"The Walden Project was by far the most supportive, most loving, and extremely educational [communities] in all aspects of life." - Walden Alumni
A year at Walden affords students the freedom to explore what interests them, pursuing complex questions and developing their understanding of self, culture, and the natural world. Students will test their resourcefulness, deepen their knowledge of our interconnected world, and grow in their sense of self.
Core Values
Freedom
In today’s educational climate, which emphasizes the importance of standardization, conformity, and technology to increase the mechanization of the schooling process, the voice of Thoreau’s Walden has never been more important. Many students are craving an education that affords them the freedom to explore what really interests them, the freedom to explore aspects of modern culture that are unfair or hypocritical, and the freedom to explore their own personal strength, resourcefulness, and identity.
Personal
At The Walden Project, the lines between life, learning, and work are seamless. Students discuss philosophy around a campfire, grow their own food, engage with local ecology and history, and pursue areas of inquiry through self-directed research projects and service-learning placements. We believe that learning is a very personal experience and our aim is to help students thrive as they delve into the learning that matters most to them.
Connection
At The Walden Project, students develop a strong connection to nature by living with its rhythms and changes. They will get to know every nook and cranny of the Cumming Nature Center as they grow gardens, explore the watershed, and tap maple trees. Students will be outside every day, working on projects in the rain, tracking animals in the snow, and (most importantly) challenging their own resourcefulness to thrive even when nature makes it difficult.
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Components of the Walden Experience
Self-Reliance
What do we really need? Students explore this essential question by experiencing what it takes to meet their basic needs. Activities in this realm include building fires to stay warm, growing food in the garden, and making things from raw materials.
Solo Time
Students are encouraged to spend time each day alone developing their own personal relationships with nature. During this time, students might visit a “sit spot” where they make observations in a journal, create artwork, or otherwise just be in the woods.
Hiking & Exploring
Thoreau wrote, “An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.” Cumming Nature Center is made up of over 900 acres of forested land with dozens of miles of trails. Throughout the year, students explore the landscape by hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, climbing, and paddling across it.
Campfire Discussions
Each day begins with a passage from Thoreau and a discussion around the campfire about how it relates to literature, philosophy, current events, history, or science. Through these dialogues, students construct a deeper understanding of themselves and their beliefs.
Learning Theory
Every mind is unique -- the way it develops, processes information, solves problems, and communicates with others. Students examine theories on education and motivation, especially as they relate to the concept of self-directed learning. Students reflect on how they personally learn best and what challenges inhibit them from reaching their goals.
Community Meeting
The purpose of Community Meeting is to take a pulse on what is happening at The Walden Project each week. Information is exchanged, issues are raised, and achievements are acknowledged. Students explore group dynamics, especially regarding consensus-based decision making and healthy forms of communication.
Journaling
Learning is a process. Students are invited to document their Walden journey in their journals. Students develop the daily practice of recording their thoughts and observations in both words and drawings.
Systems Thinking
Everything is part of a larger system, and all systems can be modeled. Using only a few symbols, students learn how to diagram the complexities of real-world situations to identify patterns and leverage points.
Independent Research Projects
During each six-week unit, students complete one independent research project on a topic they choose.
Service Learning Projects
During each six-week unit, students complete one service learning project, where they do meaningful work in their community.
Life Stories
Each person in the group (including adult staff members) are invited to tell their personal life story to the group. Each week a different person in the group tells their story, starting with the oldest person and working to the youngest person. This experience is designed to help students reflect on the formative experiences in their own life and to develop empathy for their classmates.
Writing & Speaking
Students learn how to communicate effectively in both creative and descriptive writing. Students receive feedback from both teachers and peers on the clarity of their communication.