Our last class at Wolf Ridge was the ropes course. I was ambivalent about that. Yes, it could be a very exciting way to end the week. On the other hand, sometimes when students do not do every stage of the ropes course they are frustrated and feel that they've failed. While we talk a lot about how each individual faces a different challenge and sets different goals, the fact remains there is a zip line at the end and kids who don't reach that point on the course don't feel the same elation as those who do.
Our teacher, Christopher, told a story about the "Heladeria de Vida" or the "Ice Cream Shop of Life" (it definitely sounds better in Spanish.) In it, he and some friends encounter a gelato shop in a tiny town in the mountains they are trekking through. The proprietor refuses to tell them what the flavors are — they must experience them for themselves. Each one is an adventure. Christopher and one of his friends tasted many different flavors and found that some were delicious and some were not so delicious. They chose their favorites and devoured their treats. The third friend chose not to get any gelato. When Christopher and his other friend pressed, the third friend shared that he was pretty sure he wouldn't like some of the flavors so he wasn't interested in trying them. The other two friends shrugged, enjoyed their ice cream and the three hiked on, up high into the hills above the town. After an hour or so on the trail, they stopped and looked way down into the valley at the little town. Christopher and the second friend patted their full bellies and remembered their visit fondly. The third friend looked wistful. "What's the matter, man?" asked Christopher. The third friend shook his head sadly, "Yeah, I was just thinking, I wish I'd gotten some gelato."
I'm not sure if the Herons fully got their heads around the metaphorical aspects of the story but something inspired them to be brave and strong and get through the course. They cheered for each other and shared advice and jokes when they needed to. Normally, one has a ground partner who works with you as you go through the events. The Herons announced they had "sky partners" too. On the far side of the single wire they would stop and encourage the child behind them. Normally, that's my perch but we were short on chaperones so I was on the zip line tower. At first I was disappointed that I couldn't be the one who helped them across the single wire but then I realized how powerful it was for them to help each other. I am fast becoming a part of their past but they'll be with their peers for years to come. It ended up being a very fitting finale to a wonderful week.
The Rookery 
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