Wednesday, August 19, 2009

The Freshmen are here.

Yesterday, Joy and I went down to Seneca Rocks, WV to help out with Ohio Wesleyan University's Fresh X program, a 3 day pre-orientation trip for 50 first-year students run by CCO staff. Through hiking, rock climbing, canoeing and rafting, the students get a chance to build relationships with their new classmates and together reflect on some key issues involved in a successful transition to college.

In case, you don't have a high schooler near you, here is Benoit's annual list to introduce you to the class 2013, also known as the on-demand generation because they've never had to wait for anything including Saturdays to watch cartoons!

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Ministry is on the Rocks, literally!


As first year students move into college life for the first time, our staff take them out on various experiences to get oriented to a new way of life and meet the people with whom they are starting that journey.
Francois and I had the chance to join them for a day at Seneca Rocks, WV where we led 9 first year students in rock climbing and rappelling. The theme question for the day was, "Why am I here?" Many students expressed excitement to meet new friends and start taking classes that really interested them. We were glad to be a part of setting the stage through rock climbing to enter college with similar gusto. Some needed to face fears, others to explore their options, and we encouraged all to ask for help and support from those around them.
Check out Francois in action:

Monday, August 10, 2009

Joy's work at Westminster stuck!


The CCO is doing a series of stories about how it is transforming college students to transform the world. Check out the story by Allison, where Joy's work at Westminster is mentioned.

(Picture: Allison climbing at Joshua Tree National Park, CA. Spring Break '02)