Housatonic Youth Service Bureau — 860-824-4720

Group of Friends
HYSB Wilderness Club

"Young men are hard wired for adventure. We tap into that ancient wisdom to show them how to live in the present moment and to remember that our assumptions will always be corrected by reality."

— E. Thorney, Lead Instructor

Ed Thorny, Lead Instructor
Ed Thorney

Wilderness Club Members Speak Out:

"My parents are way too busy to do this kind of stuff and you guys are fun to hang out with."

— 16 year old

"I like that we can talk about things and I don’t have to worry about being right or wrong."

— 16 year old

"I would never have had a chance to do any of this."

— 14 year-old Wilderness Club Member 2006

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HYSB Wilderness Club

For Young Men Grades 6 to 12

Looking for Adventure?

Want to join a team and explore the Great Outdoors?

If so, sign up now with the Housatonic Youth Service Bureau’s Wilderness Club. Call 860-824-4720 or email HYSB to learn about upcoming events.

Canoeing

  • Backpacking
  • Camping
  • Canoeing
  • Caving
  • Hiking
  • Map & Compass/Orienteering
  • Native American Sweat Lodge
  • Rock Climbing
  • Survival Skills
  • Wilderness Camping

Wilderness Club meets monthly — all day on Saturdays and/or full weekend campouts.

Lead instructor Ed Thorney is a veteran outdoor educator, rites-of-passage guide and adventure-based counselor. Ed has instructed courses for the State of Connecticut’s Wilderness School, Outward Bound and The Wilderness Education Association.

Additional adult volunteers ensure safety and supervision.

Among the benefits of the program are:

Hiking

  • Enhanced self-esteem
  • Acceptance of responsibility
  • Decision-making skills
  • Increased respect for self & others
  • Physical exercise
  • Positive adult male role models

Explains lead instructor Ed Thorney, "Each event leaves me feeling invigorated and excited about what we are doing. I truly believe this model—involving kids, young adults and adults—is worth repeating. It simply creates more opportunity for positive interaction. The program provides participants with a feeling of belonging, responsibility to self and group, and a sense of pride."

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