| ICO Outings for Eleven
to
Thirteen Year Olds
Middle
School Students
Why do many folks consider middle school students
to be the most difficult age group with which to work? Eleven to thirteen year olds, middle school students, are more interested
in their peers’ opinions than in adult opinions. They question adult authority. They are experiencing the intense emotions that
accompany sexual development. All these characteristics are strong reasons why they especially need positive interactions with
adults as well as peers. The out of doors provide an ideal open-ended setting for positive experiences.
Usually a pre-trip visit to the school by an ICO
leader is difficult because outing participants won’t all be in the same classroom at the same time. The ICO leader will need to
provide guidance to the teacher or other agency person as to how best to prepare participants for the outing. Further guidance
will need to take place at the site of the outing. Middle-schoolers need ownership in the decision-making process. Ask them what
rules they think are necessary. Ask them for the reasons behind the rules. When they test the rules, and they often will, remain
positive and calm. Be sensitive to their feelings.
Sensory experiences and stories similar to those
provided for elementary school students will engage them. Like most youngsters, they are especially interested in animals –
lizards, deer, squirrels, and bugs are exciting. Evidence of animals such as scat, tracks, hives and nests will often interest
them.
Provide physical
challenges. Take them on a long hike that includes going uphill. (But not so far that they never want to come back…) Stream
crossings offer another challenge, and water is a major attraction.
Teens want to be of
service to others. They will often be interested in volunteering in environmental projects such as replanting wetlands and
removing invasive plants from parks.
They are ready for new experiences and to work
together cooperatively. After two or three outdoor experiences such as hikes, snow outings, and tide pooling, they are ready for
overnight camping trips. (Consider ahead of time how they will share tents. Often teens that are social isolates get left out.)
The ICO leaders, agency folks, and youngsters will enjoy experiencing their growth as they, with guidance, plan meals and shop for
food (optional), prepare meals, clean up after meals, and pitch their own tents.
Contact
ICO
View the About ICO
page for contact information.
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