PHOTOS: Retreat Brings Class of 2024 Together for Memorable Experiential Learning

Last week members of the Class of 2024 began their senior year last week on the annual grade 12 retreat at Camp Stevens, where students came together to bond, reflect on their contributions to St. Margaret’s and take part in shared experiential learning activities. 

This year’s retreat expanded student choice in experiential-learning opportunities, as the seniors self-selected activities in and around Julian. The options included the high ropes course, hiking, exploring the history of Julian, working with Camp Stevens chefs for farm-to-table food creations, learning the basics of bread and dessert making, ice dye and quilt making, a birding excursion to nearby Lake Cuyamaca (with Tartan alumnus Brendan Peralez '15 leading the group), and working on the Camp Stevens’ farm with goats, chickens and pigs. 

“This format was very popular among students, and allowed them to choose an aspect of the retreat that they were genuinely interested in,” said Lora Allison, Upper School director of community life. 

The grade 12 retreat is an important, highly anticipated part of the student experience, creating a fun, safe and rewarding passage for the senior class to come together. The rustic setting offers unique opportunities for experiences in nature (senior sunrise hike), leadership, team building, personal goal setting around hopes and fears, reflection, and fostering community among the class and within advisory groups.