Community voices

Testimonials

What Wayfinders are saying…

Stories from Our Community

Wayfinders is shaped by the people who gather here: children finding confidence, parents seeing new sides of their kids, educators building stronger communities, and adults reconnecting with the natural world.

Here are a few of their voices.

Parents & families

Watching Children Grow

Anna’s children came to Wayfinders for time outdoors. What they found was a place where curiosity, friendship, confidence, and care could grow together.

Week after week, she watched them come home with stories—about new skills, new friendships, and the ways they were learning to slow down and notice the world around them.

Wayfinders families and participants spending time together outdoors
Read Anna’s Story

From the very beginning, it was evident that Wayfinders on the Hudson was more than just a typical after-school program. Gwen and Leah lead an exceptional team of mentors and facilitators who are gifted in the art of guiding individuals on their unique journeys, exuding warmth and genuine care for every child. I feel utmost confidence that my children are in excellent hands, where they are truly valued and encouraged at every step.

Throughout the program, my kids have experienced a diverse range of activities and workshops that sparked their curiosity and ignited their passions. The skill-building sessions have equipped them with valuable tools and knowledge that will undoubtedly serve them well in the future. They have gained valuable self-discovery skills and actively participate in mindfulness activities, fostering personal growth and self-awareness in this nurturing environment.

A standout aspect of this program is its strong emphasis on fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among the participants. My children quickly formed close bonds with their fellow Wayfinders, becoming cherished friends and allies. Together, they shared dreams and aspirations, celebrated achievements, and offered unwavering support through every challenge.

The hidden convenience of the Lenoir Preserve adds a remarkable touch that makes this experience truly special. The peace and beauty of the setting serve as the perfect backdrop for introspection and self-discovery. Surrounded by nature’s beauty, my children are inspired to explore their inner selves and appreciate the world around them in new ways.

Wayfinders has undeniably become the highlight of our children’s week, holding a special place in their hearts. They absolutely adore the program, and their contagious excitement and enthusiasm for each session are heartwarming. Witnessing their personal and social growth through Wayfinders has been truly fulfilling.

During a family vacation, an unexpected power outage left the entire region in complete darkness. Drawing from the guided meditation sessions he had learned in the program, my son Leo took the lead, guiding our family outside to a tranquil dock overlooking the ocean. Under a sky full of stars, he gently led us through a calming meditation. I am incredibly grateful for moments like that—and for the seed Wayfinders planted in him.

“The mentors genuinely see each child.”
— Wayfinders parent
“We found a community.”
— Wayfinders parent

Children

In Students’ Own Words

What young people share after spending time together in the woods.

“As soon as I arrive at Wayfinders, I can just be myself.”
“Nobody is rude.”
“Everyone helps each other.”
“I made friends almost immediately.”
“It feels like family.”
“I actually look forward to being outside.”
“I’ve become much more confident.”
“I learned I can do hard things.”
“The fires, the woods, and the people all make me feel calm.”

For schools

A Different Kind of Education

Wayfinders partners with schools to create experiences that build trust, belonging, and leadership beyond the classroom.

At Bard High School Early College Bronx, students gathered before the school year began to form relationships, practice listening, and begin imagining the community they wanted to create together.

“Students who rarely spoke during class began leading conversations around the fire.”— Educator partner

Students participating in a Wayfinders outdoor learning activity
“It was like we knew each other for years.”
“Everyone wasn’t open at the beginning and the activities made us all comfortable.”
“I made assumptions about people and then I got to know them.”
“I was scared people would find me weird… everyone was accepting.”
“The people made me feel comfortable. This is a safe space to be your personality.”
“I liked how BHSEC gave us an opportunity to make friends before school started.”
“The egg game was really fun and helped me create a connection with some of the students.”
Women gathering for a reflective Wayfinders experience outdoors

For women

“I remembered parts of myself I’d forgotten.”

Women come to Wayfinders for space: to slow down, listen inward, and reconnect with themselves, one another, and the rhythms of the natural world.

“Wayfinders on the Hudson’s Autumn Gathering for Women provided a much-needed pause in my busy fall, and a chance to connect to the profound changes in nature and in myself at this time. Being with other women in the woods for a quiet morning of meditation, sensory opening and sharing deeply fed my soul.”
— Anne Jaffe Holmes, Wayfinders Autumn Women’s Gathering participant

For organizations

Bringing Wayfinders to Organizations

Wayfinders helps teams, schools, and organizations create the conditions for trust, communication, and shared purpose.

“Our team left feeling closer than we had in years.”
— Corporate retreat participant
“The experience transformed how our students related to one another.”
— School partner

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Whether you’re a student, parent, educator, or neighbor, there’s a place for you here.

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