Škola v Přírodě (School in Nature) 2015

Studies have been done that show that taking learning beyond the classroom can be very beneficial. We did that with our 6th-8th grade students.We went to a town called Kunžak for five days and four nights for School in Nature. We pushed the kids to their limits in hiking, bike riding and many other activities. Many students accomplished so much more than they could ever imagine. One girl basically rolled over a cliff after falling off her bike. She got up and rode her bike again. Later, she told us she overcame her biggest fear. Not only did that girl overcome her fear, many others did as well. Some overcame their fear of riding horses. Others overcame their fear of picking up after horse. And a handful of them dealt with their fears of bugs and other things found in nature that are not in the city.

We also worked with the kids on team building and communication. We did blindfold activities. We had them encourage and spot each other on a slack line. It was wonderful to hear them tell each other, "You can do it!" We also challenged them to work as a team to build a bird feeder. Hours after they began, we decided to end the project. They learned to work together, but nothing they did could get the dull saws to work. We ended up burning the falling apart feeders in a campfire.

Spending a constant five days with each other will bring up conflict no matter who you are. Now, imagine being a 12 year old girl and spending five days with your classmates. Needless to say, conflict arose. It was a great opportunity for some of them to sit down and express to me what was in their hearts. Bossing others around, lying, feeling left out, gossiping, and so much more took place this week. Being on a trip like this, they were forced to confront it. I had the chance to walk along side a few of the girls as they had to express their feelings and lift pain they were feeling up to the Lord. Praise God for the lessons learned.

Enjoy the pictures of our week of laughter, smiles, tears, and triumphs.