Student zip lining at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly

On a cool fall day, seventh graders at Charles D. Owen Middle School (OMS) were given the opportunity to climb to new heights and step outside of their comfort zone. The group took a field trip to the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Teachers say this experience was a great learning opportunity for students. 

“This field trip allows students the outlet to practice communication and team-building skills in different settings,” said seventh grade math teacher James Sapp. “It is also important because it allows students to step out in nature and have fun in our community. As a teacher, we see them take risks in class all the time, but not quite like the ones they are presented with at the Blue Ridge Assembly.”

Extended Content teacher Katherine Capps was delighted to see students taking risks and having fun. “It was exciting to see my students outside of the school environment growing in confidence and testing their limits,” she said.

At the end of the day the students learned that life is much like the ropes course they climbed, Mr. Sapp said.

“The classroom can be challenging, but as a teacher I encourage my students to face their fears, and accept any challenge with determination,” he said.