I'm writing this post in situ at the Senior Retreat, Chestnut Ridge Camp, Efland, NC. This is the hour, at the end of the two-day overnight trip, where Seniors sit quietly around the lake and compose a letter to themselves. The tradition was introduced by Mr. Bryan who takes the sealed letters and holds them until Thanksgiving of next year, by which time the students have almost forgotten about it completely. Receiving this letter upon your first holiday in the "real world" is a unique experience and a memorable one, I am sure. I wonder what they say...
This being my first time on the Senior Retreat, I found myself wondering: why do we retreat? It's something teachers are quite fond of doing, both for their own development and for that of their students. How is this experience valuable to students and why is it so memorable for them and their teachers?
This being my first time on the Senior Retreat, I found myself wondering: why do we retreat? It's something teachers are quite fond of doing, both for their own development and for that of their students. How is this experience valuable to students and why is it so memorable for them and their teachers?
Sitting here on day two I can tell you that, for me, it has been a wonderful break from the daily routine. Getting away from the demands of school and deliberately allocating time to think and reflect, discuss some higher-level topics, and spend time in play is in itself refreshing and invigorating. I also feel like I have learned a lot about the students through this experience. Being in an unfamiliar environment can be jarring at first. It's comfortable to be in a routine - to know how you fit into your surroundings. Being forced out of your routine can stimulate change. Building trust with your peers, sitting around campfire, playing croquet on the lawn; all of these things can be freeing and allow for personal growth that may not otherwise take place in the daily grind.
If I could capture it simply, it would be to say that the experience of retreat is to allow the time and space to explore the birds-eye-view. Reflecting on your purpose, discussing big goals, and exploring new ideas is the only way to ensure that our busyness is of value. When we revisit Chestnut Ridge for a day in May, we will look back on our work together and, I hope, be able to acknowledge our growth over the past months together. I know it will go quickly, and so I appreciate even more this pause in time to retreat from the norm and explore the possible.
Mr. Bryan is hooting like an owl. It is time to gather for the final ceremony.
If I could capture it simply, it would be to say that the experience of retreat is to allow the time and space to explore the birds-eye-view. Reflecting on your purpose, discussing big goals, and exploring new ideas is the only way to ensure that our busyness is of value. When we revisit Chestnut Ridge for a day in May, we will look back on our work together and, I hope, be able to acknowledge our growth over the past months together. I know it will go quickly, and so I appreciate even more this pause in time to retreat from the norm and explore the possible.
Mr. Bryan is hooting like an owl. It is time to gather for the final ceremony.