LISBON – Students at Sugg School participated in a one-day program with the Leadership School on Jan. 15. The school staff spent some time with the students who will attend the Leadership School’s Residential Program in the spring.

The purpose was to introduce students to some of the staff that they will work with while they are on campus, as well as to give them a sample of what activities they can expect. Students were challenged to step out of their comfort zones to take part in challenges that are typical of the Leadership School model.

The school utilizes an experiential learning model in their residential program at Camp Kieve in Nobleboro. Students learn by doing in an environment that is challenging and nurturing.

The goal of the program is to empower young people to make healthy, responsible decisions around a variety of issues relevant to life as a middle school student.

Students attend classes to build communication skills, learn how to establish and maintain healthy relationships, work on setting achievable goals and learn what it takes to work as part of a team.

The hope is that students will then take the skills home with them and, with the help of their parents, teachers and friends, begin to apply them to their lives.

Sigrid Stanley, a teacher at the school, said, “This was a lot of fun. It was really nice to be able meet the kids before they come for a week and start those connections that we will have when they are with us.”

Kieve-Wavus Education Inc. is one of the mid-coast’s largest nonprofit educational organizations. To learn more about the school and Kieve-Wavus Education, visit www.kieve.org or call 563-5172.