This fall Calvert Hall’s incoming freshmen gathered for two days at the Hall for their first retreat experience. The Freshman Retreat is a two day gathering of the newest members of the Hall designed to allow students to form bonds with their fellow classmates. This year marks the 4th year for the overnight retreat which is organized by the Office of Campus Ministry.
“The Freshman Retreat is a time for the freshmen to bond together and form a brotherhood”, said John Moses ’19, Peer Ministry leadership team member. Moses helped Mr. Ortiz and the Campus Ministry faculty plan and organize the retreat. “The retreat allows the freshmen to feel as if they are now part of the community that is Calvert Hall.”
Team building activities included a scavenger hunt and the “Stations of the Hall” experience. One of the stations took place in the Commons courtyard. The freshmen planted roses, which are growing in the greenhouse and will eventually be planted around the campus.
Jose Rivas, ‘22 was among the roughly 300 freshmen that attended the retreat this year. When asked about his experience during the retreat, he mentioned the ice breaker card games his group played. “I thought the card games we played were very efficient in breaking the mold between all of us. We also went around the group and shared different fun facts about ourselves.” Also sharing his enthusiasm for the retreat, Ben Murray ’22 added, “I did so many fun activities to show my faith. I was really excited after each event and to be there with my friends. I enjoyed everything about the retreat.”
Ben Archacki ’19 was among the upperclassmen that assisted with the retreat. Archacki, a Peer Education member, served as a group leader, assisting with the retreat activities, including the Stations of the Hall experience. When asked why he chose to volunteer, Archacki commented, “I wanted to help at the retreat because I have had incredible experiences on my own retreats in the past and I wanted to share that experience with the incoming freshmen.”
During the retreat, freshmen participated in peer-led small groups and discussed what it means to be Lasallian. The faculty and students prayed together, reflected on their faith and how to build a strong community, and lastly, attended mass together.
When asked what he hopes the freshmen took away from their retreat experience, Moses commented, “I hope they realize they are not alone throughout their high school experience. Each and every one of us go through the same hardships and struggles, but because of the brotherhood we are all here for each other.”
A special and unique experience, the Freshman Retreat, celebrates CHC’s Lasallian values and the lasting brotherhood of the CHC community.