Fifth Grade Learns about Leadership in the Great Outdoors

Part of learning about leadership is facing challenges, both individually and as a group. On Tuesday, September 23, the 5th Grade traveled to Stony Acres, an outdoor education center in the Poconos, for a day of learning, fun, and leadership development. 

The Fifth Grade Leadership class at Rutgers Prep is experiential, and our students learn to lead by...leading. They have opportunities to be leaders every day as they walk our youngest children from Early Birds to the ECEC building, run Lower School assemblies, help organize the Halloween parade, and raise and lower the flag on Elm Farm Lawn. In their Leadership class, they take time to process, reflect on, and develop their leadership skills.
 
During this Tuesday’s trip to Stony Acres, fifth graders worked on earning and building trust, problem-solving, and facing their fears. In the morning, they worked together in teams to meet challenges set by the Stony Acres staff. In the afternoon, they climbed. They faced a climbing wall, a high ropes course, and, for extra fun, a swing that may be even more fun than a zipline.

For some, the experience was carefree and exhilarating. Others faced their fear of heights and challenged themselves to move out of their comfort zone. All supported one another, showing how empathy and encouragement shape strong leaders.