Seventh Graders Take on Challenges at Camp

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Seventh Graders Take on Challenges at Camp

On October 2 and 3, 53 excited Sacred Hearts Academy seventh graders boarded two buses to trek to Camp Erdman on the North Shore in Waialua to participate in its leadership program. As with the classes before them, the trip is geared to help them “reach beyond their limits,” ease the transition to Junior High, build bonds between classmates and enhance self-esteem, communication and cooperation skills.

The itinerary for both days at camp were filled with safe, fun and challenging activities, and the students delved into them with enthusiasm.

The first day, the seventh graders faced one of their biggest challenges on the Odyssey High Ropes Course. Fitted with harnesses, the students climbed a tower 50-feet tall and made their way across the course to the other side, accompanied by cheers and shouts of encouragement from their classmates, teachers and chaperones. In the process, they overcame their fears and increased their self-confidence.

At night, the seventh graders enjoyed a toasty bon fire and participated in skits with camp leaders. Later during evening cabin time, they reflected and bonded as a small community, sharing stories and tons of laughter.

The next day, group challenges were the theme, as the students worked with their peers to complete various activities.

The seventh graders and the adult chaperones returned to campus on Friday exhausted and drained, but equipped with new skills and memories that will last a lifetime.

It was not only exciting to see the students work together to cheer each other on to complete the individual and group challenges. It was amazing to see each student gain confidence and grow mentally and emotionally with each other as a community over the course of the two days of Camp. We had such a positive experience that has set the tone for the remainder of the year. Many of the students enjoyed the trip so much, they are asking to go back!