Inner Compass Slides Vision Quest
Session 1: The Inner Compass
Trail Rules
Step Up, Step Back
Ensure everyone's voice is heard during our group discussions.
Vault of Trust
What's shared in the circle stays in the circle.
Zero Judgment
We're all on different paths. Respect the journey.
Phone-Free Zone
Be present for yourself and your peers.
Where Are You?
If you had to describe your current "vibe" about the future using a geographic feature, which one would you be?
🏔️
The Mountain
Steady & Focused
🌊
The River
Going with the Flow
🌫️
The Fog
Unsure/Hazy View
🌋
The Volcano
Ready to Explode
The Inner Compass
Your Values
The fundamental beliefs that guide your actions and choices. They are what matter most to YOU.
Your Strengths
The unique talents and skills you already possess. They are the tools in your pack.
"When your values are clear, making decisions becomes easier."
Identify Your Assets
Social Assets
✨ Good Listener
✨ Loyal Friend
✨ Peacemaker
✨ Funny/Lively
Mind Assets
🧠 Creative Thinker
🧠 Problem Solver
🧠 Fast Learner
🧠 Persistent
Action Assets
🔥 Hard Worker
🔥 Organized
🔥 Brave/Bold
🔥 Helpful
Which ones resonate with you today?
Inner Compass Worksheet Inner Compass
Vision Quest: Session 1
Name:
Date:
Part 1: Strength Spotting
Look at the strengths shared in today's group. Which ones feel like "you"? List three strengths you currently possess and a brief example of when you've used them.
Strength #1
When have you used this?
Strength #2
When have you used this?
Strength #3
When have you used this?
Part 2: Value Discovery
Circle the **FIVE** values that are most important to you right now. These are the "North Stars" of your compass.
Honesty
Creativity
Loyalty
Hard Work
Kindness
Independence
Fun
Adventure
Courage
Responsibility
Knowledge
Fairness
Respect
Curiosity
Leadership
Patience
Part 3: Navigation Reflection
How could using one of your core values help you when you start high school next year?
Inner Compass Facilitator Guide Facilitator Guide
Session 1: The Inner Compass
Vision Quest SEL
Session Objective
Students will establish group norms, identify personal strengths, and select core values to serve as a foundation for their high school transition and future planning.
Key Concepts
Identity: Recognizing internal qualities that remain stable through change.Core Values: Beliefs that guide decision-making.Strengths: Personal assets that can be leveraged during transitions.
Materials Needed
Session 1 Slides
Compass Worksheet
Pens/Markers
Chart Paper
Activity Timeline
10 min
Welcome & Trail Rules (Slides 1-2)
Introduce the group's purpose: "A journey toward your future self." Review the "Trail Rules." Ask: "Is there anything else we need to feel safe sharing in this group?"
Facilitator Tip: Write agreed-upon norms on chart paper to display each week.
10 min
Icebreaker: Where Are You? (Slide 3)
Have students share their "geographic vibe." Encourage them to explain *why*.
Key Question: "What would need to happen for a 'foggy' view to become a 'mountain' view?"
20 min
The Inner Compass (Slides 4-5 & Worksheet)
Define values and strengths. Have students complete Part 1 and 2 of the worksheet independently.
Discussion Prompts:
"Was it harder to pick strengths or values? Why?"
"How do our values show up when we are stressed or excited?"
05 min
Closing: Check-Out
One-word checkout: "How do you feel about your 'compass' today?" Collect worksheets to keep them safe for Session 2.
Map Making Slides Vision Quest
Session 2: Map Making
Recap: Your Compass
Values
The "Why" behind your journey.
Strengths
The "Tools" you carry with you.
Today, we use these to draw the map.
SMART Wayfinding
S
Specific
Clear & detailed
M
Measurable
Track your progress
A
Achievable
Realistic for you
R
Relevant
Matches your values
T
Time-bound
Has a deadline
The Summit Strategy
You don't teleport to the top of a mountain. You take thousands of small, intentional steps.
Mini-Goals
What can you do THIS WEEK to get closer to your big dream?
Big High School Goal
Next Step: Tomorrow
Current Step: Today
Goal Map Worksheet The Goal Map
Vision Quest: Session 2
Name:
Part 1: The Summit
Think about your first year of high school. What is ONE big thing you want to achieve? (Examples: Making a team, getting a certain GPA, joining a club, making new friends).
Part 2: The SMART Filter
S Specific
M Measurable
A Achievable
R Relevant
T Time-bound
Rewrite your goal to make it SMART:
Part 3: The Route
3
High School Step (Next Fall)
2
Summer Step (June/July)
1
Immediate Step (This Week)
Who is one person who can help you stay on this path?
