WDC seventh-graders participate in the “Trolley” activity, where each student must have one foot on each side of the trolley. If one person touches the ground or “swamp of poisonous yogurt,” the whole group must start over. The team-building activity was part of a retreat held Sept. 15 at Inspiration Point and Retreat Center near Clitherall. (Photo by Toni Kraska, WDC Schools)
Wadena-Deer Creek seventh-graders participated in a day-long outdoor retreat Sept. 15 that focused on teamwork skills and building friendships.
WDC High School Counselor Toni Kraska said the annual retreat, which was held at Inspiration Point Retreat Center near Clitherall, helps seventh-graders learn about three important skills -- trust, communication and cooperation.
“By participating in this unique experience, it is the hope that, as a seventh-grade class, they will feel a sense of cohesiveness; belongingness to the school community; and have the opportunity to experience positive leadership with one another,” said Kraska, who coordinates the trip.
Seventy-seven 7th-graders participated along with senior and junior students who served as peer mentors.
WDC seventh-graders Kylie Matthews, 13, and Teagan Roberts, 12, thought the outdoor retreat was an excellent learning experience.
“It was awesome!” said Matthews, who enjoyed being off campus with her classmates. She admits to thinking the retreat would be just a typical field trip, but the day ended up exceeding her expectations. “We did all sorts of activities that focused on trust-building and friendships with others,” said Matthews.
For Roberts, it was learning about working together as a unit and the challenging team exercises that she enjoyed. “It was fun! The activities were difficult, but we learned if we worked together, it was a lot easier,” Roberts said.
Twenty-one junior and senior students served as peer mentors and go on the retreat with the seventh-grade students as a way to connect with the younger students.
Senior peer mentors included: Thomas Brekke, Kendra Evans, Wyatt Fitzsimmons, Mikena Formanek, Jacob Johnson, Jessica Langer, Kelsie Pierce, Austin Sutherland, Brianna Taggart and Hannah Vorderbruggen.
Juniors peer mentors were: Ashley Lehmkuhl, Andrew McCullough, Kirsten Peterson, Liz Peterson, Jess Rondestvedt, Gabi Ross, Blaine Snyder, Konnor Stueve, Tyler Wheeler and McKayla Woods.
Teachers and staff who accompanied the students, as well as participated included: Mrs. Kraska; Alex Brockpahler, phy ed teacher; Chelsa Golberg, math teacher; Todd Hale, social studies teacher; and Marc Reynolds, special education teacher.
WDC seventh-grader Mona’e Payton is supported by classmates while she stands on a swinging log. The outdoor activity was one of several that focused on teamwork and were part of a day-long retreat at Inspiration Point. (Photo by Toni Kraska, WDC Schools)