These Owl Campers prepare for their ascent up a climbing exercise at Victory Ranch during afternoon activities. Groups of boys were selected across our diverse enrollment to exist in distinct units in order to offer an opportunity for each boy to be introduced to his new classmates through various physical and mental activities. Each lad experienced some personal challenges in the process. The climbing wall and zip line, which these fellas are preparing to conquor, were just two of a number of stations where the guys went toe-to-toe with their fears and limitations. We were proud of a number of boys who obviously exceeded their expactations.
The Class of 2015 survived the 2009 edition of Owl Camp as all classes and general orientation events are now complete. Aside from implementing classwork and instruction within the regular school structure, we as faculty and administration now work to learn about the boys' reaction to their first week, seeking particular examples from their experiences so we can better get a handle on individual and corporate issues to help everyone's transition. Moving up in life to middle school is a significant event in these boys' lives. Not all boys are at the same maturity level (for example, the partially cut-off figure in glasses to the right of the above photo is that of a fellow seventh grader!), and some sparks are going to fly as well as some tears are going to flow. It what happens.
What we want for the boys is an opportunity to be safe and challenged given the almost quantum variables of their collective reactions. There is a lot going on within each boy, and we anticipate some adjustment phase along a wide continuum of emotions. For the most part, it looks like "so far, so good." That said, we know of a few incidences where we're having to talk to certain boys about how their behavior needs to be adjusted. These instructional confrontations are necessary, and we aim always to encourage while correcting. We appreciate your support, and we believe we can help foster positive relations as these guys grow into more responsible kids and a good class.



