For the weekend of November 14-15, our FAM students and facilitators crossed the river for a FAMventure outside of the city. Students were proud to have hiked “all the way around” the 3.6 mile White Lake Loop near Hardwick Township in New Jersey. Under fall foliage, students admired the local wildlife, skipped rocks and even discovered some old stone ruins.

We know that nature has a real impact on mental health and well-being. Both green spaces, like forests and parks, and blue spaces, like lakes and oceans, can have a therapeutic impact on mood and can lower stress–much needed during these difficult times!

For our students, being around the water, the sights, sounds and smells, was a welcome respite from NYC living, particularly during this pandemic, when most rarely leave their homes, let alone the city.