When students at Morse High School in Bath, Maine, land themselves in detention, they’re now being offered an unconventional alternative: a hike through the woods. Instead of spending hours in a classroom under fluorescent lights, some students are lacing up their boots and heading outdoors. This creative approach to school discipline is the brainchild of school counselor Leslie Trundy, who has introduced what she calls “detention hikes.” The program blends accountability with physical activity and fresh air, offering students a chance to reflect and reset in nature.

The initiative, which takes place along the Whiskeag Trail in Bath, is gaining attention for its unique blend of restorative discipline and outdoor education. On a recent sunny afternoon, Trundy led a group of seven students on a 3.5-mile loop through the woods, past a cemetery and along a river. The students, all serving detention for various infractions, chose the hike over traditional in-school detention. Their reasons for being there ranged from skipping class and arriving late too often, to more disruptive behavior like yelling at teachers or playing video games during lessons.

Trundy’s inspiration for the program came after attending an outdoor education conference. She began to wonder whether the structured yet serene environment of a trail could provide a more meaningful consequence for students who had broken school rules. “My hope was that time in the woods, like, I could sort of take the skills that I have on the road with them, or on the trail, and be a listener for them,” she explained. Her goal was to help students serve their consequences while also receiving care and personal attention.

While not everyone has embraced the idea—some parents have opted their children out, and critics question whether a walk in the woods is truly punitive—Trundy believes the effort required on these hikes is a deterrent in itself. “Sometimes the hike feels really like a punishment for them, even though they've chosen it,” she said. “They might’ve chosen it 'cause it was a lessening sentence, but it did feel like they were having to expend effort.”

Freshman Nicholas Tanguay, who has participated in multiple hikes, shared that the physical exertion has a positive impact on his mental health. “It makes me have to, like, walk. It makes you breathe heavily, obviously. And it feels like an accomplishment almost,” he said. For him, the hike is not just a consequence—it’s a productive experience that helps him process emotions and release stress. Other students echoed similar sentiments, noting that while they initially chose the hike to avoid sitting in a classroom, the experience offered more than just an alternative punishment.

This approach to restorative discipline highlights the growing interest in outdoor learning and student well-being. By incorporating physical movement and nature into the disciplinary process, Morse High School is helping students engage with their behavior in a constructive way. The program also creates opportunities for connection. As Trundy walks with students, she listens to their stories and offers support, fostering relationships that might not develop within the confines of a traditional detention setting.

Beyond the immediate consequences, the hikes have sparked longer-term interest in outdoor activities. Trundy invites students on every hike to consider joining the school’s outdoor outing club. This year alone, at least three students have made the leap from detention hikes to voluntary participation in the club. Trundy is curious to see how the program evolves over time. “I’m so curious if some of the freshmen that I've started hiking with this year, are they still hiking with me when they're seniors on detention, or are they hiking in outing club?” she said. She sees leadership potential in many of the students and hopes the hikes might serve as a stepping stone toward positive engagement with school and community.

Programs like this one at Morse High School reflect a broader shift in how educators approach student discipline and wellness. Rather than relying solely on punitive measures, some schools are exploring how restorative practices, physical activity, and nature can contribute to a healthier school climate. While it may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, the detention hike program offers a compelling example of how schools can think creatively about student support and accountability.

As the school year wraps up, Trundy plans to continue the hikes next year. With the support of students who have found value in the experience, and the possibility of more joining the outing club, the program is poised to grow. I found this detail striking: even when given a choice, students often pick the hike knowing it will challenge them physically. That willingness to engage, even when it’s hard, speaks volumes about the potential for growth when young people are given the right environment to reflect and connect.

Read more at npr.org