Rockford Christian Principal's Corner

Dear Rockford Christian Families,

Kids at Rockford Christian School learn outdoors. They learn about their Creator, their community, and themselves. To be clear, they also learn indoors - that’s important too – yet I’m struck by the many meaningful ways students get to expand and deepen their understandings while outside. 

Kids learn about Christ. Whether it's a class of preschoolers on a nature walk or middle schoolers planting garlic, students have chances to look carefully at creation. They get to marvel at the order and beauty of the created world, and in doing so, learn more about who God is and how He loves us. The psalmist reminds us “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

Kids learn about community. Our campus affords so many opportunities for students to connect with each other while outside, especially when older students are paired with their younger buddies. Last week, I watched 7th graders and 1st graders work together to make sleds out of trash bags and cardboard. This spring, middle school students will be using outdoor education to connect with community partners like Plainsong Farm and Kid’s Food Basket through service learning. Being outside fosters deeper connections with one another.

Kids learn about themselves. It is so awesome to see the look of accomplishment on a student’s face after completing a challenging task. Students at Rockford Christian have grit! They know how to spread woodchips, pull invasive species, build shelters, and brave the elements. Through these experiences, they learn more about the gifts and talents God has blessed them with and gain confidence in their ability to meet any challenge. 

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting the nature-rich Christian education at RCS!

Blessings,

Ben