A group of sixth graders stands on a low platform, looking at the cluster of students on another wooden platform about 12 feet away. A rope swing hangs between them.
How will we get across? How do we even start? We can’t reach the swing.
The forest is filled with teams of John Jay students facing challenges like this, and the faint sounds of middle schoolers talking and cheering mixes with rustling leaves and snapping branches. It’s the soundtrack of team building in a setting created specifically for this purpose: PNW BOCES Challenge Course.
“The students learn what it takes to be a good teammate,” said Samantha Pierce, BOCES Site Leader for John Jay’s field trip. "Not only how to make a plan, but how to modify it to give every one the confidence to be successful."
While this is the sixth graders’ first obstacle on the Challenge Course, they are prepared. They’ve spent all morning with BOCES’ outdoor educators playing Group Juggle, Silent Speaker, Chocolate River and other games that require problem solving, strategizing and communication—skills they will use now, and take back to the classroom.
Ideas – and feelings - percolate on each island.
“I know what to do.”
“I’m scared.”
“Here’s the game plan.”
“Guys - pick up sticks.”
“Be safe.”
“Is that a snake?”
With a spark of creativity, the kindling of consensus and the fuel of stick-to-itiveness, the students eventually pull the swing to one island. The hardest part is over! But the challenge isn’t met yet. The students begin swinging from one island to the other, helping each other get on and off the rope.
Afterwards, the students reflect on their experience.
“The worm distracted us. To be successful, we need to avoid distractions.”
“When our turn is over, we can still pay attention. We can still be engaged.”
“We have to listen to each other and make sure everyone is committed to the plan.”
"Getting the rope was the most fun part. We had a plan and persevered.”