Bobcat Pride

Bobcat Pride has concluded for another year. Day two was a big success, aside from the buses arriving 30 minutes late. On the second day, we take the kids to a wilderness camp where there are high ropes courses setup. Throughout the day, kids work in groups to complete each challenge. By far the biggest challenge of day two is climbing a 40 foot tall tower. It isn't simply a set of stairs to walk up, but a maize of ropes, foot holds and poles to scale; like a climbing wall only tougher and more complex. When they reach the top, students are connected to a zip line that is about 60 feet long that will take them to the ground. At no point are the kids in any danger, as their are always two teachers at the top of the tower helping them up on the platform, and to the zip line. While climbing, other teachers (one of them being me) are belaying them so that if they happen to let go, they only fall a few inch rather than to the ground. It's a really intimidating challenge, but when they finish it, the kids feel great about themselves.

First day of Bobcat Pride

Today was the first day of Bobcat Pride. Not quite sure what Bobcat Pride is? At Northeastern High School, all incoming Freshman are extended an invitaiton to join about two dozen teachers for a low and high ropes orientation. For those who want to particate there is a fee of $20 which includes lunch the first day, two Bobcat Pride t-shirts, a water bottle, and a Bobcat Pride visor. The morning of the first day, students participate in a few workshops that are meant to aid in the transition to the high school. After lunch, we run ten low ropes challenges in which they work in teams to complete.
Today went wonderfully. Our numbers were down a little, but everything went really well. The weather was beautiful (last year the temperature was pushing 100 and the kids weren't very receptive to the ropes challenges) and the kids were really into the challenges. For me, it's nice to get to know the students, in a less formal setting, before they show up in my class.