New Jersey school has required every freshman to hike 55 miles on the Appalachian Trail for 53 years straight.
At St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark, this isn’t optional — it’s a mandatory 5-day rite of passage before becoming a sophomore.
Many students have never hiked or camped before. They train together in the spring, then get split into small teams where each kid gets a critical role: navigator, medic, cook, captain, etc. No one knows everything — they must rely on each other.
With minimal adult supervision, they hike rain or shine, facing blisters, sore muscles, and real challenges head-on. As one administrator put it: “The only way we can get through this is if we work together.”
The result? Teens who return more confident, resilient, and bonded — proving that real growth happens when you step away from screens and into the wilderness.
What an incredible tradition! Parents, educators, and anyone raising tough kids — this is gold.
Who else believes we need more experiences like this?
BREAKING: @JohnJamesMI has returned his GLGR Candidate Survey 100% pro-gun!
Thanks to your postcards, calls, and emails, he has gone on record supporting Constitutional Carry, opposing "Red Flag" gun confiscation, and backing the repeal of Michigan’s draconian Permit to Purchase scheme.
Every Republican candidate for Governor has now returned their survey 100% pro-gun!
This is great news for gun owners, as all of them have heard the call to stand up for the Second Amendment and responded.
Thank you Van Buren Co GOP for a great Lincoln Day dinner. Congressman Huizenga and a full house ready to work for the @MIGOP. I spread the word about @JohnJamesMI and his plans for Michigan’s future greatness. Always glad to contribute for a great candidate. 🇺🇸🇺🇸
There is no doubt after my conversation with John James he will rebuild the culture of support for law enforcement in Michigan. The support has eroded with the men and women on the streets. Vote John James for Governor.
I know what it feels like to put yourself between the bad guys and the good guys, to put your life on the line to keep people safe, stand for those who can’t stand for themselves, and fight for those who can’t fight for themselves. 🇺🇸
Can Michigan’s road building and construction industry cut through the bureaucracy to complete this road by September 1???? Under a @JohnJamesMI governorship I would say no problem.
@GongwerMichigan He was always a liberal Democrat trying to falsely forge another path. He came home to the dems and bailed out. Predicted this in 2025!!!
I spoke about John James commitment to the Education Freedom Tax Credit in St Joseph County. Literally everyone is for this program. Let’s win, 2027 is just around the corner.
Enough of the politics as usual. Our kids’ futures are on the line, and Michigan families deserve leaders who deliver results instead of excuses. Governor Whitmer, opt in now, or I will on DAY ONE. 🇺🇸
85% of state employees still working from home since March 2020 has cost the Michigan economy, small business and restaurants nearly 4 billion dollars.
The deer, turkeys, birds and other wildlife will be happy all year. Finished the field corn, beans, sunflowers and sorghum today. The old machinery is still working fine.
Great enthusiasm for the John James campaign for Governor in St Joseph Co. They recognize his experience, perseverance, and that he a great candidate to lead Michigan and GOP to victory. Many commitments to vote for John and help him win! Proud to represent the campaign.
Rural counties like St Joseph County with their mixture of small businesses and agriculture are the backbone of Michigan. As a country kid myself John James commitment to these communities is real and refreshing.