Middle school day out begins in the gym

The first Friday of the new school year means School Day Out at Eastern Mennonite School. Classes were cancelled on August 19 — the first Friday of the first week — to make space for students to open their circles and welcome in new friends.

The 118 middle school students enjoyed games and activities at the school and in Park Woods, Eastern Mennonite University’s property across the street from the school building. Teachers Zach Sauder and Leah Huyard planned the day.

The Student Council Organization planned and facilitated activities for  the 157 high school students who enjoyed beautiful weather at Highland Retreat in Bergton, Va. Morning activities included:

• board games
• lawn games
• volleyball
• soccer
• flag football
• ropes course
• basketball
• nature hike
• digital photography
• helping to grill beef and veggie burgers for lunch
• swimming
• gaga ball

In the afternoon, each class did an activity together. The class of ’23 enjoyed Highland’s swimming pool. The class of ’24 went to Blue Hole for a hike and swim. The freshman and sophomore classes played games and hiked at the camp.

Jesse Blosser and Jennifer Young, pictured left in 2020, have served as SCO sponsors for many years. “Each School Day Out is fun in it’s own way,” says Jennifer. “This year, I definitely felt a spirit of openness and welcome for the new students. It’s a great way to start the year.”

School Day Out at Highland Retreat, Jennifer Young and Jesse Blosser, SCO advisors, fall 2019