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Linda Rajca
Stevenson School
St. Lombard, IL
We've taken about 500 8th graders to Vertical Endeavors for the last two years. We also had parents, teachers, and even principals. In thos trips, not one student has complained of boredom or asked if it was time to go home yet. The looks on their faces as they enter the "cave" room is priceless--a look of wonder you seldom see in a young teen. Parents repeatedly have commented that this was the best field trip they ever attended. They shared a thrilling experience with their son or daughter that happens less and less as children become more independent. Parents were proud of their children and children were proud of their parents for trying and even succeeding up the wall when they thought they were too old to do anything fun. Both of our middle school principals attended and climbed and interacted with the students in a way that doesn't happen at school. It's hard to say which experiences in life really affect the individual. I've taught for over 30 years and sometimes students come back all grown up as an adult and tell you about how some little incident or exchange you had with them changed their way of thinking, changed their life. We may never know the effects of this trip to Vertical Endeavors, but as teachers we just try to give the experiences. I saw students who were so proud of themselves that I'm sure they left with more self esteem and confidence. I talked to some who were afraid to go any higher but went back and tried again and conquered their fear. What a powerful moment! Everything about these field trips--from making the reservations, checking in a large group, belaying individuals, demonstrating a difficult top-rope climb--the staff at Vertical Endeavors in Warrenville, Il were wonderful, professional, helpful, and patient.
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