Each year a new group of 30 students and 3-4 staff receive training during a weekend retreat. Training includes listening skills, self-care, strategies for handling more serious problems like abuse or depression, and community resource information.
Further training is provided throughout the school year.
THe birthday calendar and valentine's day hearts project are two Natural Helper spnosored activities. Natural Helpers have been an important part of the school community since 1978. Since Natural Helpers came to life on Mercer Island, hundreds of schools throughout Washington and the U.S. have recognized the valuable contributions of the program and have instituted it in their schools. Mercer Island takes great pride in being the first school to have Natural Helpers, and in the fine quality of the students involved.