In the News
Taking up the challenge
By: MARK ZIMMARO
Burlington County Times
PEMBERTON TOWNSHIP - A roller coaster of emotions roared through the gymnasium on what was anything but a normal day at the township's high school.
On Thursday, about 100 sophomores and a handful of teachers participated in an all-day session called Challenge Day, a national tour that aims to eliminate bullying and school violence.
Challenge Day has received awards from the Juvenile Justice System, the DARE Officers Association, government officials and school districts and municipalities nationwide. It has been featured on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and in the Emmy-winning documentary "Teen Files: Surviving High School."
The program is named after Challenge Day, a nonprofit, California-based organization.
Led by two Challenge Day staffers, students took part in games and trust-building exercises that are designed to help students step out of their comfort zones.
"We start off the day with games to energize the students," said Challenge Day Senior Leader Jake Cahill, who resides in Oakland, Calif. "Later, we focus on feelings and emotions and the healthy and unhealthy ways that people internalize those emotions."
The most intense exercise is a portion of the day called "Cross the Line," in which students voluntarily cross a line if they experienced a particular event that others might see as unusual. As more and more students cross the line, they realize they are not alone in their experiences.
"It lets them know that they are not alone," Cahill said. "After a student crosses the line, others walk away with the understanding why people act the way they act. They really stop and get to know somebody."
Students wrapped up the day by forming small groups and listening to students open up to the rest of the class about what bothers them. Some grabbed the microphone to admit wrongdoing to other students. Others used the opportunity to resurrect broken friendships. Students asked to remain anonymous.
"I never cried in front of people before," one student said. "Today makes me think about what's actually happening in my life."
Another student said he felt alienated because he was new to the school because his military father travels frequently.
"Now I see people are going through the same problems I'm going through," he said. "I want everyone to know they have someone they can talk to in the hallways."
Challenge Day began Wednesday and ends today at Pemberton Township High School. Each day involves a new group of almost 100 students. The event is provided by the Drenk Center's School Based Youth Services Program and Pemberton Township High School.