“There is no denying that Hurricane Island is a magical place. It offers rejuvenation and perspective for all who visit,” said Dean of Community Life and Belonging Katie Stack. “We engaged in service learning projects and group initiatives like the infamous raft challenge. We hiked, went out on the ocean, and used the island as an outdoor classroom to explore marine ecology.”

While on the remote Maine island, students and faculty unplugged from their devices and made space for reflection during discussions and through journaling.

Katie quickly witnessed the profound impact on students through their meaningful comments. “This place is amazing,” “I was nervous about coming but am so glad that I did,” “I never want my phone back,” and “This trip has given me time and space to really think.” These comments reflect the students' increased self-awareness, enhanced understanding of the natural world, and overall personal growth.

“It was a pleasure to share this time with a fantastic group of students,” said Katie. “They made Gould proud and lived by our school values whilst meeting new people and trying new things!”

See more photos from the trip here!