A long-standing Saklan Middle School tradition, the Advance is a three-day, two-night field experience designed to bring students and teachers together at the very start of the school year. More than simply a trip, the Advance gives students an opportunity to step outside their everyday routines, build relationships, and begin the year with confidence, connection, and a shared sense of purpose.
Throughout the experience, students participate in activities that strengthen relationships with both peers and teachers. From navigating ropes courses and paddling canoes to creating advisory names and norms and tackling team-building challenges, each activity encourages students to collaborate, communicate, and trust one another.
The Advance also invites students to take risks together in a supportive environment. As they try new things, navigate challenges, and share plenty of laughter, students form new friendships and deepen existing connections. These shared experiences help create the strong sense of belonging that allows students to thrive—not only socially and emotionally, but academically as well.
When the Middle School students and teachers returned to campus on Monday, they were a little different from the group that had arrived on the first day of school. They had new friendships, stronger connections, and a growing sense of themselves as a community.
Most importantly, they came back ready to learn, grow, support one another, and make the most of their middle school journey together.
At Saklan, the Advance is more than a field experience. It is the beginning of a community and the foundation for a year of growth, courage, collaboration, and connection.
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