New Jersey school has required every freshman to hike 55 miles on the Appalachian Trail for 53 years straight. At St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark, this isn’t optional — it’s a mandatory 5-day rite of passage before becoming a sophomore. Many students have never hiked or camped before. They train together in the spring, then get split into small teams where each kid gets a critical role: navigator, medic, cook, captain, etc. No one knows everything — they must rely on each other. With minimal adult supervision, they hike rain or shine, facing blisters, sore muscles, and real challenges head-on. As one administrator put it: “The only way we can get through this is if we work together.” The result? Teens who return more confident, resilient, and bonded — proving that real growth happens when you step away from screens and into the wilderness. What an incredible tradition! Parents, educators, and anyone raising tough kids — this is gold. Who else believes we need more experiences like this?