Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Middle school students from Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, took part in the annual Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Middle School Outdoor School at Glacier View Ranch (GVR) in Ward, Colorado, September 10-13. They were joined with other fifth through eighth graders from 10 schools across the RMC for an unforgettable four days of outdoor education and spiritual growth.

A total of 105 students in fifth to seventh grade participated in a variety of hands-on activities. Focuses for the sixth and seventh graders included a fire-making class, compass reading, and hiking with an emphasis on “leave no trace” principles by picking up trash along the way. Students also learned new skills such as juggling, building bracelets, and crafting boats. Soccer games provided an opportunity for fun and friendly competition.

The 52 eighth graders from across the RMC camped in the Pathfinder Village where they spent three nights immersed in nature, learning essential skills such as repelling, fire and shelter building, compass navigation, and basic first aid. They also had the opportunity to work with Union Adventist University’s International Relief and Rescue (IRR) program, gaining practical skills like blade safety and animal trap construction.

One of the highlights of the week was a joint service project where students from all grades worked together to build picnic tables for schools and churches across the Conference, further strengthening their bonds and learning the importance of giving back.

Layten Meyers, an eighth-grade student, shared, “I had so much fun getting to know students from other schools, camping out, and rock climbing. It was an experience I’ll never forget.”

The week culminated in a powerful worship session where students reflected on their spiritual journey and the lessons they had learned.

“It was great having all the middle school students together, learning to work as teams and grow in their relationship with Christ. The hands-on activities and worship really brought the group together in a meaningful way. We look forward to continuing this tradition in the years ahead,” said Paul Negrete, RMC Education associate superintendent.

—Karrie Meyers is the marketing and development coordinator at Mile High Academy. Photos supplied.