Photos courtesy of the Bronxville Union Free School District

By Blaine Malefatto, Syntax

Oct. 9, 2024: As part of a cherished annual tradition, Bronxville Middle School sixth graders participated in team-building activities during a trip to the Fresh Air Fund’s Sharpe Reservation in Fishkill.

The students engaged in various outdoor group activities, including a ropes course and a wooden balance beam challenge.

On the ropes course, each student was tasked with crossing a tightrope, while gripping assisting ropes and relying on classmates, who stood on either side, to spot them until they reached the end.

In the balance beam activity, the students worked together to maintain their balance while singing “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.”

“If one side of the beam hit the ground, students had to start all over again,” said teacher Brittany Miceli, who co-facilitated the special experience with fellow teacher Brian Senior. “This required the students to communicate clearly with each other, actively listen to whomever is speaking, and work together.”

The trip allowed the middle school students to bond over the activities, follow directions and collaborate as a united group.

“We hope they took away communication, listening, and teamwork skills that we will bring back into the classroom with us,” Miceli said. “We often reference this field trip during advisory classes throughout the year.”