Written by Ben Gardner, class of 2020
Last weekend the senior class embarked on a 2-day retreat to Island Lake and were able to completely come together as a class one last time before graduation. We participated in many fun events (dirt biking, paintball, high ropes, boating and more!) and created new bonds with students we had been going to school with for years, but never really knew.
Dan Taylor gave two powerful sermons based on our senior theme, “Up Next” and gave us an incredible personal testimony that truly resonated with the senior class. Mrs. Fairchild gave a much-needed speech on college applications and cleared the air for some of the many questions us seniors have as we have begun to apply for colleges.
In each cabin, time was reserved for the students and mentor to converse and debrief as a group about situations in life they are dealing with along with things that are holding them back. In my cabin, our talk dove into deep topics and we were able to create a strong bond with each other that will hopefully follow us through the rest of senior year. This debrief time was incredibly important in helping us get things off of our chest in small groups, which created a safe space where students willingly shared with no fear of judgment.
My two favorite events from senior retreat were the giant capture the flag game that was played across the Island Lake Camp and the s’mores making around a huge firepit with the entire class.
This awesome senior retreat could not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the senior class President, Scarlett Ren, who spent months helping plan and organize the retreat along with the senior class council. Scarlett’s favorite moment from the retreat was, “Seeing all my peers enjoying it and having fun!” and this was one of mine as well.
All in all, senior retreat was a great learning experience and something that I will take with me throughout the rest of senior year! Also, a big thanks to Mrs. Denton for being a huge part in the planning of this retreat and dedicating so much of her time to making sure that the senior class would have an amazing trip!