tHE bOYZ
Connecting With Kids
"tHE bOYZ" Project
2001-02 School Year
The Connecting With Kids initiative entitled "tHE bOYZ" was implemented during the 2001-2002 school year. The initial intent of the grant was to complete a backpacking expedition in the summer of 2001 with incoming 10th grade boys coming from Southview Middle School and Valley View Middle School who we felt might benefit from ongoing connection with positive adult role models during their first year of high school. Following the Expedition, we planned to meet weekly with the participants during their first year of high school and possibly plan a few field trips throughout the year. However, because not enough kids signed up in time, we decided on plan B, which is described below.
During the year, tHE bOYZ group met weekly with EHS School Social Worker, Doug Eischens, and biology teacher, Aaron Carper, and included as many as18 boys. Beginning with a planning weekend camping trip to Taylor's Falls in October 2001, the focus was to prepare for a Backpacking Expedition in May 2002. In addition, issues of attendance, performance in school, and social behavior in and out of school were addressed. Students received increased school support as well as connection to helpful community resources.
The students were responsible for all aspects of the expedition, including procuring necessary equipment, purchasing food and consumable equipment, designing an itinerary, securing transportation and coordinating logistics related to the Expedition. The idea was to empower the youth to take charge of all major decisions and to then experience the real consequences of their planning. Safe supervision and the provision of good information and resources were the responsibility of the staff involved.
2002-03 School Year
Description
tHE bOYZ group was begun in 2001-02 with a grant from the Connecting With Kids initiative through the Edina Public Schools, and is being continued at the request of those who participated last year. Additional students joined the group voluntarily, and the effort to fund this year’s activities were entirely student-driven. The group was led by Doug Eischens (School Social Worker) and David Breeden.
The initiative involved:
- Weekly sessions which focused on school-related issues and academic progress, facilitated by Doug Eischens and David Breeden
- Lunch out one time per month
- "Superior Men" Backpacking Expedition in May 2003
2003-04 School Year
SALTeam (Student Adventure Leadership Team)