We woke up to some pretty chilly temperatures this morning, yet again, but the kids are still powering through the activities like champs!
Skills/Relationships-Most of the groups played a game called Poker Face. Each student gets a card and is not allowed to look at it. They put it on their forehead and walk around the room to mingle with others. The idea is that they are to treat one another according to the number on their cards. The example given to them was to think of a 2 as a serf and an Ace as the "Big Cheese". This activity showed the students how we treat others, and how it isn't appropriate to treat others without respect just because society says they are unpopular or popular.
One of the other groups created a community map. They were split into smaller groups, given paper and markers, and asked to draw their community as a group. The students had some great discussion afterward about their communities, tourism, and how they feel about it.
Decisions-During decisions today, the students had to make their way through a maze….blindfolded! we will not divulge the way to get out of the maze; they can decide to tell you or not. It was a really great exercise that generated a lot of great discussion during the debrief and made the kids think a little about when to use this particular skill throughout their life.
Team-During their Team Building class today, the students learned about Passive, Aggressive, and Assertive behaviors through an activity call the Bull Ring. During this activity, the students each held onto a string or two that were attached to a central ring. They realized very quickly that they needed lots of communication and team work in order to complete the activity successfully. During the debrief, they talked about what types of characteristics show passive, aggressive, and assertive behaviors, and how these types of behaviors have a positive or negative effect on the groups' success.
Solo-During Solo Time today, the students filled out their Goal Trees while overlooking the (frozen) lake. In their Solo books, there is a specific page where they state their goal, give three ways to accomplish their goal, then give more specific examples about how to accomplish said goal. As stated yesterday, this time is a time for them to Reflect, Relax, and Rest in Silence, Stillness, and Solitude.
Adventure-During adventure time, the students spent their time inside on the climbing wall. Almost every single student took the challenge to climb today! It was really amazing to see the looks on their faces as they were propelling down the wall!
It is very obvious that these kids are becoming more comfortable taking risks and throwing themselves into slightly uncomfortable situations. It is really amazing and rewarding to see the growth that has been made in such a short amount of time!
Quote of the day: "I love this place. I don't want to go home. I want to become one of these counselors."
