Students reflect on St. Columba retreat highlights

By: Ella Curlin

Art by Tracy Zhang

The first week of school, sophomores and juniors went on overnight retreats to St. Columba, the nature sanctuary and summer camp. 

The grades faced unclear schedules, messy rooming plans, and rainy weather; nevertheless, the turkeys enjoyed the chance to get closer.

Upon arriving at St. Columba, camp counselors explained to our turkeys the ultimate goal of the trip was to help push each girl out of her comfort zone. 

Jordan Russel (10) reached this goal with the help of her classmates. Empowered by their encouraging words, Russel faced her fear of heights during a ropes course activity. “We realized...the only limit was really ourselves...[Team bonding] was one experience I’ll never forget,” she said.   

Whether it was calling a ball an “orb” or relearning how to count to three (clap, moo, jump), the team bonding activities proved to be more difficult than anticipated. Students found themselves challenged by both each other and themselves. 

Erin Roy (11) said, “After the team bonding activities and really just the retreat as a whole, I definitely felt closer to my grade. Though the activities seemed pointless at the moment and the conditions were not the most lavish, I will not forget the countless laughs and memories my grade and I made.”