Many powerful revelations and moments of vulnerability happened at the campfire.
Many students had never even had the experience of being at a campfire or away from home.
Students bonded and helped each other in ways that kept them connected throughout the year.
The students took the challenge of riding a horse for the first time.
Many of them had never even been around an animal this large and there was a lot of fear brewing even when they were just asked to groom the animals.
Students worked in teams to complete tasks and learned valuable lessons in conflict resolution, working with people that are different from you, time management, and finishing what you start.
Students had a VIP initiation ceremony where they recited the VIP pledge and received tokens that represented each part of the pledge.
The pledge: I pledge to have my head in the game, be ready and open to opportunities, support my tribe, know who I am, and finish what I start, so I can design a life of value, independence, and purpose.
Tokens:
Headband= Keep your head in the game
Binder/stickers= Be ready and open to opportunities
Shirts= Support your tribe
ID/Lanyards= Know who you are
Milestone charm (VIP)= Finish what you start.
This was the first and most impactful event that the students had together. They now had a collection of shared experiences and “first’s” that propelled lasting friendships and help to immediately bridge trust.