I love heights, but I was nervous on the ground. I have done ropes courses and rappelled in Marquette, Michigan, but everyone has their fears and limits. I have never belayed before. The belay is responsible for the safety of the person on the course. I was petrified. Somehow it seemed so much more concrete and physical that we have the safety of our students in our hands every day. On the ropes course you are physically connected to the safety of the student. The rope is the lifeline. I choked.
Luckily the camp counselors saw my fear and let me become the photographer. The photos above show some of our 6th graders on the high ropes course at Camp Miniwanca. I can't really put into words the emotions I felt as I watched students overcoming fears, setting and reaching goals, and cheering on others. In quick succession and without any textbook information our students learned teamwork, overcoming adversity, persistence, resilience, goal setting, empathy, support, relying on your resources, depending on your safety net, and taking positive risks. There are probably some lessons I have left out. These were the lessons that came to mind in that hour long ropes challenge. Whitehall students are truly fortunate to have this opportunity and Whitehall schools are fortunate to have such incredible students. Watching the intensity and determination of these young adolescents gives me hope. I feel safe in knowing that these students are our future and will take care of our world when we are gone. I would let any of these students belay for me. You should know that the leader who preached total support got that in abundance when I was afraid to belay.
Our entire 6th grade class goes to camp together for the week and learns courage and skill and strategy. Eleven year old students cheering for each other and encouraging success in new adventures. What a great collective experience. These pictures show what can be learned in the woods near a Lake Michigan shore. Our students amaze me. Thank you for letting me join you today!
Luckily the camp counselors saw my fear and let me become the photographer. The photos above show some of our 6th graders on the high ropes course at Camp Miniwanca. I can't really put into words the emotions I felt as I watched students overcoming fears, setting and reaching goals, and cheering on others. In quick succession and without any textbook information our students learned teamwork, overcoming adversity, persistence, resilience, goal setting, empathy, support, relying on your resources, depending on your safety net, and taking positive risks. There are probably some lessons I have left out. These were the lessons that came to mind in that hour long ropes challenge. Whitehall students are truly fortunate to have this opportunity and Whitehall schools are fortunate to have such incredible students. Watching the intensity and determination of these young adolescents gives me hope. I feel safe in knowing that these students are our future and will take care of our world when we are gone. I would let any of these students belay for me. You should know that the leader who preached total support got that in abundance when I was afraid to belay.
Our entire 6th grade class goes to camp together for the week and learns courage and skill and strategy. Eleven year old students cheering for each other and encouraging success in new adventures. What a great collective experience. These pictures show what can be learned in the woods near a Lake Michigan shore. Our students amaze me. Thank you for letting me join you today!
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