This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend the Multicultural Retreat, an unusual experience amongst 60 of my upperclassman peers and Groves staff. I had many doubts when attending the retreat, as I am not typically one to explore campgrounds or detach from my phone. But this weekend proved to me greatness happens when you step out of your comfort zone.
While it is hard to understand the experience unless you physically were there, I will do my best to explain my takeaways and personal experiences from the Multicultural Retreat. First off, the rumors are true, students do refer to the Groves staff members by first names during the retreat. This felt uncomfortable for me at first, as I am used to calling them by their last names. But calling them by their first names fit the experience, as we were getting to know them as people.
On the retreat, the food and living accommodations perfectly met the needs of students. The facilities at Camp Copneconic, where it was held, are extremely liveable while still giving a rustic camp feel. This was one of the most valuable parts of the retreat for me. It was important for me to be able to recognize that the teachers are real people with real emotions, who are there for students inside and outside of the classrooms.
Something I appreciated about the camp was their willingness to meet everyone’s dietary needs and restrictions. The meals included foods like pizza, pasta and chicken and included a fully stocked soda and juice station.
While I will not share specifics, one of the most connecting parts of the trip was the small group circle discussions. During the sessions, 10 students and two teachers would create a team name, but more importantly, a lifelong understanding of one another. In our small groups, we discussed a variety of topics, each led by students and the teachers, allowing for us to be real and raw in our secluded spaces. As the time passed, my group expanded the depth of conversations, giving each other insight into our lives. For me, seeing the similarities between my struggles and others’ made me feel less alone and closer to my Groves family. We each took a deeper look into each other’s backgrounds, and reflected on the school and community as a whole.
In the cabins, students played games and reflected on stories. I had many people in my cabin who I had known for years, but I don’t think I really “knew” them until this weekend, in this intimate place away from our realities. I appreciated seeing so many new and old friends in a different way.
As the weekend ended, we played games and took home red string souvenirs, letters written to one another and a deeper understanding of each other. When students entered the buses home, our eyes were full of tears because we had such a unique experience and we truly were not ready to leave.
The retreat was full of games, smores, food, cabin talks, small group activities and intimate connections being built. If you get the opportunity to attend this unique bonding experience, I highly recommend taking a risk and attending this retreat. When you step out of your comfort zone, greatness occurs.
