WILL

Adventures in Living - Lessons for Life

[WILL @WILL_LEAD_DC]

Congratulations to Cole who, at WILL's 17th Class Graduation, received the WILL Jack Bauer Environmental Stewardship Award.
The Award is presented annually to the WILL youth who is environmentally aware & is passionate about being an excellent steward of the environment.

[WILL @WILL_LEAD_DC]

9/17/22, WILL graduated its 17th Class. WILL youth & families gathered to celebrate their accomplishments, grit, commitment, & their year of leadership growth & life skill development.
Congratulations - You are awesome & we know you that you have greatness is in your futures!

[WILL @WILL_LEAD_DC]

2nd WILL Expedition – 19-25 Aug ‘22
WILL Youth had an amazing multi-element expedition in the Appalachian Mtns in southwestern VA backpacking, caving, canoeing on the James River w/ class 1&2 rapids, & rock climbing. Thank you to our partner Wilderness Adventure for a great week.

[WILL @WILL_LEAD_DC]

WILL Expeditions are back and with a number of firsts for WILL youth.
1st WILL Expedition – 8-14 August ‘22
During the 1st WILL Expedition, we backpacked in the Pisgah National Forest in western NC; the flights to/from Ashville were the 1st time flying for most.

[WILL @WILL_LEAD_DC]

7/30/22, WILL youth had an invigorating day of canoeing on the Anacostia River – a new activity for most & the chance to see Great Blue Herons, Osprey, Bald Eagles, Snowy Egrets, turtles, and the state of the River and the role we play in the health of the Anacostia.

[WILL @WILL_LEAD_DC]

7/23/22, WILL Youth learned about two under-emphasized important life skills – resume writing & interview skills. Resume purpose, format, font, topics to include/not to include; interview attire, thank you, eye contact, discuss how skills match job, practice, and ask questions

[WILL @WILL_LEAD_DC]

7/9, WILL youth had a great day providing service at Clagett Farm. Giving to others is an important value we instill in WILL Youth, as leaders. We picked 88+lbs of string beans & weeded the strawberry patch. 40% of produce grown at the Farm is given to the Capital Area Food Bank.

[WILL @WILL_LEAD_DC]

6/25/22, WILL youth had an exhilarating scavenger hunt on The Mall learning about our Nation’s history and finding answers to questions relating to the educational gems in the monuments, memorials, museums along The Mall and in the National Gallery of Art.

[WILL @WILL_LEAD_DC]

5/21/22, WILL youth had an incredible day at Mount Vernon. We visited parts of the mansion most visitors do not get to enjoy, laid the wreath at the enslaved persons Memorial & learned about the crop rotation/farming practices that were SMART Goals steeped in financial literacy

[WILL @WILL_LEAD_DC]

5/7/22, WILL youth had a great day of environmental service removing invasive plants/trees along the banks of the Anacostia River on Kingman Island at the historic Langston Golf Course.
The day builds on WILL youths’ understanding of environmental stewardship and leadership.

[WILL @WILL_LEAD_DC]

WILL at the KNC - 4/9-14. WILL youth learn bout sediment, nutrients, and toxics, climate change, the benefits of the marsh, Leave No Trace ethics, and how to be better environmental stewards. They explore barrier islands, play fun initiatives and see amazing sunrises and sunsets.

[WILL @WILL_LEAD_DC]

The April 23 WILL Power Party is a fun party that helps WILL positively impact underserved DC youth.

To attend the Party and/or donate, please use is this link – https://t.co/311GMuPdLH

[WILL @WILL_LEAD_DC]

3/26/22, WILL youth had an awesome day focused on CPR & 1st Aid. Youth got certified in CPR, learned the stomach thrust, to apply well-aimed direct pressure on a wound, and how to treat burns, allergic reactions, heat exhaustion & heat stroke, and hypothermia.

[WILL @WILL_LEAD_DC]

2nd of 3 Fin Lit & SMART Goals Days – 3/12/22; WILL Youth discussed expense needs & wants, how to set a budget & finding the right bank for one’s needs. We reviewed the SMART Goal framework & youth provided feedback regarding goals & action plans previously set & set a new goal

[WILL @WILL_LEAD_DC]

2nd Nutrition & Cultural Awareness Day

2/26/22, WILL Youth had an interactive morning learning about carbs, fats, and proteins - macronutrients; calories; and what it takes to burn calories in some foods. In the afternoon, we were treated to the music known as Americana.

[WILL @WILL_LEAD_DC]

2/12/22 - Financial Literacy & SMART Goals. A great day building on WILL’s 2nd pillar-Critical Life Skills Development. WILL youth discussed living with financial dignity, how to set a budget, the SMART Goal framework, and set goals with actions plans to achieve them
@cataloguedc

[WILL @WILL_LEAD_DC]

1/22/22, WILL youth had an insightful day learning about and discussing bias, prejudice, and power, equity v. equality, barriers and social justice, and how we see others, how we see ourselves, and being inclusive are important to being effective in life and an effective leader.

[WILL @WILL_LEAD_DC]

1/15/22, WILL Youth had an interactive morning learning about Nutrition - USDA’s “My Plate”, how to read the nutrition information on food labels, whole v. processed foods, and natural v. added sugars.
In the afternoon, Gerdan treated us to Ukrainian culture/live music.

[WILL @WILL_LEAD_DC]

WILL 12/11/21 Holiday Party
WILL Youth create a festive atmosphere decorating trees, tables, and stockings. Families joined us for a delicious holiday meal, and to be together in the spirit of the Holidays.
Best wishes for a joyous Holiday Season and a happy, and healthy 2022.

[WILL @WILL_LEAD_DC]

Rivers Days - Nov 13 & 20 '21
WILL Youth spent 2 engaging educational days on the Anacostia & Potomac Rivers doing water quality and bio-diversity tests to check on the health of these vital arteries to the Bay; and they all had the exhilarating experience of driving the boat.