As the newest members of the Upper School, the Class of 2022 have been working to navigate their new role on campus. Many of the 85 freshmen have come to Lausanne for years, but the transition to ninth grade can be a confusing time for teenagers. As they start their final push towards graduation, having a strong network of peers and mentors they trust is essential for their success.
That's why each year the freshman class participates in a team building and group-bonding trip during the second week of school as a way for students to get to know new members of their class and build relationships with the 9th grade faculty.
On Monday, the group spent time doing team building activities with BRIDGES, known for their Bridge Builders program that helps youth connect across socio-economic and racial divides.
"We start off by doing things to get their blood pumping," explains Mario Hendrix, the director of Bridge Builders. "It activates their prefrontal cortex, so the students are more open to new ideas and thinking about things in new ways."
"That mirrors what we do at Lausanne," adds Stuart Dunster, Head of Upper School. "We aim to have our students engage in a variety of cognitive, emotional and sensory processes as they learn to help them reach their full potential."
Tuesday, the class gathered together and boarded buses to head to Clearwater Cove in Lampe, Missouri. Freshman class faculty and advisors joined them to act as facilitators for the week, along with a few members of the senior class. The week will be full of activities intended to help the class bond together, away from the rigors of classwork and the day-to-day grind. Freshman Myra Trautman was excited to be a part of the annual outing.
"I think the week helps you get out of your comfort zone," says Myra. "It helps you build relationships with people that you don’t normally hang out with." #thelausanneway
Learn more about the class trip and find a link to their travel blog at https://www.lausanneschool.com/freshman-class-trip. To see pictures of their experience, visit our facebook album.