Goal Mapping Facilitator Guide Facilitator Guide
Session 2: Map Making Goals
Vision Quest SEL
Session Objective
Students will apply the SMART goal framework to their future aspirations and identify concrete, immediate steps to begin their transition journey.
Connection to Values
Ensure students understand that a goal without a value "North Star" often feels hollow or harder to achieve.
Materials Needed
Session 2 Slides
Goal Map Worksheet
Worksheets from Session 1
Activity Timeline
05 min
Compass Recap (Slide 2)
Pass back Session 1 worksheets. Have students turn to a partner and share one value they chose and one strength they feel proud of.
10 min
SMART Wayfinding (Slide 3)
Explain the SMART acronym. Use a non-example to illustrate (e.g., "I want to be better at math" vs. "I will attend two tutoring sessions per week for the next month").
Tip: Emphasize the "A" (Achievable). Eighth graders often set massive goals that feel overwhelming.
20 min
Drafting the Map (Worksheet)
Students work on the Goal Map worksheet. Encourage them to think about "Step 1" as something they can do by Friday.
Guided Questions:
"Does this goal align with the values you picked last week?"
"What is the very first tiny action you can take?"
10 min
Group Share & Future Peek
Share goals in a circle. Introduce the idea for next week: "What happens when the weather gets bad on the trail? (Obstacles/Stress)."
"A map shows the way, but it doesn't move your feet. YOU do."
Resilience Slides Vision Quest
Session 3: Trail Toughness
Expected Storms
Even with a map and a compass, trails get rough. Identifying obstacles before they happen is a superpower.
Internal Storms
Fear, self-doubt, lack of motivation, fatigue.
External Storms
Peer pressure, difficult classes, family stress, time management.
What are you worried about?
Your Repair Kit
Breathing
Box breathing to reset your nervous system when things get heated.
Connection
Who are the "Park Rangers" you can call when you're lost?
Reframing
Changing "I can't do this" to "I can't do this yet ."
The Re-Route
Scenario:
"It's the second week of high school. You just failed your first big Bio quiz, and you realize you don't know anyone in your lunch block. You feel like quitting."
What would you SAY to yourself?
What is your ACTION?
Resilience Repair Kit Worksheet The Repair Kit
Vision Quest: Session 3
Name:
Part 1: Identifying the Storms
What are the biggest "storms" (stressors or obstacles) you expect to face in high school? List two for each category.
Internal Storms
(Things happening inside you—feelings, thoughts)
External Storms
(Things happening around you—people, events)
Part 2: Your Resilience Gear
When a storm hits, what "gear" will you use to keep moving? Choose three strategies that actually work for you.
1
Coping Strategy
2
Coping Strategy
3
Coping Strategy
Part 3: Park Rangers
Who are the people you can turn to when things get overwhelming? List at least one peer and one adult.
Peer Support
Adult Support
"Resilience isn't about avoiding the storm—it's about learning how to hike through it."
Resilience Facilitator Guide Facilitator Guide
Session 3: Trail Toughness Resilience
Vision Quest SEL
Session Objective
Students will identify potential stressors and obstacles in high school and develop a personalized "Repair Kit" of coping strategies and support people.
Resilience Focus
Move from a mindset of "if things go wrong" to "when things get challenging." Normalize the struggle of transition.
Materials Needed
Session 3 Slides
Repair Kit Worksheet
Box Breathing Visual (Slide 3)
Activity Timeline
05 min
Check-In: Trail Check
"Did anyone take a 'step' toward their goal this week? Even a tiny one?" Celebrate small wins.
10 min
Expected Storms (Slide 2)
Discuss Internal vs. External obstacles. Ask: "Which one feels harder to control? Which one can we *prepare* for more easily?"
20 min
The Repair Kit (Worksheet & Slide 3)
Students identify their storms and choose tools. Practice Box Breathing together (Slide 3).
Tip: Encourage students to think of "Park Rangers" as specific people (e.g., "Ms. Garcia the counselor" rather than just "A teacher").
10 min
The Re-Route Scenario (Slide 4)
As a group, talk through the Bio Quiz scenario. Brainstorm 3 different healthy reactions.
"The first reaction is rarely the best one. Breathe before you act."
New Horizons Slides Vision Quest
Session 4: New Horizons
Fact Check
The Myth
❌ High school is exactly like "High School Musical" or movies.
❌ Everyone has their whole life figured out by 9th grade.
❌ You will never find your classes and be lost forever.
The Reality
✅ It's a mix of excitement, boredom, and hard work.
