Woodwell Leadership Award: Thomas Baldini ‘23

Each year at Avon Old Farms, one rising junior is offered the opportunity to attend the Outward Bound program of his choice through the Woodwell Leadership Award. The Award was created by Al O’Connor ’75, in memory of his classmate and friend Richard H. “Woody” Woodwell ’75, who lost his life in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. 

The award recipient is chosen through an essay contest. Each recipient then receives the funding to attend an Outward Bound program, which are outdoor education retreats that promote personal growth, leadership capabilities, and environmental appreciation.

Unfortunately, the Outward Bound program was delayed two years ago due to COVID-19, so the 2021 Woodwell Award recipient, Thomas Baldini ’23, had to wait until this past summer to embark on his trip. He says it was worth the wait. 

“It was pretty special,” Baldini says. “I was super excited.”

On August 6, after over a year of waiting, Baldini traveled to the state of Washington for a two-week sea kayaking and alpine backpacking expedition. He was with a group of nine other students—strangers he had never met before—who would serve as his teammates for the next 15 days. 

The trip began with a week of kayaking and camping in the San Juan Islands. During this portion of the trip, Baldini and his teammates lived out of the kayaks, carrying personal and group gear with them from island to island, cooking and setting up camp each night. 

“That was definitely a new experience—not the most comfortable—but a cool experience,” Baldini says. 

For the second week of the trip, the group ditched the kayaks and took their gear into the North Cascades Mountains where they went backpacking through remote meadows, deep woods, and high mountain vistas. 

Baldini says one of his favorite moments on the trip came when they reached an alpine lake along the trail. He took an opportunity to swim and bathe in the pristine water. 

“That was just a really nice, relaxing moment.”

For one 36-hour period, the group split up for a solo day. Baldini found a spot with a camping spot with a really nice view and spent the day and night alone. He said it was easily the longest day of the trip, but he passed the time writing in journal, including a letter to send to his future self. 

“It gave you time to think about a lot,” Baldini says. 

The trip included plenty of difficulties. On the 13th day, in unbearable heat, the group ran into difficulty navigating the next leg of their hike. They had to work together to cover the distance still needed, which was more than just physically exhausting. 

“It was kind of mentally stressful.”

Baldini and the rest of his group overcame these challenges. In the process they learned about teamwork and communication; backcountry travel skills like cooking, navigation, and responsible recreation; first aid; and leadership. 

“I kind of had to step outside of my comfort zone as a leader,” Baldini says. “I had to become more of a vocal leader, but not using a harsh tone. If you do it right, you earn the respect of the group and can effectively keep them in check.”

He said that he feels the experience improved his skills working within a group and made him a more efficient time manager. 

Baldini returned to campus in the fall for his senior year where he will bring his newly improved leadership skills to his roles as vice-warden and captain of the Varsity Cross Country team. So far, it seems to be working, as the cross country team is off to its best start in recent memory. 

“[The trip] taught me to help hold others in your group to a higher standard,” Baldini said. “It was a great opportunity.”