Wolverine Program Opens Up Unique Opportunities

The Bridgton Academy Wolverine Program provides students choosing not to play a sport at the Academy with the opportunity to experience a unique program designed for individual and team growth through excursions, challenges, and community service. Led by Mr. David Rosen and Mr. Dan Edwards, Wolverine Program members benefit from the unique skill sets of each leader; Rosen’s depth of knowledge of outdoor education and Edwards’ strength and passion in art education. Not quite sure what to expect in their first year overseeing this program, Rosen and Edwards encountered an “eager group that was willing to try,” noted Rosen. “Generally, it takes some coercion, but there was a lot of buy-in from this group.” Evidence of a high level of buy-in came during monthly meetings where Rosen and Edwards presented a master list of activities for Wolverines to draw from. “The meetings allow our students to have authorship of what we do,” noted Edwards.

After weighing the pros and cons and speculating on the details of each activity, the group made selections and then began planning the details to execute the various trips and events. Conversations were purposefully driven to maximize the opportunity for the students to access the geography of Western Maine and beyond. “The intent of the program is to create opportunities they normally wouldn’t have,” noted Rosen. “And to take advantage of living in Maine and its close access to nature’s wonder.” Those opportunities included various hikes, art trips, zip lining, taking the Snow Cat up Mt. Washington, whitewater rafting, mountain biking at Mt. Abram, escape rooms, and rock climbing; the latter three being the favorites. The year will culminate with a glass blowing trip to Belfast, a hike up Pleasant Mountain, an art mosaic, and one final trip to the zip line. “Snowshoeing down Mt. Washington on a beautiful spring-like day when it was perfect up top is what it’s all about,” shared Edwards. One of the many memories made through the multiple activities and opportunities provided by the Academy’s Wolverine Program.