Since its inception, The Woods Project has grown to become one of the largest low income student focused wilderness education organizations in the country.  The Woods Project has grown dramatically in terms of breadth and depth of programming.  In 2006, eleven students participated in one summer event.  In 2009, approximately 200 students participated in eight separate events occurring throughout the year.  Over the same period, volunteer leader participation has grown from 40 days in 2006 to 438 in 2009.   For 2010, our programming involved 2,400 student days and over 40 volunteer leaders.  

And we continue to reach more and more students.  In 2011, we expanded to reach 359 students with our weekend programming and 139 participated in the two-week summer program in the summer.  2012 is proving to be no exception as we expect to top 3,500 student program days! 

Operating Costs
Because of our unique business model, we have been able to develop a highly cost efficient program delivery system while maintaining a student/staff ratio of less than 4 to 1.  This level of attention provides for continuous youth/mentor/leader interaction to reinforce positive behaviors and expectations in our students.   

• All of The Woods Project leadership staffing is volunteer, with volunteers covering their own costs to participate in our programming
• Our School Partners contribute staffing (1 staff per 10 students) in order to be considered for the program
• We have negotiated favorable arrangements with our Wilderness Partners based on a common vision and congruent goals

The cost per student for 18 days and nights of programming, include all administrative and other costs, is approximately $1,700.  This includes airfare, all needed equipment, food, lodging, and program content.  We believe our program cost is 20% of the cost per day of the program most comparable to ours and most representative of the industry as a whole. 

Outcomes
The Woods Project is constantly reassessing our program to insure that we are continuing to meet our organizational goals.  We survey our student participants and leaders yearly.  In addition to formal surveys, The Woods Project managers interview the school heads of each of our partner schools to determine their perception of program quality and to guide further program enhancements.   The surveys clearly indicate that involvement in our program has a significant effect upon our students’ perspective in such areas as self confidence, leadership ability, adaptability, and ability to function in new environments.