Team Building and Fun Outdoors

On Thursday, September 27, the entire fourth grade took a break from city life and ventured into the woods upstate. They traveled to the Taconic Outdoor Education Center in Fahnestock Memorial State Park, also known as the “The Four Season Park,” for a day of games, problem solving, and team-building exercises.
 
After arriving at the education center, the boys divided into three groups and dispersed with the educators assigned to their group. In the meadow they played energizing games that encouraged listening and focus. As they walked through the wooded areas, they encountered different stations where the boys were challenged to solve specific puzzles. “Whale Watch” consisted of a large wooden platform balanced on a fulcrum. The final goal was for all of the boys to balance in designated areas on opposite ends of the platform. Two boys stepped onto the platform at once at the center of the platform and worked together as they moved to either end of the plank. Good communication and thinking on their toes helped the boys accomplish this challenge.
 
In another station, boys had to figure out how to get all of their feet onto a two-foot square platform. The boys thought creatively, worked together, and after several almost-successes, they discovered a solution! Another popular challenge required each boy to launch across shark-infested waters (a designated area of the forest floor) on a rope swing and land on a wooden platform. This became difficult as more boys crowded onto the platform. They quickly figured out how to work together and help each other succeed.
 
The boys had a terrific time getting out of the classroom, thinking outside the box, and successfully conquering challenges together. We hope this trip created a strong foundation for them to grow individually and together as St. B’s fourth grade.
 
Special thanks to the Taconic Outdoor Education Center, Mr. Davis, Mr. Demeny, Mr. Morelli, and Mr. Rodriguez.
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