Icebreaker activities get boarding year off to a great start
From gymnastics sessions to a ceilidh and cowboy supper and a fun-filled team-building exercise, there were lots of icebreaker activities for students to help get the boarding year off to a great start. LUCAS LAYBOURNE reports on an unforgettable day at Ripley Castle
Today, we took part in a team-building day at Ripley Castle, designed to challenge us both individually and as a boarding community. Throughout the day, we were pushed outside our comfort zones and encouraged to develop skills such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving.
Our first activity was a code-breaking challenge, in which we were divided into two groups and tasked with finding clues hidden throughout the forest surrounding the Ripley Castle complex. Using maps and orienteering skills, we worked together to locate and solve the clues. Despite getting lost several times, we persevered and managed to beat the other group.This involved a lot of communication and decision-making, as everyone had different ideas and observations that contributed to the team.
Later, we took on more physical challenges. We used ropes and belaying systems to climb trees, where we were actively encouraging and guiding each other. We also climbed a tall pole before jumping from it, which required us to overcome our fear of heights and trust both ourselves and the people supporting us.One of the boarders even attempted to do a handstand on the swaying platform, much to our surprise. Furthermore, it helped in my ability to trust those boarders I was new to.
However, the goal of the day was to strengthen relationships within the boarding community. As many new boarders had recently joined, the activities gave us a chance to spend time and work closely with new people. Personally, I feel much closer to the new boarders than I did before. Having to solve problems, make decisions and face challenges together helped us build trust, while also making the day enjoyable and bringing us closer as a community.
Ripon Grammar School, 16 Clotherholme Road, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 2DG
Tel: 01765 602 647
E: admin@ripongrammar.com
