Eighth graders complete final retreat

The third and final eighth-grade retreat of the 2004-05 school year took place in Camp Sherman on Friday, May 20, as the class of 2009 wrapped up the three-part series with some final group challenges and a bit of community service.

A fall retreat took place at the Methodist Church camp at Suttle Lake and the winter outing was at Hoodoo Mountain Resort. The objectives of the retreats, according to principal Lora Nordquist, include building teamwork, instilling responsibility, personal growth, communication skills, leadership development, and service to others.

Students experienced a variety of activities on Friday. Everyone had a chance to test their courage and trust in a tree climbing activity using climbing harnesses and ropes along with lightweight tree ladders. Three Forest Service workers provided guidance and encouragement to the students who had the choice of three trees, the tallest of which took students about 65 feet high.

Brad Tisdel and Mim Burke led group initiatives including one called “Duck Rising” in which a group of six to eight students faced the challenge of floating a rubber ducky up a four inch PVC pipe that had a dozen or more holes drilled in it.

“Failure to communicate and cooperate with one another has the natural consequence of team members getting wet,” said Tisdel. “It’s a great symbol of real life.”

The service projects included clearing the walking trail along the road in Camp Sherman and building four vehicle barriers near Allingham Campground.

“The kids worked very well in the service projects,” said teacher Dave Glick. “They built four sturdy barriers with treated posts and cleared a long section of the path.”

The eighth grade finishes classes June 3 and promotion is scheduled for Tuesday, June 7.