Malden Out of School Time
Friends of the Fells Camp and Youth Development Director Liz Cohen launched the afterschool hiking program through MOST (Malden Out of School Time) in 2024. Beginning with the Salemwood School last year, the program expanded to include the Beebe School for the 2025 season. The program’s main goal is to provide students with time outside to connect with nature, encouraging them to develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world. The program’s mission is increasingly important in today’s digital age where children spend much more time in front of screens than previous generations. The amount of time children spend outside has fallen dramatically compared to the past with U.S. children today spending 35% less time playing outside freely than their parents.
Running in the spring and fall for six-week sessions, the MOST afterschool hiking program meets once a week. Buses pick students up from school and drop them off at different trailheads in the Fells. Met by Liz and MOST seasonal staff members, the students then set off to explore the trails, learning about the surrounding flora, gaining confidence in their ability to navigate rocky terrain, and spotting local wildlife. Students enjoyed the exertion of each hike, with middle schooler Evaluna commenting that each hike “was the right amount of challenge.” On any given day, students can find themselves skipping rocks on the reservoir or climbing to the top of Boojum rock for a view of the Boston skyline.
“What I enjoy most about the hiking program is watching our participants’ relationship with nature grow and change over the duration of the program.”
-Liz Cohen, Fells Camp and Youth Development Director
With over twenty years of experience as an educator, Liz excels at engaging with students and making sure everyone feels included regardless of their comfort level in nature.
Highlighting some of her favorite moments from this year, Liz said, “While being outdoors for work is certainly a bonus, what I enjoy most about the hiking program is watching our participants’ relationship with nature grow and change over the duration of the program. Some of the kids who attend have never spent any meaningful time in the woods prior to our hikes, and are therefore naturally weary of insects, steep rocks, and the forest creatures they encounter. Over time, I continuously see the kids’ guard go down and their excitement rise, and this is incredibly rewarding.
“Particularly this spring when a participant, though noticeably nervous, pushed herself through the scary stuff each week, and with the encouragement of her group, traversed logs, scrambled rocks at Panther Cave, and explored a stream with delight. She was so profoundly proud of her accomplishments, and bearing witness to that kind of growth each season is quite special.”
Reflecting on her experience working with Liz, MOST staff member Olivia Forestier said, “The Salemwood School is so lucky to have Liz leading our hikes every week. When students are asked what their favorite thing about the afterschool program is, they always say hiking with Liz. Thank you for being so patient and encouraging to our kiddos!” The MOST afterschool hiking program has facilitated over 100 student visits to the Fells this past year.
Funding for the MOST program this school year was provided in part by a grant from the City of Malden and a grant awarded to Darren Josey of First Seed Sown from the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation. Our ability to provide the afterschool hiking program depends on the generosity of our members and donors. If you’d like to support our work, please consider making a donation or becoming a member of the Friends of the Fells today.