Session 6, Week 2
Throughout their journey this school year, our heroes have been building their treasure-hunting skills. This session, we are asking a fundamental question: How do you measure your treasure? While some might look for gold or silver, our studios spent the week discovering that “treasure” comes in many forms—from the mastery of a new skill and the grit found in a difficult challenge, to the bond of a shared adventure or the wisdom to manage resources effectively. Whether in the studio or out in the wild, the focus was on recognizing growth and value in all its forms.
In the Spark Studio
In the Spark Studio, we are learning that progress is a journey of trial and error. To challenge ourselves to do hard things, we have to get comfortable with imperfection. Sparks started the week by measuring how far they could jump, then pushed themselves to beat their own marks. They then translated this “growth mindset” to their work in language and math, looking back to see exactly how far they have come since the start of the year.
The studio was buzzing with energy as heroes acted like scientists, making hypotheses about ramps, wheels, and gravity. Some heroes even extended their ramps after every success to see just how far they could go! By the end of the CHOICE work cycle, almost every hero was invested, with the room erupting in cheers and high-fives every time a ball cleared the course.
Parachute day brought the most surprises to the heroes. Each hero had to adapt their chute at least once to get their desired results. One hero struggled with frustration as their chute failed to come together many, many times. This hero decided to keep at it and was proud to get good results in the end. This week involved a lot of discussions on how failures teach us the most even when it’s frustrating!
To wrap up the week, the Sparks explored the art of Jackson Pollock, using popsicle sticks and gravity to create masterpieces. One hero even exclaimed, “I’ve always wanted to be an artist!”
In the Fire Studio
The Fire Studio spent the week brainstorming the tools a treasure hunter might use and debating the value of different types of treasures. They even discovered a physical treasure box where they had to choose between two options; it was fascinating to see how their choices changed once an abstract idea became a tangible reality.
This week, heroes also discussed the “Road of Trials”—the obstacles that can either discourage or encourage us on our way to the treasure. In the gym, squads had to move across the floor while maintaining physical contact. As new, hidden rules were added, many squads were sent back to the start without being told why. While some gave up, others found success by focusing on the end result or trying to “solve” the hidden rule. They realized that treasure can be measured in two ways: as an outcome or as a process.
During the 1st part of the week in Quest the Fire Studio heroes explored more about laws and ethics… and played two truths and a lie.
We learned about the flow of an economy with pom-poms, and felt the difference between a thriving economy and a recession.
Heroes enjoyed learning about natural resources, capital resources, and human resources by playing a game.
We learned about taxes, and voted that each “family” will pay $1 to replenish the pencils in the studio.
And when heroes work hard to finish all the challenges early, they practice working with money more.
Each Thursday, Heroes catch up on challenges, calculate their earnings, pay one another, and “cash out” at the Bank. This week, the focus went deeper into the patience it takes to build a business over time. Businesses don’t start with everything they need. Owners make decisions, prioritize, and grow step by step.
With their Family earnings in hand, they headed to the BizTown Bazaar to purchase items for their businesses – from veterinarians and hotels to grocery stores, recreation centers, homes, schools, and libraries. Each Family is building something unique, creating their own little community.
One of the favorite moments for a Guide? Watching the excitement of a full wallet turn into reality. Arms full of supplies, a quick trip to the Bank… and then the realization: not enough money yet. Back they went — this time with more thoughtful conversations. What really matters right now? What can wait? One Hero summed it up perfectly: “Running a business is expensive!”
Let Prioritizing begin.
In one Family, a Hero wanted to purchase an item that didn’t support their business. What followed was a healthy (and slightly heated) discussion about value, needs, and teamwork. In the end, they reached a decision that everyone felt good about — a win for collaboration.
Heroes also took on the challenge of creating their own business plans, based on needs they observed during Quest. They presented their ideas at Landing — some exploring systems for earning interest, others brainstorming creative ways to make additional income. Entrepreneurship is alive and well in the studio.
This week showed that treasure isn’t just about what you have — it’s about how you think, decide, and grow.
In the DELTA StUDIO
The DELTA Studio took the search for treasure on the road with their epic trip to St. George! This wasn’t just a vacation; it was a masterclass in life skills and independence. How many middle schoolers do you know who can meal plan and prep for a group of 33 people? Our DS heroes did it with style.
The adventure kicked off bright and early Monday with a drive to Dixie Rock for bouldering and pizza among the stunning rock formations.
From there, the food committee went to Costco to buy the food for the trip. I got a few complimentary comments from onlookers in Costco as they watched our heroes.
We all met back together at Crush Golf, where the improvement in their swings in just one hour was nothing short of drastic!
Perhaps more impressive than the golf swings however, was watching the heroes unload the food, organize the food and prep dinner all on their own. After a night of swimming and a delicious group dinner, we had a group discussion about goals for the trip and media decisions. Group decisions are long, but they are the price of freedom!
Tuesday brought high-octane energy at Grip Ninja for two hours of rambunctious play. I’m not sure what was more surprising: How fun tag could be for over an hour? or how sore EVERYONE was the next day?!
Of course, no trip is complete without a stop at the eclectic Judd’s candy store for some treats!
The heroes then headed to Ivins Reservoir to splash, paddle, play football and ultimate frisbee and build massive sand cities under the sun.
It might seem likely that the heroes would have been tired after a long day, but a high energy drive home was followed by more swimming, another yummy dinner and bonding far too late into the night!
They wrapped up the trip on Wednesday with a scenic hike through the Red Reef Trailhead
and a final, relaxing soak at Meadow Hot Springs!
Between the physical exercise, the laughter, the constant fun, and the time together I am anxious to see what the heroes count as their greatest treasures from the week when we debrief the adventure!
From the Spark Studio’s scientific experiments to the Fire Studio’s bustling BizTown Bazaar and the DELTA Studio’s unforgettable southern Utah expedition, this week proved that treasure is everywhere. By measuring their progress, managing their resources, and embracing every trial on the road, our heroes are learning that the most valuable treasures are the ones they build within themselves and with each other.