Why a 55-mile Appalachian Trail trek is a mandatory rite of passage for these New Jersey freshmen St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark, New Jersey, mandates a 55-mile trek on the Appalachian Trail for all freshmen as a rite of passage. Students train for the five-day hike, which involves some adult supervision but largely relies on student teamwork and navigation. This 53-year tradition aims to teach students resilience and the importance of relying on each other, with the experience changing them more than the physical journey.

• St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark, NJ, requires freshmen to complete a 55-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail.
• The program is a 53-year tradition and a mandatory rite of passage for all students.
• Students receive training in the spring, with teams formed with designated roles like captain, navigator, and medic.
• The hike emphasizes teamwork and reliance on one another for survival.
• The school administration prefers rainy conditions, viewing it as a metaphor for life’s difficulties.