Service through Rachel's Challenge

The Rachel’s Challenge Team has been actively pursuing community service opportunities since late fall. The members initially wanted to focus on the FUMA community so they developed a mentoring program for cadets who enrolled in January, February and April. These cadets do not have the benefit of the extensive orientation that August entrants do. It was felt that they would benefit from a cadet mentor, who is not one of their superiors, to help them “learn the ropes,” and provide any needed assistance as they adjust to life at FUMA.

Since a major emphasis of the Rachel’s Challenge Program is the fostering of tolerance, kindness and respect for others, the Team recently travelled to Yogaville in nearby Buckingham County. Yogaville is a 750-acre complex which provides yoga classes and contains a beautiful shrine dedicated to all the world’s religions. After a yoga class, where some of the cadets were amazingly nimble, the team toured the complex and had lunch with some of the permanent residents and instructors. The Team also participated in the “Miles for Meals 5K” to benefit the Meals on Wheels Program of Fluvanna County. Team member Thomas Weyrich placed third overall and Kasey Kettle won his age group. Ten Upper School, two Middle School and three faculty sponsors all successfully finished this hilly course.

The Team hopes to expand its service projects next year to further promote the message of Rachel’s Challenge and to reach out to people in the community and around the world.

To learn more about the Rachel’s Challenge program, go to http://www.rachelschallenge.org.
 

By MAJ Bob Grant