On Wednesday, May 10th our first group of Grade 5 students (Ms. Weible’s class) returned from their 3-day trip to the ISB Environmental Wildness Campus and the second group departed (Mr. Davis’ class). The remaining groups head to EWC over the next three weeks. When the students returned they had big smiles, tired bodies and stories to tell! We are fortunate to have this outdoor education program available for our Grade 5 students.The program’s aim is to provide students with essential outdoor activity skills, social/emotional competencies, and character development, all of which are crucial for their overall development.
Students have the unique opportunity to bond with the rest of their classroom community; by design, each group of students is limited to 25 inorder to facilitate deep connections and a more intimate experience at EWC. This has been a crucial element of the student experience and program’s success over the years.
Over the three days students have the opportunity to develop essential skills and competencies outside of the classroom. They take part in skills based collaborative “games” where they work on the 6C’s, Collaboration, Cooperation, Compromise, Communication, Commitment, and Celebration. Students learn to work collaboratively, overcome challenges, and develop resilience, which are essential qualities for them as they move on to middle school. The students were constantly reminded that they have the skills to overcome challenges, and while it is hard, they will be able to come through the other end. Celebrations of growth are at the heart of the program!
Students work together as a community throughout the entire program. At each meal students serve each other the meals, clean up and do the dishes. This builds a sense of community and responsibility. During the first meal, one of the teams was assigned to do dishes and five minutes in, the whole class joined them. This is an example of how others step in to support one another.
Before and after each session, they reflect and set goals individually and as a team. Farah joined Ms. Weible’s group and shared that it was easy to see how teams grow and work together more effectively while at EWC. Students step into leadership roles and also step back so others can lead.
The EWC program not only provides learning opportunities for students, it’s also meant to be a fun bonding experience and preparation to bridge to middle school. The goal of the program is for students to look forward to what is beyond elementary school.
This culminating ES experience is an exciting rite of passage for our students!
Your partner in education,
Michael Allen
MichaelA@isb.ac.th