Eighth graders 'retreat' to Hoodoo

The eighth grade class from Sisters Middle School exchanged books for ski boots on Thursday, February 8, for the second of three retreats organized by the middle school staff during the school year.

This one was held at Hoodoo Mountain Resort. The retreats serve multiple purposes, according to school counselor Charlie Kanzig.

"Over the years we've developed these retreat days to be a chance for the students to interact in new ways, practice teamwork and learn skills and have experiences that can't happen in the regular classrooms," he said.

Thursday started with the eighth grade split into groups of about 14, each lead by two trained high school students. Within minutes of the buses dropping everyone off in front of the old lodge at Hoodoo, the activities were underway.

While two groups ventured off to build snow shelters and learn about winter survival, another two made their way to the new lodge to get outfitted for Nordic skiing. Two groups stayed in the old lodge for an art activity, while the final pair of groups participated in some team challenges outside.

While many of the students regularly hit the slopes on snowboards and alpine skis, fewer than half of the class had ever skied cross-country. In Kanzig's mind, trying something new is a message of encouragement to these teens who are about to enter high school.

"It's really healthy and meaningful to do something you're not necessarily experienced with or good at," said Kanzig. "Most of the kids said the Nordic skiing was their favorite part of the day, even if they had struggled a bit."

"It was one of the hardest things I've ever done," said Cassie Hernandez, "but it was fun."

Barb Haynes, Tiffany Tisdel and Jeff Wester took care of leading the students through the Nordic trails.

"It's neat to see the kids build confidence and be willing to take new risks during the hour we're out on the snow," said Haynes.

Having 20 high school students on hand all day as leaders has purpose as well.

"The leaders are fantastic role models and are able to interact all day with the eighth graders," said Kanzig. "The younger students had a lot of questions for the older students."

Science teacher Dave Glick believes that all Central Oregonians need to be aware of basic winter survival techniques since so many people who live in the area spend time in the outdoors. In addition to creating shelters, students were taught methods for starting a fire, even in winter conditions.

The team challenge, led by Brad Tisdel, Tricia Biesmann and Mary Thomas, included a lung-bursting run up a slope with a teammate riding on a big sledding tube and two teamwork activities that challenged both the body and mind.

The art activity, lead by Kit Stafford and Carolyn Platt, allowed students to design a small leather-like pouch, decorated with a special bead selected especially by the student. The pouch is designed to hold something special the student owns and to serve as a reminder to the kids about the day spent together.

Without a nearby venue like Hoodoo, the day would not be possible.

"Hoodoo's staff was incredibly helpful, and they were very reasonable in helping make it affordable for the school," said Kanzig. "We're thankful to Chuck Shepard and his crew of workers for making it a great day."