Great Hollow Wilderness School, a branch of the Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut, is located on 870 acres of land in New Fairfield Connecticut. It is a leadership development program that has traditionally served historically underrepresented populations in the outdoor experiential field. More recently in addition to the traditional population the school has begun to serve others as well with the introduction of several summer camps that serve the local community and additional programming for public and private schools. GHWS provides adventure/challenge activities such as high and low ropes courses, rock climbing, hiking, caving, canoeing, and camping in an environment that is safe and sensitive to diverse, cultural, socio-economic, physical and individual needs. It is Great Hollow’s mission to develop in its participants and staff, self-confidence, leadership and the ability to communicate and work effectively with others. The staff community is intentional and mirrors that of the participants in terms of ethnic and racial diversity, range of skills and abilities and an investment in the program for the sake of personal and professional development.