E.T.C. 2019

E.T.C. 2019

What is E.T.C.? It’s an acronym which stands for Experience, Teamwork, and Challenge. This series of events is part of protocol training at SSA. Over the span of three days during trip week our freshmen and sophomores found themselves in new and unfamiliar situations, they practiced navigation skills, and grew in their relationships with one another. These events also helped the students to see the wonder of God’s creation as well as give them an opportunity for service and selflessness.

On the first day, students were in teams of four or five, participating in the Navigation Challenge, which gave them an opportunity to navigate Portland’s 4T trail as well as complete a scavenger hunt around downtown Portland. The second day was full of experiences: trap shooting at Tri-County Gun Club, a shoe design demonstration at Nike, custom shoe craftsmanship at Crary Shoes, and fine dining at Bethany’s Table and Willow. On the final day, students had a teamwork opportunity, serving at Lake Bible Church, and they completed multiple challenge courses – in the rain – at Tree to Tree Adventures.

The E.T.C. set of events concluded with the Great Cardboard Boat Race of 2019. Student teams designed and created large boats from cardboard and tape, which they then raced in across a backwater section of the Willamette River on a sunny May afternoon.

Without a doubt, this was the best E.T.C. yet (out of two)! SSA students gained new skills and new appreciation for the time and place in which God has put them. As they mature into adulthood, it is encouraging to think that this group of young men and women are developing the imagination, wonder, and love for one another that will serve the school and serve their neighbors for years to come.