Every May, high school students at R.W. Traip Academy in the Kittery School Department trade their student roles for those of teacher and mentor, guiding third graders from Horace Mitchell Primary School through a day of high-ropes adventures. Now in its 15th year, this cross-district tradition gives students an opportunity to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, and develop leadership skills while encouraging younger peers to embrace challenges and support one another.
Before taking on their roles as facilitators, high school students complete intensive training, extensive scaffolding, and testing to prepare to guide their younger peers through the high ropes elements. They then step into the roles of teachers and leaders, applying their skills while helping third graders navigate new challenges in a safe and supportive environment.
For the third graders, the experience centers on a “challenge by choice” mentality. Students are encouraged to try at least one element and, with guidance from their high school peers, choose the biggest challenge they feel comfortable embracing.
Throughout the day, students cheer one another on, offering support and encouragement as their classmates work through each activity. The experience creates opportunities for students of all ages to practice teamwork, build trust, and recognize their own abilities.
Year after year, students gain confidence as they discover what they can accomplish with encouragement from their peers. At the same time, the high school facilitators strengthen their leadership, communication, and teaching skills while making a positive impact on younger students.
Over the years, the high ropes experience has become a generational tradition at R.W. Traip Academy. Some of the high school students who now serve as facilitators once participated in the program themselves as third graders.
Their return as leaders reflects the lasting impact of the experience and the opportunities students have to grow into new roles within their school community.
By connecting physical activity with experiential learning, leadership development, and peer support, R.W. Traip Academy demonstrates how schools can create meaningful experiences that benefit students well beyond a single day.
Through this longstanding tradition, students are learning to embrace challenges, encourage one another, and reach new heights together—skills that can serve them throughout their lives.
Information for this article was provided by the Kittery School Department. To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.
