Students connect through team building activities

Students gathered around a warm fire bundled up at the Victory Circle. Each sharing an appreciative moment or presenting a challenge for their fellow classmates. The weekend as a whole consisted of team building activities, games, and bonding as a class at Hume Lake, Sept. 25-26.

The purpose of the senior retreat is always to unite the class. Teachers Rob Foshee and Kori Friesen led the trip alongside Kimberly Bell and Rob Hyatt. On Sunday night and Monday morning the students heard messages from Brent Deffenbacher.

Throughout the trip students were faced with a number of challenges. One of the main obstacles was the ropes course. For many students a fear of heights is a problem. Olivia Palmer, ’17, took the opportunity to encourage her classmates to try the ropes course even if they were scared.

“I wanted everyone to participate,” Palmer said. “I wanted to encourage everyone and make them feel like they were a part of the class. I just came to FC last year and everyone was super nice to me, helping me break into the community here. I just saw the ropes course as a way to return the favor to everyone.”

Deffenbacher’s main point that he made to the seniors throughout the trip was that everyone has a purpose. Often times senior year is a time where the students attempt to figure out that purpose. Things like pride and fear discourage Christians from finding this purpose. He encouraged the students to unite as a class and help each other find that purpose because they are better together.

Tim Melendez, ’17, enjoyed the senior retreat and the messages from Deffenbacher. He felt like he grew closer to his friends and now knows he can count on them for anything. Melendez feels much more confident in the friendships that he has.

“I really enjoyed the trip,” Melendez said. “I didn’t know how I would like it but looking back I loved it. Those guys that were in my cabin really made me feel comfortable. I felt really relaxed to the point that I was comfortable with sharing something at Victory Circle. I love my class and wouldn’t trade them for anyone.”

Mercury (Yugi) Zho, who is a new student, also enjoyed the senior trip. He felt like he made some new friends. Zhou especially liked the Victory Circle where everyone was sharing their stories.

“I like it a lot,” Zhou said. “My favorite part was the chapel at night when we all sat around the fire. I thought the ropes course was really scary. I also liked the rollerblading. I think I made a couple new friends on the trip too.”

Some students in the senior class did not attend the retreat. Dana Kwon, ’17, did not attend because of other responsibilities, so she took the weekend to relax.

“I didn’t go to senior retreat,” Kwon said. “I had too much to do. I really wanted to go but I was stressed with college stuff and I was just exhausted. I just took the weekend to relax and catch up on life.”

The retreat set the tone for the seniors’ final year of high school. The weekend provided an opportunity for all of them to unite as a class and strengthen their relationships.

This author can be reached via Twitter: @phillip11499 and via email: Phillip Christopher.