JUPITER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL –  High School Principal Joshua Wade was recently interviewed about the upcoming event, R.E.A.C.H. Week. This ranged from previous R.E.A.C.H. Week activities to the ones coming up in the current 2024-2025 school year.  

In the interview, Mr. Wade defined R.E.A.C.H. Week as “…an opportunity for kids to participate in the work of Jesus in our community.” He further explained how the week allows students to use their talents, skills, and time to bless others in the community as well as actively demonstrate their faith. This year’s R.E.A.C.H. Week promises to be especially exciting, with a range of activities meant to engage students in service. Some of these activities include a visit to the Ark Encounter in Kentucky, where students will see a life-size replica of Noah’s Ark. There will also be an opportunity to visit college tours across Florida, giving high school students a chance to explore future opportunities. 

One of the main ways students serve during this time is through the local outreach. Last year, students helped by picking vegetables for a local food pantry and assisting at nursing homes. These efforts promoted a healthy impact on the community while giving students the chance to demonstrate their abilities as student servants. 

Mr. Wade explained that the trips for R.E.A.C.H. Week are carefully planned by teachers who are given full autonomy to plan these enriching activities. This ensures the experiences are engaging and provide students with the chance to feel invested in their service. 

To assess the impact of these activities, students complete a survey after R.E.A.C.H. Week, offering feedback on the experiences. This helps measure the impact of the trips and activities. Organizing R.E.A.C.H. Week requires significant effort in planning things such as transportation and accommodation. Nonetheless is it a valuable way to spend a school week, engaging with the community and helping serve Christ’s purpose.