Devon Prep Freshmen Get to Know Each Other Through Adventure in Education

DEVON, Pa. - Dec. 16, 2013 - 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 53 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 2017,” 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.”

Tyler Keough found the day both challenging and fun. “We did team building and ice breaker exercises and games and worked on techniques to build friendships,” he explained.  “It was a really fun day.  There have been a lot of things that have gone on that made me look differently as some of the kids that I didn’t know or don’t usually hang out with. And now I see who they are and how good they are as leaders.”

Timothy Coble agreed. “It was difficult but fun. We learned how to trust each other. It helps you make new friends.”

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 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 is a small, independent, Catholic college preparatory school for young men in grades six through 12 conducted by the Piarist Fathers and located on Philadelphia’s Main Line. For more information call 610-688-7337, email admissions@devonprep.com, or visit www.devonprep.com.