Core Formation Experiences (CFE)

There are no resources or collections to display

Core Formation Experiences aim to educate, equip, empower, and engage our students to begin transforming their imagination in order to form hearts and desires, as well develop their minds. 

In March of each academic year, students in grades 10 through 11 participate in a weeklong  learning experience called Core Formation Experience. During this week, students are exposed to experiential opportunities to deepen their knowledge in an Academic topic, learn from other cultures, people, stories, and experiences, serve the local and global community, and grow in compassion, empathy, and understanding for others and the world. The goal of these experiences is to educate, equip, engage, and empower our students to become whole and holy people through the use of their heads, hearts, and minds.  (Students earn academic credit for this experience.)

The intentions of real-life learning are to:

  • Educate students with an understanding of another’s life and point of view

  • Equip students with tools to discover their God-given gifts

  • Engage students in experiences in order to become compassionate and globally-minded citizens

  • Empower students with a willingness to give of themselves in service to God and others

Upper School students go all over the city, country, and world to be immersed in communities and cultures other than their own. They dive into real-life learning opportunities in the hopes that they will gain increased wisdom, compassion, respect and understanding to prepare them to be global citizens.

During this same time, ninth grade students participate in a Core Formation Retreat. This is a three day retreat focused on community building, bonding, and looking at the Core Values of Minnehaha Academy and what it means to develop one’s own Core Values. Students worshipped, learned, played, and reflected throughout their time there.

A Closer Look: Roatán

Only 32 square miles, Roatán is a vibrant island off the northern coast of Honduras. It's home to 41,800 people and the second largest barrier reef in the world.

In Roatán, students experienced an impactful week filled with community service, cultural immersion, and personal growth.

How Students Served (Community Formation): 

  • Constructed an enclosed play court at Sandy Bay Children's Home
  • Built 8 raised garden beds
  • Organized a carnival for 150 students
  • Played, swam, and spent quality time with the children
  • Delivered food and supplies to families in need

What Students Learned (Academic Formation): Through SCUBA diving and snorkeling, students learned about Roatán's fragile ecosystem and how to responsible stewards.

"I have felt God's presence many times throughout this trip, but especially today helping the families in the community. Joining them for a moment to pray for good health, family, and God's love to shine down on them was a special experience. It was both physically and emotionally challenging, requiring long hikes through the hills and an empathetic and caring heart for those who were struggling." -Phelan

Core Formation Experiences: Overnight

Who: Groups of 10-12 students travel the globe to immerse themselves in a culture different than their own and serve others.

Where: These trips offer students the chance to serve and learn in different cultural contexts. 2025 trips include:

  • Kenya: Service opportunities and a safari adventure to engage with local communities and wildlife. (This happened in October)
  • Los Angeles: Partnering with the Dream Center to support those affected by homelessness, hunger, and lack of education.
  • Roatan, Honduras: Working with a children's home and local churches, along with exploring marine conservation through SCUBA and snorkeling.
  • Spain: Exploring the intersection of faith, art, and culture in the spiritual heartland of Spain.
  • Guatemala: Cultural immersion with community service focused on environmental education and conservation.
  • Scotland: Participation in the American High School Theatre Festival at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, combined with touring.

"As we did new things there were people around us encouraging us." 

-Sisu, CFE Local Group

Watch a video about our Local Core Formation Experience created by the CFE Student Media Team.

Core Formation Experiences: Local

Who: Students in groups of 10-12

Where: 23 Twin Cities Partner Organizations

What: In Community Formation Experiences, students engaged with local organizations in various service roles.

In Academic Formation Experiences, students participated in unique learning experiences, including exploring the health benefits and community aspects of skateboarding or understanding the historical and wellness impacts of saunas.

How Students Served: From packing and serving meals, playing games with the elderly, constructing housing, or assembling beds for kids, these are just some of the ways that students served throughout CFE week.