Christodora Inc

Christodora's wilderness camp, Manice Education Center (MEC), located in the Hoosac mountain range of northern Berkshire County in Massachusetts, provides the main facility for programs in environmental education, wilderness immersion and development of social- emotional skills. MEC offers students between the ages of 11 and 18 a carefully constructed ladder of opportunities beginning with the one-week Introductory Course for sixth graders, proceeding to longer Foundation and Advanced courses, and cumulating with intensive High School Leadership Training and BRIDGE career readiness programs. Building on foundations of the "3 Rs" (positive risk-taking, respect and responsibility), students set goals, work on team projects, study ecology and leadership and master challenging backcountry adventures.Half of the staff are returning alumni, providing intensive small group support, and serving as powerful role models for success.MEC also hosts school groups for multi-day field trips during the fall and spring, often in connection with the in-classroom Winter Ecology Program (WEP).In 2024 the Organization provided scholarships to 154 attendees.

Christodora's Community of Rising Environmentalists and other weekend/out-of-school time programs enable students to stay active and connected year-round and to become agents of renewal within their communities and in natural areas throughout the city. Ongoing weekend programs are based at Bronx River Park in the Bronx. With expert peer leadership, they perform community service, conservation and citizen science projects and continue Christodora's traditions of environmental stewardship, community engagement and leadership. Students gain exposure to career pathways and develop job readiness skills.