The school year might be in full swing but we are still taking advantage of Colorado’s beautiful outdoors. Last week, two groups of middle school students were able to retreat from routine and enjoy trips focused on team building, community, and vision for the school year.
6th Grade – Estes Park
Our 6th grade trip with Simply Venture was to Estes Park this year. We stayed at the YCMA of the Rockies. We drove about half way up on Wednesday and then hiked at Eldorado Canyon. After making the rest of the drive up to the YMCA, we settled into our lodge and spent the evening playing outside (kickball, gaga ball, mini golf, basketball) and then enjoyed dinner together. After dinner we had a skating party! There were lots of falls but so many laughs and smiles (this was a highlight of many students).
On Thursday morning we hiked Emerald Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Some students jumped into the cold water! The students loved the views enjoying God’s creation.
Later, we spent time playing at the YMCA again before heading to our pizza party at a local pizza place! We ended the evening with a campfire and time of reflection. Friday we drove back and spent the day kayaking and paddle boarding on Chatfield Lake.
We love this trip as an intentional way for the students to build relationships with each other in a context outside of the classroom — as well as for teachers to build relationships with the students. It’s a cool experience for our new middle schoolers to spend a few nights not too far from home experiencing all that our great state has to offer while also deepening and beginning friendships with their peers.
Bonding over a bond fire! Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park Enjoying nature!
7th Grade – IdRaHaJe
This year we took one of our largest groups we have ever taken to IdRaHaJe Christian Camp. We enjoyed a variety of activities while at camp that included, ziplining, archery, rock climbing, high ropes and rappelling. A highlight of a lot of the students was the 150 ft. rappel down the side of a cliff!
We had a great trip and grew closer to God through our experiences, as well as each other. Many students were stretched outside their comfort zone and the encouragement from fellow classmates was awesome! We focused on the word TRUST while at camp: Trust in God, each other, our equipment, and the staff.
Growing Together & Growing with God
At Denver Christian, we believe that healthy student life is so much more than what occurs during class. Our social, emotional, and spiritual health is vitally important as we partner together in learning. Fostering community among these classes during the first weeks of school lays a foundation for the rest of the year. Intentionally building community, vision, and support are what these trips are all about.
Amber Bachman Ben Kloosterman
