Seniors Reflect on Fall Retreat Experience

Bryson Baker

Well boys, as we come back today and are reflecting on the three day retreat we went on, we all have different takeaways and things we cherish and hope to bring back and take on forever. As we started on our journey Monday and went through a series of events and activities. I can now say that this retreat was the best time of my life here at DeSales. This retreat I went on thinking I wasn't gonna learn anything and just go through the motions like we always do and not really take anything in. But I promise anyone who is reading this that you wont regret it. You might think that this is just another retreat that you go on but you need to go on it and give it your all and your best ability to learn new things and try new things. But the best thing is that you will not only learn about yourself but you will learn also from your brothers.  So boys, go on this retreat, be open minded, and don't forget who's first: God.

Cameron Shipaila

Over the past three days of retreat I have grown as a friend and brother, and I have learned to open up. I learned this through all the mentally challenging activities done on retreat. Each activity can be considered challenging because they make you take a good look at your true self. While the retreat was very serious at some times, we also had many unserious times where we all laughed. Through the difficult and fun times I made deeper connections with my brothers. 

Josh Porter

After retreat, I have learned the importance of brotherhood and talking to people. Retreat has made me realize how important it is to be vulnerable and real. My advice for any underclassmen would be to go into it with an open mind. I went into retreat not expecting to get a lot out of it. It’s safe to say that I was wrong. We aren’t allowed to tell anything about what we did on our retreat, but everyone should go. It’s an incredible experience!

Harrison Hook

This retreat has really allowed me to build a stronger relationship with not only God but also with my DeSales brothers. This retreat was really effective in helping me learn new things about myself that I could use in the future. I also learned a lot about my brothers at DeSales and got closer to the kids I talked to often and got closer to the kids I didn’t talk to as much. This retreat is a must-go because it allows us to learn so much about not only each other, but ourselves too. If I could say one thing to people before they go on this retreat it would be that nobody has ever regretted being too honest so don’t be afraid or shy when you are at retreat. If you go to this retreat do not take anything for granted because there are no do-overs. This retreat was truly special and I hope everyone goes on it.

Jackson Wallace

Over the past couple days I have grown in ways I never thought I would. Retreat taught me to be open with my brothers and to have serious talks with them. These guys have been my brothers for over three years and this week I learned so much about them. I realized how important it was to open up and be vulnerable at times. You need to go into retreat with an open mind and give it your all. If you do this, you will learn so much about your true self during this time. You only get one senior retreat, don’t take this incredible opportunity for granted.

Trey Benoit

My retreat experience was different than everyone else because I already went on the retreat the year before at another school. Although I knew the big ideas of the retreat, it was still very different. A big part of the retreat is the people you go with. The stories I heard were different from last year and allowed me to have different takeaways. This helped me grow even more than I did in the past. Also, last year I used the retreat not only to get to know my peers, but I used it to cope with the loss of my uncle and many others. This year I opened up more about other topics and felt more empty at the end. This experience is something I recommended last year after my first retreat, and now more than ever I believe everyone should be able to experience this opportunity to grow with your peers, yourself, and your relationship with God.

Dakotah Buckley

This retreat was a really good experience for me, even though the first day I wasn’t very into it and just wanted to go back home, by the second day I was actually really enjoying it. I learned a lot about myself over the three days, and especially learned more about my brothers, I bonded and grew closer with everyone else who was there and I feel way more connected and comfortable with everyone. I think it’s a very needed experience that everyone should go on for their senior year. Even if they aren’t very interested in the thought of going, I believe it’s an experience that you shouldn’t miss out on.

Landon Pund

Retreat was 3 of the best days I have ever experienced. There, I grew closer not only to God, but to classmates as well. Before this week, I barely even knew some of my classmates' names, but now they are like brothers to me. We stepped out of our comfort zones together. Retreat will change your life, don’t miss out on it.