Everything we do here at Trails is based on our six core values. These are what drive us day in and day out to become the best we can be.

                        

 

                      The Trails program is based on six core values:

• Teamwork
  
• Respect
  
• Accountability
  
• Integrity
  
• Leadership
  
• Service

Teamwork requires students to participate and work together as a group toward common goals. Rather than contributing to negative behaviors like the peer group back home may have done, students encourage each other to do well and contribute in a positive manner.

Respect often begins with a respect for nature. While teens may have manipulated people and environments back home, the wilderness does not allow it. Students also learn to respect field staff for their capacity to succeed in the wilderness setting, and those students who exhibit strong leadership skills.

Accountability is also pronounced in the wilderness. Not only do staff and peers hold students accountable, so do the natural consequences of their actions.

Integrity is the continual revelation of character as seen through one's actions. Some have said that integrity is "who you are when no one is looking." The wilderness has a way of revealing one's character, as well as forging a foundation of solid and consistent choices and thought processes.

Leadership provides immediate rewards. Students must succeed at wilderness living while exhibiting a team spirit in order to earn the respect given leaders. Some teens step into leadership positions even though previously they may have only played the role of follower.

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