St. Mary School Junior High students recently unplugged and took their learning to the woods for a retreat at Red Oak Camp in Kirtland. Sixth, seventh and eighth grade students broke into multi-aged groups to tackle team building tasks including the toxic waste, jump rope and hula hoop team challenges. All activities required students to leave no man behind and work together to solve the problems they were presented with.
These tasks required teamwork, leadership skills and patience to complete. Students were asked to debrief together following each activity to learn what they did well and how they could improve as a team. This fit well into the mission of Red Oak camp, where they strive to develop children’s inner strength through outdoor adventure.
Deacon Bob Grgic from St. Rita’s parish led the students in retreat and prayer throughout the day. Sixth grade teacher, Julie Fedak said, “We hope to return to St. Mary School as a tighter knit group ready to accomplish all they the school year has in store for us.”
Students agreed that the day brought challenge and fun community building for the upper hall. 7th grader Mary McCauley said, “It was a great team-building opportunity that helped us practice leadership skills as well.” What a great way to kick off a new school year!