✅ Most people are just as nervous as you are on Day 1.
✅ You will find your people and your rhythm within weeks.
Trail Tips for Day 1
The Schedule
Walk your schedule before the first day. Know where your locker is (if you have one!).
The Lunch
Don't stress about where to sit. Look for a group that looks friendly or other people who are alone.
The People
Join one club or activity in the first month. It's the fastest way to make the big school feel small.
The Question Box
Ask anything. No question is too small or too weird. Let's clear the path together.
High School Trail Guide Worksheet Transition Guide
Vision Quest: Session 4
Name:
Part 1: Fact vs. Fiction
What is one thing you've heard about high school that worries you? Use this space to write it down and "bust" it using the facts from today's session.
The Worry
"I heard that..."
The Reality
"Actually..."
Part 2: First Day Logistics
Being prepared reduces anxiety. Answer these practical questions to clear your path.
How will you get to school on Day 1?
What is one thing you need to pack?
If you get lost or need help, where is the first place you will go?
Part 3: Finding Your People
High school is big. List two clubs, sports, or activities you are interested in checking out to make it feel smaller.
1
2
The Horizon is Yours
"You don't need to know the whole route to take the first step."
High School Facilitator Guide Facilitator Guide
Session 4: New Horizons Transition
Vision Quest SEL
Session Objective
Students will address anxiety about the high school transition by debunking myths, asking clarifying questions, and planning practical Day 1 logistics.
Question Box
Encourage anonymous questions. Many students share the same fears but are afraid to speak them aloud.
Materials Needed
Session 4 Slides
Trail Guide Worksheet
Small Slips of Paper
Activity Timeline
05 min
Check-In: Binoculars
"If you could see your future self 6 months from now, what is one thing they are doing differently than you today?"
10 min
Myth Busting (Slide 2)
Go through Myths vs. Realities. Ask: "Where do we get these myths from?" (TV, older siblings, TikTok). Remind them that everyone's experience is unique.
15 min
Transition Trail Guide (Worksheet)
Students work on Part 2 (Logistics) and Part 3 (Social).
Tip: If students don't know their clubs/sports yet, have them list *interests* (e.g., "I like gaming, maybe an e-sports club?").
20 min
The Question Box (Slide 4)
Have students write one anonymous question about HS on a slip of paper. Put them in a box/hat. Draw and answer as a group.
"Information is the best antidote for anxiety."
Peak Vision Slides Vision Quest
Session 5: The Summit
The Trail Review
Identity
Your Compass (Values & Strengths)
Purpose
Your Map (SMART Goals)
Resilience
Your Repair Kit (Coping Skills)
Strategy
Your Horizons (HS Prep)
"You are better equipped now than when you started."
The Time Capsule
Today, you will write a letter to your "High School Freshman Self."
Remind Them
Of the strengths they have.
Encourage Them
To keep working toward the goal.
Forgive Them
When things get tough.
Quest Complete
"Your future is not a place you are going. It is a place you are creating."
Future Self Letter Worksheet Future Self Letter
Vision Quest: Session 5
Date written:
"Dear Future Me, this is where I am today. I am writing this to remind you of the strength you carry, especially when high school feels big and scary."
1. My North Stars
Right now, my top values and strengths are:
2. The Peak I'm Climbing
The big goal I want to achieve in high school is:
3. Words of Wisdom
When I get stressed or hit a "storm," I want you to remember this advice:
Signed with hope,
Vision Quest Complete
Summit Facilitator Guide Facilitator Guide
Session 5: Peak Vision Reflection
Vision Quest SEL
Session Objective
Students will synthesize their learnings from the previous four weeks and write a reflective letter to themselves to be opened during their freshman year of high school.
Celebration
Acknowledge the commitment students made to this group. Focus on growth and readiness.
Materials Needed
Session 5 Slides
Future Self Letter
Envelopes
All previous worksheets
Activity Timeline
10 min
The Trail Review (Slide 2)
Briefly recap each session. Give students back all their worksheets from the previous four weeks. Let them look through their journey.
Prompt: "Looking back at Session 1, how has your view of your strengths changed?"
25 min
Letter to Future Self (Worksheet & Slide 3)
Provide a quiet space for writing. Students can use their previous worksheets to fill in details.
Teacher Action: Have students seal the letters in envelopes. Collect them and promise to mail/deliver them to their high schools during their first semester (or give to their 9th-grade counselor).
10 min
Quest Completion Ceremony (Slide 4)
Go around the circle for a final checkout: "One thing I am taking with me from this group is..."
"The quest doesn't end here—the terrain just changes."
