Freshmen warm up to new schedule at retreat
Freshmen trudge their kayaks along shallow water and rocky paths.
August 30, 2016
Last year, freshmen headed out to Camp Lonehollow for three days of hiking, kayaking down the Frio River, and getting to know their peers. From Aug. 18-21, this year’s freshmen enjoyed the same activities, but also tackled a considerable challenge: navigating the new schedule.
A revamped freshman retreat began in 2015 to ease the high school transition and to build a sense of community before school even started. Because the class of 2020 is the first to enter high school with the new seven-day rotation, counselors and teachers devoted more time to explaining it, hoping to offset any confusion.
According to sponsors, the goal of the Retreat is to “combine fun activities with mental preparation.” After a kayak trip on Friday, freshmen split into four groups the next morning to discuss the schedule with Amy Malin, Class Nine Chair, and Elisa Inman, Dean of Students. Freshmen also spent time with senior counselors, who shared their experiences of Upper School life.
Freshman Katie Shelburne kayaks down the Frio River.
Counselors roomed with the freshmen in cabins, participated alongside activities, and held Q&A sessions. These 22 seniors took part in three days of leadership preparation before the retreat. Over half of them were new to St. John’s their freshman year.
“The seniors pointed out that starting high school was bumpy and awkward, and they wanted to give back to the students coming up,” said Marty Thompson, Director of Experiential Education.
Students had to reach out of their comfort zones from the very start of the trip. No cell phones were allowed on the 4-5 hour bus ride to Lonehollow. Malin and Thompson assigned seats for the first dinner on Friday, encouraging freshmen to socialize outside of friend groups.
Freshmen watch the movie Blindside during one of their activity periods.
A relaxed schedule gave respite from the structured school environment. During a period of free time on Saturday, freshmen chose from several activity stations, including card games, hiking, and bracelet making.
“The whole concept of experiential education — the idea of class trips —is to clear time and space for students to share with one another, and for faculty to get to know them better,” Thompson said.
