xplore Camp, a healthy lifestyle and self esteem building project, is an example of what’s possible when you believe in yourself. The camp, in collaboration with St. Luke’s Health System YEAH! Program, Bogus Basin, Boise Parks and Recreation and One Stone, came to be known as the Think, Believe, Explore, Dream, Build, Commit, Discover, Act, Choose, Live Camp, where we did just that. One Stone students partnered up with a camp buddy for five days of nutritional education, activity and self-esteem building exercises that looked nothing like any of those things—to campers, it was CAMP!

One Stone team members wanted to design a project that would address an environmental issue in the Treasure Valley. As they moved through the design thinking process, their focus shifted as they learned about the critical importance of those who protect our environment—wildland firefighters. The group pivoted, and refocused on honoring this group of front-line, first responders through a partnership with the Wildland Firefighter Association, whose vision is “To honor, recognize and support wildland firefighters past, present and future, and to provide resources to assist fallen and injured firefighters and their families.”

The American Psychological Association reports that low self-esteem is often associated with health-compromising behaviors in adolescence such as substance use, early sexual activity, eating problems, and thoughts that may lead to suicide.  This hit home with a team of One Stone students who recalled their own memories and experiences from junior high, and served as a call to action to do something to positively impact girls at this vulnerable age.

Originally focused on brightening the lives of the elderly, the Young @ Heart project was a powerful reminder of the capacity we all have to make connections. The One Stone project team worked with Wynwood at River Place Assisted Living Facility in Boise to plan three Saturday afternoons of tea parties, tailgating, and a talent show by One Stone members. Over the course of these events, the teens and senior citizens formed transformative relationships that challenged stereotypes and encouraged positive perceptions.

Create was a community art event staged by One Stone students who were motivated to do something to help pediatric patients and their families. Working in partnership with St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital, we designed a day of creativity and art for kids and parents, and unexpectedly, non-patients, who were drawn in by their curiosity. By connecting over tissue paper flowers and bedazzling, the kids, their families, and passer byers, were able to experience small moments of joy into this otherwise scary world.

How might we create an experience that encourages healthy eating behaviors in a kid-friendly way?

One Stone staged a “One U Healthy Competition” a crazy line up of games to encourage healthy eating habits and exercise, at the St. Luke’s Health System’s wellness day. One Stone team members staged the “Snack Bowl” Iron Chef competition, “All Star Challenge” obstacle course, “food Group Face-Off” card game and “Munch Madness,” a brakcek challenge to assist kids in learning about healthy choices.

Break through barriers...find common ground was the theme for Break Through 2013. More than 100 students from 14 area high schools participated in the two-day, overnight, immersive, hands-on service project that focused on the Capital High School Quadrant in Boise.

Twenty eight percent of students in grades 6 – 12 report a bullying experience, most frequently in junior high. Many One Stone students had their own experience with bullying, either personally, or as witness to an incident, and felt this data point as a call to action.