The Hulbert outdoor experience is more important than ever
In most years since 2000 The Sharon Academy Middle School has spent four school days engaged in an overnight experience at the Hulbert Outdoor Center in Fairlee, VT. They learn leadership skills, collaboration, and problem-solving. At the same time, this intense period together is a significant catalyst in the cultivation of community and extending the bonds of middle school friendships. This year has been particularly important for the students, who for the past two years were deprived of “normal” school experiences because of the pandemic.
In addition to team building, students were able to play campfire games, engage in traditional camp activities like archery and arts, and listen to stories around a fire with s’mores.
The Hulbert staff are well trained in the art of imparting skills through play. The 7th graders are introduced to the ideas of leadership as they look ahead to their 8th grade role as school leaders. The 8th graders have an opportunity to reflect on the challenges they may face as they enter high school. With programs tailored to each cohort, the students who participate in both years look forward to returning yet find the activities commensurately challenging.
The students may be given a task, such as working as a team to balance on an unstable platform as they imagine themselves to be on a raft in the ocean. How do they figure out how to position themselves on the platform to achieve balance? Does one person emerge as a leader? Is there theorizing, discussion, and experimentation? What makes the group listen to an individual or each other? How many times do they change their strategy? Do they finally achieve success? Whether they manage to complete the task or not, the Hulbert staff debrief the students on what seemed to work or not and suggest what the students might consider doing to improve the outcome of future challenges.
In addition to providing each other with logistical support, students are encouraged to provide psychological support, to gain confidence from and encourage each other to step outside their comfort zone. For this, the ropes course is an exciting opportunity to practice these behaviors. Despite the safety harnesses, fear is an instinct that can be difficult to overcome. Students work with partners who are reminded to respect each other’s anxieties but offer encouragement to help each other overcome their fear. When they manage to scale heights, jump through the air to reach a target, or speed faster than they’ve ever gone on a zip line, the feeling of accomplishment is a great adrenaline rush.
Three and a half days together can be an intense experience for students, especially if they have never had an overnight experience before. This year may feel even more intense after so many months of relative isolation. As such, taking the time for it feels even more vital than ever before.