Outside-In is a Character Development program designed to combat bullying and increase acceptance of diversity among students.  The program was created in response to a rise in incidents involving bullying, intimidation, and violence in our schools.  The goal of the program is to give students a better understanding of the feelings and emotions of others, thereby fostering tolerance and respect.  The Outside-In program is a one day, in-school event.  However, participants are encouraged to share what they learn with other students in order to change the emotional climate in the school environment.

Who are the participants?

Outside-In targets middle school students primarily in the 7th and 8th grades.  Participants are chosen in advance by teachers, counselors, and other administrators.  Students are selected to represent various cliques, groups, or stereotypes within the school.

Who leads the sessions?

Sessions are led by students from the local high school.  These student mentors are carefully selected by the high school counselors and trained by Camp Fire staff.  The mentors - who have recently experienced and survived the pressures of middle school themselves - help to create an atmosphere of caring and understanding which enables the participants to feel safe enough to open up about the problems they are facing.  All sessions are closely supervised by Camp Fire employees.

How does the program work?

Engaging activities are designed to let students get to know each other i an up-close and personal way.  Informative sessions have been developed to teach students how to identify various types of bullying, cliques, and prejudice, and thus make positive changes in their school environments.  In between each learning and sharing session, students participate in games and ice-breaker activities which encourage contact, cooperation, and teamwork among very diverse groups.