Walking Post podcast 34: Replacing detention with hiking

At Morse High School in Bath, Maine, school counselor Leslie Trundy has introduced an alternative to traditional detention. Instead of sitting in a classroom, students who break school rules are offered the option of a supervised hike on the nearby Whiskeag Trail.The program takes students outdoors for several hours, combining physical activity with time away from the usual classroom environment. Trundy leads the walks, explaining routes and encouraging students to engage with the natural surroundings.The initiative has been positioned as a restorative approach, replacing punitive detention with an activity that emphasizes reflection and connection to nature. Early reports suggest it has been well received by both students and staff.We had a conversation with Trundy about the program and how it’s being received.To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]