When you’re looking for a top boarding school, be sure that they offer a variety of activities as well as a strong academic focus like we do at Oakdale Christian Academy. Even though parents may see activities as a waste of time that simply reduce academic achievement, boarding school activities at Oakdale can actually improve the learning development of students who participate.
For example, students benefit when they leave the stress of study behind and enjoy being out in nature. Swimming, canoeing, hiking, tending gardens or caring for animals, all helps students develop a higher level of creativity as they explore the remarkable environment surrounding our Oakdale campus.
As students participate in team sports activities, they experience challenges that can help build character, and teach respect for a leader’s authority. As they learn to persevere through sweaty workouts, they also grow a better sense of self-worth. And because it takes a team attitude to win, student players learn how to get along with others at Oakdale Christian Academy.
Whether they participate in physical fitness activities, arts and crafts, acting or musical performance, each student learns the importance of time management. In order to make time for activities, a young teen must balance study and work assignments, and become self-disciplined. They realize they must complete daily tasks, which teaches commitment and a sense of responsibility. When a student understands this, they can include extra-curricular options, leadership building community service events, as well as fun sport activities each week and on the weekends.
Playing together also helps students build important interactive skills. Instead of hiding behind a computer, young teens at our top boarding school, Oakdale Christian Academy, can meet up with others from a variety of backgrounds. As they talk, share and open up to one another, young teens can learn to show respect for personal differences, and practice kindness and honesty. And communication skills learned now also helps build social interaction and support success in their future vocations and careers.
Even making healthy lifestyle choices for food and physical fitness activities helps each student form a good foundation for life as an independent, responsible adult. Whether they discover and explore their passion for cooking, gardening, animal care, arts and crafts, or challenging activities in the great outdoors, students thrive and grow beyond expectation. They face tough choices and consequences that teach important lessons outside the classroom at Oakdale. And they learn the value of problem solving and setting goals.
When you consider activities available at a top boarding school, look for ones that help them find new skills, and identify their personal enthusiasm and interests. Then you will know that Oakdale Christian Academy boarding school is a good one for your young teen’s success in the future.
