A Hero on a Hero’s Journey must be willing to scale great heights, even in the face of resistance, distraction and victim-hood.  Because it takes courage to find a calling in life, and to use it to change the world.

Is this asking too much, too soon, from preteens and teenagers?  Would you trust middle-schoolers to set their own goals for an entire year?  To arrange and lead a field trip?  Certainly not.

Except we do trust our  Acton Academy MS Eagles to self manage, self govern and lead. So, this week our tribe headed to Austin Bouldering Project.

Before leaving, MS Council led a discussion to craft a contract for the outing, asking:

•  “How will we  hold ourselves accountable?” and
• “What guardrails do we need to be respectful of the coaches and space?” and
• “How we will celebrate and enjoy each other?”

Our Eagles drafted a contract, signed it and kept their promises — and then some.  All without an adult in charge.

Heroes may not conquer every peak, but heroes do walk into a challenge, individually and as a tribe.   Because the strength of your character matters more than the view from the top.