Upper Classmen Build Community in the Outdoors

Senior Peer Leader Jose G. ’22 discusses boat race strategies with freshmen at Silver Lake Conference Center in Sharon, CT, Sep. 30, 2021. Community building, leadership training, and outdoor education were the focus of the trip between the youngest and eldest members of the Upper School. (Sam Permutt)

As part of the broader peer leadership program, the ninth graders, accompanied by the senior peer leaders, went on a retreat to strengthen friendships and understand their role at Browning in a more authentic way.

“It’s an opportunity for the class to come together knowing that the ninth grade class is going to spend the next four years together,” Sam Permutt, Dean of Student Upper School Life said. “Furthermore, the class is able to get comfortable with taking risks and being vulnerable, either physically or emotionally.”

The peer leadership program strives to create a relationship between ninth graders and seniors that will assist the ninth graders’ transition to high school. The seniors converse with the ninth graders about their concerns, feelings, and passions, meeting once a week during school.

As peer leaders, seniors take on a responsibility that requires them to strike a balance between school work and finding the time necessary to have meaningful relationships with the ninth graders. Being a role model for the freshmen is a huge commitment, but it is both an invaluable benefit to the ninth grader experience and an opportunity for them to learn more about themselves and reflect on their time at Browning. 

“I was very lucky in having a good leader that was honest and open with discussing high school with my group,” Jose G. ‘22 said. “After that I just wanted to become that guy who helped freshmen out when they needed it.” 

A staple of the program is the retreat at the Silver Lake Conference Center in Connecticut that takes place early in the school year. This team building adventure helps ease the ninth graders' high school transition and fosters closer relationships between classmates and peer leaders.

The retreat consisted of an assortment of team-building activities. Each specific activity ended with a debrief or reflection, during which the students discussed what was accomplished and the effectiveness of the interactions. Both the peer leaders and freshmen gave their insights on how each could have improved their part. 

“I appreciated how everyone was very supportive of each other,” Matteo B. ‘25 said. “Whether it was chanting someone on while they dangled across the tightrope, or the ground crew making sure everyone could go across the moving elevators in the most stable way possible.” 

A challenging ropes course required students to work together, communicate, and encourage each other as they negotiated the maze of ropes together. Students also participated in a raft building exercise, during which each team of 5 students built a raft using limited supplies. Students naturally assumed different roles, using creativity and leadership.

A ninth grader walks on a high rope. This was one of the more exhilarating activities on the trip. (Sam Permutt

“Coming off a year where we were so heavily restricted by the pandemic, giving students a chance to create new and fun memories with each other felt particularly important,” Mr. Permutt said.

The first day of the trip wrapped up with a large campfire and s’mores, and included team oriented games. It was an unique opportunity for everyone to spend time with one another late at night in the middle of nature under the stars.

 Later on during the retreat, the ninth graders had a chance to think about the future by writing a letter to their “senior self.” The exercise encouraged the students to reflect about what their goals were for themselves and seek purpose for their high school career.

“The trip helped me feel more welcome,” Natanael M. ‘25 said. “It allowed me to get to know others better and helped me talk to them.”

The peer leadership program taught both peer leaders and the ninth graders about themselves. Everyone learned a little bit more about their true character and identity, while honestly thinking about their strengths and weaknesses. Occasionally, students would reflect and then reattempt the same activities encouraging creativity and problem solving skills. 

“I think I will be able to strengthen some areas I need to improve as a leader, like being more assertive or able to command a group better,” Evan T. ‘22 said.

As a complementary part of the peer leadership program, the retreat acted as a jumping off point for the relationships between the ninth graders and their respective peer leaders. Students will continue to meet throughout the entire year during the peer leadership program, consisting of different activities with students continuing to take part in deep discussions. The peer leadership program is invaluable for the school, building community, encouraging, and guiding freshman, and encouraging young leaders that will one day help guide Browning.