The End of Chapter One (Year 1, Week 36)
It is hard to believe that the end of the first year of Heroes Academy is here. What a journey it has been to watch these young heroes take on the challenges and responsibilities of the studio and grow so much in the process.
The end of a session is always a time for reflection but this week in particular was a time for the heroes to reflect on all they have experienced so far in the studio.
In particular the heroes reflected on the first day of the year, and their first day together as travelers. They were then posed with two questions:
How have you changed since you started the journey?
How have we changed since we started the journey together?
It was wonderful to discuss the value of contracts, hero bucks, rules of engagement, and freedom levels. It was even more rewarding to hear how each hero had transformed. Each seeing evidence of character and transformation within themselves. Each have a deeper belief in themselves and a commitment to live life as a hero on a hero’s journey. Some might say this alone is the magic of Heroes Academy.
Quest Reflection and Exhibition Preparation
To wrap up this session’s quest the heroes’ final challenge was to reflect and consolidate what they had learned during the Survivor Quest. It was exciting to see them reflect, not only on the practical skills they had gained throughout the quest, but also on what they had discovered about themselves, their identity, and their passions as individuals.
To see a group of children lead and run a discussion without any intervention from an adult is a truly inspiring thing. We got to witness this during the week as Caden led the exhibition preparation discussions and the heroes planned and prepared for the camping trip. They prepared, practiced, gave feedback and made improvements in a way that had the guides marveling at their competency and leadership.
Celebrating the Final Week
Throughout the last week there have been many activities on the schedule to have fun and celebrate the end of the year.
A few weeks ago jack proposed an excursion idea of a studio fishing trip at a town hall meeting. After discussing this idea the heroes voted and Jack submitted a proposal to the guides about how the excursion would help them on their hero’s journey. The heroes were excited to go on their fishing trip this Tuesday morning at a nearby lake, where a number of them were even able to catch some fish!
The last afternoon was spent relaxing and celebrating together with a movie party before closing the day with character callouts. Listening to the heroes call out heroic character they have seen in their fellow travelers once again highlighted the unique nature of encouragement and empowerment in the studio.
The heroes have proven that the studio works because of the responsibility they take within it. We have witnessed their growth and development in so many ways and are privileged to be a part of it.
The Camping Exhibition
To finish the year, we were privileged to combine the session exhibition with our final celebrations. The campout proved to both fun and memorable, and provided a great opportunity for parents and heroes to form deeper relationships.
The heroes loved sharing this time with their families and fellow travelers in an atmosphere of fun and celebration.
What’s wonderful about Heroes Academy is how a diverse group of travelers can find themselves on the same path. Each with a unique set of skills, passions, challenges and struggles, all in pursuit of living a life that is worthy of reflection and satisfaction.
At Heroes Academy we are privileged to walk alongside wonderful people. These parents are the quiet heroes that tirelessly put their families first. These children are the young heroes that teach us how to find joy in the journey. Becoming a little more like each other just might be the way we change the world.
End of Chapter One…
