Maine High School Replaces Detention with Therapeutic Hiking Program

A high school in Maine has introduced an innovative approach to school discipline by replacing traditional detention with guided hikes through nearby natural areas. Morse High School in Bath implemented the “detention hikes” program, which offers students an alternative to sitting in a classroom as punishment for infractions.

The initiative was conceived by school counselor Leslie Trundy, an avid hiker herself, who introduced the concept last year. Initially met with skepticism from students who anticipated boring walks, the program quickly gained popularity as participants discovered the mental and emotional benefits of outdoor activity.

“People seem really different in a good way at the end,” Trundy told The Washington Post. “Kids have even expressed it to me. They’ve said, like, ‘That was really awesome, thank you’… Even if they’re not as vocal about it, I can tell that they’re in a better place.”

The detention hikes cover approximately three miles of local trails. During the excursions, students take a break near a creek where Trundy provides snacks and shares a poem about “starting anew,” creating a reflective moment that reinforces the rehabilitative purpose of the program.

Student Alexander Soto reported that the “rush” he previously felt from breaking school rules was replaced with a new perspective and sense of relaxation after participating in the hiking program. This sentiment was echoed by junior Elsie Nelson-Walling, who attended five detention hikes after getting in trouble for skipping class, something she attributed to difficulty sitting still in a classroom environment.

Nelson-Walling noted that after completing the program, she felt more invested in her education and voluntarily participated in additional hikes even when she wasn’t facing disciplinary action. This unexpected outcome suggests the program may be fostering a positive connection to the school community beyond its intended disciplinary function.

The approach aligns with growing research supporting the health benefits of outdoor activity. A recent study from Mass General Brigham found that even modest amounts of walking could slow brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Daniel Amen, founder of Amen Clinics in California, explained to Fox News Digital that walking increases blood flow to the brain, providing cognitive benefits.

Exposure to natural environments offers additional health advantages. Dr. Roger Seheult, a critical care physician and associate clinical professor at the University of California and Loma Linda University, cited research from Japan showing that “phytoncides” — aromatic compounds released by trees — can have healing effects on the body and boost the immune system for up to a week after exposure.

“If you’re living in Manhattan and you were to go to Central Park once a week, studies show that these substances the trees give off can actually have an impact on your innate immune system for up to seven days,” Seheult noted. Sunlight exposure during outdoor activities also helps regulate sleep patterns and enhance mood.

The detention hikes program represents a growing trend toward alternative disciplinary approaches in education. Educational psychologist Dr. Michele Borba emphasizes that effective discipline should be age-appropriate and customized to individual students. She stresses that disciplinary methods must be both responsible and respectful to be effective.

Morse High School’s innovative program highlights a shift in thinking about school discipline, moving away from punitive measures toward approaches that address underlying behavioral issues while promoting physical and mental well-being. By combining natural consequences with physical activity and reflection, the school has created an alternative that students not only accept but actively seek out.

As schools nationwide grapple with effective disciplinary strategies, Morse High School’s hiking program offers a promising model that transforms punishment into an opportunity for growth, health improvement, and community building.