On October 24, students from Brazos River Charter School (BRCS) travelled to Riverbend Retreat Center, where Indiana Jones meets the “Hunger Games.” Who knew high school could be this much fun? BRCS’s next-door neighbor, New Prospect Baptist Church in Nemo, hosted the event designed to encourage team building and problem-solving.

Donning fencing masks, the twenty-two gallant students, four intrepid teachers, and seven plucky volunteers began the morning on the battlefield of Archery Tag (described as dodgeball with bows and arrows). Armed with silicone longbows, student-led teams launched fusillades of foam-tipped arrows at opposing team members in a snatch-and-fling game of elimination.

Leaving their artillery behind, the teams regrouped for a battle of wits on the Adventure Trail, an outdoor escape-room-style challenge. Working together to solve riddles and puzzles, the student teams advanced through seven stations in a race against the clock and opposing teams. Several students made new friends through this adventure.

The zip line challenged each student to “step out of your comfort zone,” literally. Sporting helmets and body harnesses, the adventurers ascended a 45-foot tower. Atop the platform, Riverbend staff secured a student’s harness to a steel cable running to the valley below. Stepping off the edge, the zipliner glided through the air and “flew” to the Riverbend staff below. Having conquered their fear, the zipliners raced up the hill for another ride.

Judging by all the laughter and smiles, the outing was a tremendous success.