Good character is what will get you farther in your future career, often more so than your academics. Therefore, teachers and schools should model and teach good character to their students. It is crucial that students are learning the value of character and why being honest and caring for your classmates is just as important as how to solve complex math problems or the difference between their, they’re and there.
Having good character is all about….
At Challenge Discovery, we witness students valuing good character every day. We continually see students put others before themselves when climbing through the course. One particular time sticks out…
There were 90 young boys and girls out at the course and it was time for Joe’s group to climb up into the course. Joe was the school athlete, the jock, the popular student, and at school, he was the confident one that commanded the presence of everyone when he walked into a room. But Joe was terrified to go up into the course. In fact, he didn’t think he was going to do it. Max was another boy in his class, but not someone Joe knew well or interacted with much at school. Max, a smaller and quieter boy that was not well known on campus, was pumped to climb. It came time for the two of them to ascend the net and Max went right behind Joe. Joe was trembling, as his fear of heights crept up over him. Meanwhile, Max, much more confident in this moment, cheered for Joe the entire way, assuring him that he was right below if he needed anything. Shortly after making it to the platform, Joe and Max stepped out onto the cables, with their hands on each other’s shoulders. Despite their differences, they got each other across the course. It was an unlikely pair, two students that don’t interact at all at school and that have completely different interests and personalities. But Max’s character proved to be strong, selfless, and compassionate. Joe’s character proved to be courageous, trusting, and strong. In that moment, they were on the same playing field. Back at school, the jock was suddenly being supported, mentally and physically, by the less confident and quiet student. It is moments like this where we are reminded of why we do what we do. Joe and Max will never forget that day, and had they not come out to Challenge Discovery, they would have never had the opportunity to make such a powerful impact on one another.
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Experiences like this one can take place on and off the ropes course. Take this story and think about how your character has played a role in team efforts. We bet you’ll think of a time or two…
When faced with a challenge, has someone’s reaction ever really surprised you?
Was there ever a time your character helped a classmate get over their fears to achieve a goal?
Have you ever been skeptical about your abilities, but inspired by another student to take a chance?
Teaching values + building character—on and off the ropes course
Whether you possess all or some of these values, think about ways you can use influential traits to support a classmate who may not have the same level of confidence. When confronted with a challenge or task, your encouragement can be so powerful. You’ll likely end up surprised at what you can achieve together.
Character goes a long way even off the ropes course. In the classroom, character values impact academics resulting in an instilled sense of diligence and responsibility. Being exposed to the value of character in the classroom also prompts better interactions with your teachers, peers and members of your community making you a stronger, more well-rounded individual. With this comes skills you can use in the real world.
What experiences have you had that cultivated values and made a lasting impact?
On the course, or in the classroom, Challenge Discovery’s goal is emphasizing the value of character to bond your team and promote individual growth while taking you on an adventure you’ll never forget. We encourage you to contact us today at (804) 876-9733 to learn more about the unique experiences we offer!