A note from Natalie
As the city of Houston, the state of Texas, the USA and the vast majority of the world face the rising spread and incidence of COVID-19, we at The Woods Project (TWP) are sensitive to the broad implications of a worldwide pandemic. As a result, we are facing some unprecedented challenges.
Based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the U.S. Department of State, and the World Health Organization (WHO), local municipalities and school districts, TWP is practicing and supporting social distancing (the only known means to stifle the spread of this disease). As a result, we have had to make some very difficult but urgent decisions. For the remainder of the semester, TWP has canceled our weekly club program, weekend trips, and Junior Leader Program meetings and activities, as well as all volunteer happy hour and pre-summer prep events. Additionally, the Walk for The Woods Project will be postponed until further notice.
Furthermore, our TWP staff are continuing to plan and prepare for summer trips, which to date, have NOT been cancelled. We are communicating with each of our school partners and are encouraging them to continue to identify students appropriate for our summer trips and discuss with them (even if at a distance), the unique and exciting programming opportunities provided by TWP. In the coming days, we will reach out to our volunteers and wilderness and outdoor education partner agencies, to communicate next steps and to offer support.
It is indeed times like these when we can “afford” the luxury of really thinking outside the box. When we find ourselves walled off from what we believed was the primary means by which we seek to achieve our goals, we can choose to bow out or dig in. At TWP, we dig in. To that end, our staff has already begun envisioning other means by which we can strive to reach our goals, including alternative methods to keep our current students engaged. Additionally, we are reaching out to our TWP alumni to assess their needs and offer support, as many have found themselves facing challenging circumstances due to their schools having transitioned to on-line learning.
In moments like these, our work is all the more important. To sustain The Woods Project mission and vision during this time, please consider supporting us with a donation. This will allow TWP to stay strong and ensure that our program will continue long after the threat of COVID-19 has subsided.
I hope that you and your families remain safe and healthy. We thank you for your continued support of The Woods Project. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns.
Warmly,
Natalie Hausman-Weiss
Executive Director
TWP Alum: Please click here for community resources to address needs during this time.