It's 8 AM. I'm standing with a few people, next to a tree - a few trees - waiting for the sound of a big yellow bus - or two, or three - to fumble its way down a tiny dirt drive. We're talking about activities you can do with foam rings, or two drum sticks with colored tape, or how education paradigms are changing (or need to). Foam pool noodles, hula hoops, yarn balls, bandanas, and of course, rubber chickens, pigs, and fish, clutter and stick out of our backpacks. We're drinking coffee, eating a snack, and gathering ourselves before the energetic 6th graders run out from their bumbling yellow and black striped container.
Run away! Run away! (I joke or think to myself)
The busses arrive. "Welcome to Project Adventure!" Little faces peeking out of brightly colored jackets bob their heads up and down from inside the school bus. Sometimes their arms. Sometimes their mouths. I stick two widespread hands up in the air, "Group 10 over here!" 12 of them find me through the sea of little humans with their neon footwear and water bottles.
"I like your blue jacket!" (one says)
"Are we doing the zip line?" (says another)
"My name is Zack!" (says he)
"I'm so EXCITED!" (one exclaims)
We walk up a large hill. Once in a circle, a voice booms, "Stick your finger up in the air! Ah ha!" The facilitator continues, "This represents a good idea. Now flatten out your other hand and place it in front of the person next to you. This represents an open mind. In a moment, I'm going to invite you to place your good idea in the open mind next to you. Sounds are strongly encouraged."
"Doodledoodleydooooooooooop!"
"Whrrrrrrrrppppp!"
"Booooommmmrrcchchchchch!"
"You have entered into a game of capture and release. When the word 'Gotcha' is said, simultaneously escape from the person on your right while trying to capture the person on their left."
After the tone is set, these energetic participants are invited to play: escape from a noodle by saying the name of someone else; try to step on the moving spot; steal the rubber pig; get your team through a turning rope; swing to the other side without touching the ground; appreciate the person next to you; find the clothespin; balance the 10x3 platform; walk across a cable 30 feet in the air while your team belays you.
"How did challenge, communication, respect, trust, or support show up?"
At the end of the day, we meet back in a large circle. Everyone is encouraged to shout out something they would like to celebrate and we all pat-pat our legs, clap-clap our hands, snap-snap our fingers, and say, "Oh yeah!" We funnel down to the busses. We wave them off and on their way.
***
The sun sets on the ropes course. Deep orange November light cuts through the trees creating long dark shadows on the ground. I am walking with colleagues and stepping onto a platform that we balance together in a circle. We celebrate the day.
"I'm so thankful that in light of such terrifying world events, I am part of a community that is trying to make things better."
"I want to thank everyone for showing up today, reminding me that we're not alone in the work that we do."
"I want to celebrate the people in this community - the ones I know and the ones I got to meet today. I hope to see more of you."
We feel warm and fuzzy in our warm fuzzies. Inspiration appears as golden air lining all of the world surrounding us. Extending our arms over each other, we give each other and ourselves pats on the back. Covered in evening light, we begin to exit this space which has held so much meaning.
Goodnight, ropes course. Thank you for another beautiful season.
