Who is Leslie Trundy??? Leslie Trundy, a counselor at Morse High School, began “detention hikes” after discovering that just two hours in nature can profoundly help young people. Instead of sitting in a room staring at a clock, students put on boots, step outside, and walk real trails. The group shares snacks, chats about life, …
Who is Leslie Trundy???
Leslie Trundy, a counselor at Morse High School, began “detention hikes” after discovering that just two hours in nature can profoundly help young people. Instead of sitting in a room staring at a clock, students put on boots, step outside, and walk real trails. The group shares snacks, chats about life, complains about the cold or the mud, laughs at silly things, and slowly begins to relax. Even students who only have a one-hour detention choose the longer two-hour hike because it feels less like punishment and more like breathing again.
On the trail, strangers become friends. Back at school, they greet each other in the hallways, wave, and check in. Leslie learns about their lives in ways no office conversation could allow — like the boy who didn’t know how to apply to vocational school until the hike gave him the courage to ask. Parents write to her, grateful that these hikes prevent the anger and escalation that indoor detention often fuels.
Some students even grow into leaders, guiding newcomers or talking to the press about their experiences. One snowy girls-only hike stands out: ponchos rustling, boots crunching, and that deep feeling of facing the elements together. Leslie’s message: use nature, build trust, and go for it.
———————————————————————————
Picture this: you’ve been punished, and instead of being made to sit in silence, your counsellor takes you on a hike. You’re annoyed at first, but the fresh air and soft wind calm you. As you walk, you think about what went wrong and slowly feel ready to speak. That was the idea of Leslie Trundy, a high-school counsellor in Maine, USA. Her students responded well: they opened up, reflected better, and felt heard rather than punished.
Leslie believes nature offers something a closed room cannot — a place to breathe, move, and understand what is going on inside. At goUNMUTE, we know every child is unique, so we asked an educator, a school leader, and a child psychologist if this could work in India.
“It would work wonders,” says Melanie D’souza of St. Xavier’s High School, Moira. Sitting or standing still makes children restless; physical activity channels energy positively.
Fr. Basil of St. Britto’s High School, Mapusa, says the biggest hurdle is family acceptance. A walk may soothe a child, but real change needs parents involved.
Psychologist Dr. Deepti Yadav agrees: outdoor reflection helps, but emotional distress rarely disappears in one session. Empathy, regular support, and a safe space help children grow, not just behave.
Join the Club
Like this story? You’ll love our monthly newsletter.
