Solving Problems Through the Challenges of Ramapo

Last week, our sixth graders spent two days at Camp Ramapo in Rhinebeck, NY, where they embraced the "Challenge with Choice" philosophy of the Camp.

During their stay, the boys engaged in a series of physically oriented challenges and trust- and team-building activities including zip-lines, and high- and low-rope courses. In one challenge, they were asked to work in groups to figure out how to swing from one platform to another without touching the ground.

Throughout the trip, boys relied upon each other for safety and guidance as they addressed all the outdoor challenges presented to them.

The experience at Ramapo is an example of concrete ways that thinking can be made visible, as the boys' ideas are put to the test in tangible ways. It also reinforces the value of working cooperatively and sharing ideas to solve real problems.

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