Ropes Course Opportunity

Our Ropes Course Fundraiser for Ishmael Beah (author of A Long Way Gone A Memoir of a Child Soldier) & Schools for Salone was an amazing experience! The theme was transition and we explored how to handle our transitions effectively. Each student was transitioning into a new grade level, many adults were transitioning into new positions, and we all considered transitions in our personal lives. We also considered Ishmael Beah's transitions in his live. His new phase of life includes building schools in Sierra Leone, through Schools for Salone, so education can thrive where war once did.

(Note: Students were asked to pay $30. This event was sponsored, so all of the money went to support Schools for Salone. That morning we sent $390 to help!)



And...it was really fun!




We relaxed in the sun...




And explored challenges and how they work to overcome them. We shared with one another using Restorative Justice practices. Why Restorative Justice? Because in Sierra Leone and many other African countries, Restoriative Justice practices are being use to forward peace. Restorative Justice is being used around the world.




Martha from Restorative Justice in Jackson Hole.

Students participated in Team Building activities that showed how communication and trust helps to solve problems. We realized that the answer to every problem is TEAMWORK.







Students experienced a solo and group ropes experience.


Tenzing goes for it!



Schuyler is focused!


Sawyer lets go and reaches for the next trapeze...parts of this reading served as our guiding theme for the day.

I soar across the dark void
of "the past is gone;
the future is not yet here."

"Sometimes with new opportunities, you have to let them hang in the air." ~Fuller

Some of us conquered our fear of heights!


And...we made sure we all felt supported and safe!





The executive director of Schools for Salone participated in the day and shared stories of her challenges and how she has overcome.


Cindy, Executive Director from Schools for Salone


We were also lucky enough to have Doug Walker's parents, the people who created the ropes course in honor of their son for whom the course is named, join us. The day was more powerful because they got a glimpse at the depth of thought and interaction the ropes course, their son's vision, creates.



So...what did we learn?

Togetherness.
Leadership skills are essential AND
Followership skills are a necessity.
Coming together, working together as one...
Oneness.
You need effective communication.
Teamwork solves all problems.
But equally important is being there, being aware, and listening to others.
Total participation is a must.
One must always have a strategy...
and be persistent.
Don't give up half way through.
All it takes is a plan, focus, and rhythm...
It's all about the pattern.
Have Fun.
It's easy.
Trust is essential.
Don't worry about speed, because what's important is,
"I feel safe with you guys."

And...we set our new JHMS POP goal. We will raise $40,000, enough to build a school in Sierra Leone sponsored entirely by JHMS!!! Watch for ways to help.