By Leif Faber, 1st year Physical Education Teacher
After a long absence, high ropes elements have returned to the physical education curriculum at Vassal Lane Upper School. Prior to my work in public education, I worked for more than 12 years as an outdoor educator at Touch of Nature Environmental Center at Southern Illinois University. Additionally, I have long been very passionate about rock climbing and mountaineering. I strongly believe that adventure activities are an amazing vehicle for self-discovery and developing teamwork, trust, and communication. So I was very proud to re-open the high ropes elements available at the current Vassal Lane gymnasium. My classes started the high ropes elements unit during the third week in March, and so far it has been a lot of fun, with a lot of growth evident in my classes. Using a technique called the “Australian belay” students are even able to belay each other in groups. On Wednesday March 27th our fearless leader Mr. CN even joined one of my 8th grade classes, styling an ascent of the rope ladder while being belayed by students. He was wearing slacks, dress shoes and a tie no less! Super rad as climbers would say. Amazing job everybody!
