This year, our lives changed drastically. We could have never predicted that 2020 would be the year where outdoor education was taught through a screen, where we’d be more likely to see our friends through a video app than in person. With every new challenge, however, we are given an opportunity to use our problem-solving skills to find solutions and succeed. After all, that is one of the most important skills in outdoor survival!

CI and Breakthrough Kent Denver (BKD) put those problem-solving skills to the test in creating an online Leadership and Team Building program. On July 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th, CI and BKD spent two hours each morning providing a safe environment for high school students and facilitators to get to know each other and openly discuss our roles in the world.

We spent the first two days getting to know each other through activities like Scavenger Hunt Stories, where everyone was given a prompt such as “Find something that makes you smile.” Students and facilitators got creative and came back with an item from their home and a story to tell. One student even brought in a live guest – her baby sister.

On the third day, when all of the ice was broken, we dug deep into conversation. We spent most of our time designing our group’s “Goldilocks Planet” — an ideal imaginary society — and discussing how we would provide our citizens with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs if we were in charge. A few things we all agreed upon to enforce and encourage on our new planet included:

• The voting age is 16.
• The government does not get more privilege, and all members have to take a psychological test to hold any type of office.
• Mental health curriculum is required in school; it’s just as important as physical health. Having an understanding of your mental health is supported and nothing to be ashamed about.
• Dance, eat delicious food, socialize in the town center, sing while doing chores, be yourself!

After completing these three mornings with the facilitators and students, I felt grateful to have shared such meaningful conversations and confident that the future has some pretty incredible leaders coming its way.

Written by CI instructor Juliette Ambrogi