Embracing the Alternative II: The Super-Secret Spy Caper Returns for HCPS Fourth Graders

When Hurricane Helene disrupted the annual Outdoor Education Program for Henderson County Public Schools (HCPS), district staff and community partners didn’t miss a beat in finding an innovative solution. This spring, all HCPS fourth graders participated in a thrilling, school-based alternative—The Super-Secret Spy Caper, a team-building adventure created by local organization Inside Out, Inc.

“A highlight of the fourth-grade year for our students is the Outdoor Education Program experience we offer annually,” said Dr. Marsha Justice, HCPS Elementary Education and Title I Director. “The impacts of Hurricane Helene meant we had to consider a condensed, alternate school-based activity. Our ongoing collaboration with Inside Out, once again, allowed us to provide a meaningful experience for our students. The Super-Secret Spy Caper activity mirrors the Outdoor Education Program’s opportunities for individual and group problem solving, collaboration, communication, and fun.”

Acting as secret agents, students took on the role of their school’s investigative squad. Each activity began with a team challenge to construct a free-standing arch large enough for their teacher to walk through—designed to activate communication and coordination. From there, agents tackled a caper of clues, puzzles, and hidden mysteries to unmask a secret spy—who was revealed to be a member of their own school staff.

“The Inside Out leaders brought fun energy to this outdoors team-building experience,” said a teacher at Etowah Elementary. “I loved seeing my students work in teams, solve problems, and communicate.”

“Inside Out came to our school and fully engaged students with their team building activities—building arches and the Super-Secret Spy Caper,” added a teacher from Glenn C. Marlow Elementary. “My students said they loved learning new things and were challenged to figure clues out together. Words like fun, awesome, and really cool were in plentiful supply!”

Monica Barrios, Founder and Owner of Inside Out, Inc., shared, “’Gotcha!’ was said by all of the Henderson County secret agents. We immediately accepted the collaboration with Henderson County Public Schools in planning and executing this special event due to the hardships of Helene.”

Originally developed during the pandemic, The Super-Secret Spy Caper has now reached more than 1,700 students in Henderson County—including over 900 in the spring of 2021 and another 900+ this March. The Inside Out team of four adventure specialists successfully brought the engaging activity to all 13 HCPS elementary schools beginning March 3, 2025.

Inside Out is also excited to announce the launch of Adventure Games To Go, a new online resource for educators to purchase field-tested team-building games that support curriculum and group programming. Educators can learn more about The Super-Secret Spy and games like Escape From Tiger Island by visiting https://adventuregamestogo.com.