Cultivating Independence

July 16, 2025
Walking passes are part of how Green Chimneys help students learn responsible independence.

A key part of child development is gaining progressive levels of independence and life skills. In her studies of childhood experiences, Psychologist Mariah Schug observes that youth learn through independence. The freedom to travel through their neighborhood–without direct adult supervision–helps to develop critical skills. Independent walking promotes risk assessment, social competencies, environmental knowledge, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities (Schug, 2023).

Independence as a Learned Skill

On a large campus, Green Chimneys students navigate daily between academic programs, recreational activities, and scheduled therapeutic sessions. Developing skills around safety, time management, accountability, and self-regulation helps them move away from traveling exclusively with their class, or needing to be accompanied by staff. Students cultivate independence as they build confidence in themselves. They learn to take responsibility for their actions and decisions. This leads them to step out of their comfort zone by trying new things. This independence helps them learn to manage everyday challenges, and grow from them.

Utilization of ‘walking passes’ has been very successful as an incentive for students to meet certain objectives around life skills. Students who consistently demonstrate physical and verbal safety can earn a Head Start pass, which allows them to head to their next program or activity independent of their class, or take a short walk on their own as a break. This serves as a stepping-stone to a second level, an Independent pass, designated for students who have made great strides in consistently exhibiting physical, verbal, and emotional safety on campus. These students can travel solo to any area of campus, as well as nearby off-campus locations, such as Boni-Bel Farm or a local market.

Chief Program Officer Denise Luft says walking passes are part of Green Chimneys’ agency-wide strategic plan and represents a culture shift for a residential program. This year has seen a 28.5% increase in students earning walking passes compared to last year!

Independent walking privileges empower our students to:

  1. Enhance their safety by learning to be aware of their surroundings, like people, cars, bikes, and even animal crossings, and understanding the importance of knowing your environment.
  2. Practice time management skills by abiding by check-in times using a watch or timer. Time management helps students prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and improve focus by minimizing distractions.
  3. Build accountability for their actions. Students are responsible for any misuse of their privileges or falling short of expected behaviors. Accountability is a fundamental skill that guides better choices and decisions, and builds trust.
  4. Strengthen self-regulation skills. Walking regulates one’s internal state by engaging in a controlled, repetitive activity. Self-regulation is beneficial as it helps to cope with stress, maintain healthy relationships, and achieve goals.