.

The Moose Loop adventure gave us much more than a week of outdoor education. It reminded us all that student growth, resilience, and connection are often found just beyond the edge of comfort—and those lessons are ones we’ll carry with us for years to come. Talk of returning began before we even left Maine, and we are already counting down the days until we can do it all again. Maybe the Allagash?