Connection & Adventure
Our middle school students began the school year with an exciting trip to Candlelight Ranch, where they had the opportunity to build relationships, challenge themselves, and reflect on the kind of community they want to create together this year. Over the course of three days, students participated in activities designed to develop leadership, teamwork, resilience, and confidence, while also making plenty of time for fun and connection.
On the first day, students participated in low ropes activities that required communication, cooperation, and problem-solving. Throughout these challenges, they were encouraged to set personal goals for the school year and to think about what they would need to accomplish those goals. One of the most important lessons was recognizing that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but an important part of working through challenges and growing as a student and leader.
Students also spent time discussing leadership and the characteristics of a strong leader. Together, they considered what leadership looks like in everyday life at school: including others, helping classmates, taking responsibility, listening, showing kindness, and having the courage to do the right thing.
Of course, the Texas heat made cooling off especially important! Students spent time in Chilleville, where standing beneath water-dumping buckets provided a very welcome break from the day’s activities.
During downtime, students enjoyed card and board games, while others headed outside to play football. These less structured moments gave students another valuable opportunity to strengthen friendships and simply enjoy being together.
The second day brought students even closer to the natural environment surrounding Candlelight Ranch. During nature hikes, they learned to identify different plants, including plants that can be eaten or have traditionally been used for medicinal purposes. They also learned about local wildlife and examined different types of animal bones.
Fishing was another highlight of the day, and our students proved to be remarkably successful anglers. Together, they caught more than 30 fish, including one catfish! Whether they were holding a fishing pole for the first time or helping a friend with a catch, students approached the experience with enthusiasm and curiosity.
The final day provided perhaps the biggest challenge of the trip: the high ropes course. Students had the opportunity to scale a 45-foot climbing wall and soar through the air on a zip line. These activities asked students to move beyond their comfort zones, trust themselves and others, and keep going when something felt difficult. It was wonderful to see students encourage one another, celebrate each other’s accomplishments, and discover just how much they were capable of doing.
Throughout the trip, our middle school students demonstrated tremendous resilience, particularly while participating in outdoor activities in the heat. They willingly helped clean up after meals, supported one another during challenges, and approached new experiences with genuine excitement. Most importantly, they returned to school having shared experiences that will help shape their community throughout the year.
The Candlelight Ranch trip was more than an opportunity to get away from campus. It gave our students a chance to begin the year thinking intentionally about their goals, their relationships, and the leaders they hope to become.
As they take on the challenges and opportunities of the school year ahead, we hope they will carry with them some of the lessons they practiced at Candlelight Ranch: be willing to try, persevere when things get difficult, help others, ask for help when you need it, and remember that we accomplish much more when we work together.
