On April 29 and 30, Badin freshmen had the opportunity to go on retreat with their classmates.

The purpose of retreat is to build community among the students, and a retreat is the perfect way to do this. Freshman Payton Strunk went on the retreat, not knowing what to expect.

“ I am definitely excited for what the day is going to hold. I am looking forward to the activities and getting to know people I don't usually talk to. I've also heard that the food at Camp Campbell Gard is great so I can't wait for that,” Strunk said.

The freshmen boys went on the 29 of April, and the girls went on the 30. Once they got there, they split up into groups.

“It was at Camp Campbell Gard. I think it's usually overnight, but with covid we just stayed for the day. We basically split up into about 7 or 8 groups of about 7 girls,” Strunk said.

When they split up into their groups, they had different activities to do and they could talk to different people.

“One half went outside and the other half stayed inside and then we switched after lunch. Inside we mainly talked and got to know each other and then outside was actual team bonding activities,” Strunk said.

The purpose of a retreat is to build community and help the students grow closer together. As the students went on throughout the day, they met with new people and talked with each other.

“It mainly consisted of team bonding activities. Half of the time was spent inside getting to know the people in your group and the other half was spent outside doing cooperation activities such as getting balancing everyone on a seesaw,” Strunk said.

Led by the juniors, freshmen had the opportunity to make new friends and have a lot of fun at the same time.

“ I had so much fun on the retreat. Not only did I end up meeting new people, but I also felt that it brought me closer to mutuals that I've never gotten to have true conversations with,” Strunk said.

Building strong relationships is one of the greater gifts and life, and this retreat certainly helped people grow stronger relationships.

“ My favorite part of the retreat was just getting the chance to know the people that I'll be creating memories with as we go through our four years together,” Strunk said.