Main Line School Students Get to Know Each Other Through Adventure in Education

Sept. 29, 2010 - PRLog -- Making the transition from middle school to high school can be difficult for even the most self-confident teenager. Making that transition in a school where you don’t know anyone can be twice as challenging.

To help the 46 young men in Devon Prep’s Freshman Class get through that difficult transition the school’s Guidance Department recently sponsored an Adventure in Education Day. The goal of this interactive learning experience was to strengthen the developing bond among the members of the class as they begin their high school journey.

“This day of Adventure in Education contributes to the process of building the Class of 2014,” explained Mrs. Denise Gavin, Devon Prep’s Director of Health and Guidance.  “The whole class was divided into randomly formed groups giving the students a chance to meet all the members of the class. They interact while participating in new challenging activities and stretching their own expectations,” Gavin continued. “They discover the value of cooperative or group power and learn that sometimes a group, when working together, can accomplish what an individual cannot.”

Johnathan Clementi of King of Prussia is new to Devon Prep and found the day both challenging and fun. “The Adventure in Education Day really helped me make new friends,” Clementi said. “It was really fun and a great experience.”

Matthew McDevitt of Berwyn agreed. “We went on low ropes and worked as a team to get through the obstacles” he said. “We also worked as a class to get over the 12 foot wall. It was great fun.”

Devon Prep’s Adventure in Education Day was presented by THOM STECHER ASSOCIATES (http://thomstecher.com/programs-edu-ropes.asp) and took place at an outdoor course in Newtown Square.  The program involved traditional outdoor activities such as group games, a climbing wall, and a low ropes course. Most situations called for team problem solving, good communications, trust in one another, respect of individual differences within a group, and working together to fulfill the task created. The goal was not competition but cooperation. The students learned to solve problems by working together in a group creatively and effectively, and to take responsibility for the outcomes of their decisions.

Devon Prep’s Guidance Department has sponsored Adventure in Education Day for the members of the freshman class for several years. Experienced counselors with Thom Stecher Associates work with the students throughout the day. According to Mrs. Gavin, “They have great respect for the environment and use obstacles provided by nature to challenge themselves to accomplish personal goals. The counselors expect the participants to respect themselves and each other, to be accountable for their own actions and to be worthy of the trust of their team members.”

Devon Prep is a small, private, Catholic college preparatory school for young men in grades six through 12 conducted by the Piarist Fathers. Through challenging academics, a devotion to Christian values, competitive athletics, and a commitment to service, Devon Prep students receive the foundation necessary to face the challenges of life with confidence. Devon Prep will hold an Open House on Sunday, October 10 from 1 to 4 PM on campus, 363 North Valley Forge Road, in Devon, PA. Scholarship / Entrance Exams will be administered on Saturday, October 16 and Sunday, October 17 from 8:30 to 11:30 AM. For more information call 610-688-7337, email admissions@devonprep.com, or visit www.devonprep.com.