After hours of behind-the-scene preparation for winter formal, the leadership class will trek to the mountains for their fourth annual winter retreat. Leadership advisers Josh Tosland and Ericlee Gilmore will lead the group to Hume Lake to stay in sophomore Kevin Damm’s family cabin, Feb. 17-19.

Leadership plans the annual trip in order to relieve pressures of planning school events especially after Night of the Stars and Sadies, which is two months away. Students anticipate relaxation, fun and worship.

?I am so excited for the winter retreat because during our summer retreat we biked across the Golden Gate Bridge,? Alyssa Powell, ’10, said. ?It was so fun and I know that they will be planning something cool like that again.?

Last year the retreat was packed with activities. The leadership class went sledding, played in the snow and held a mini Olympics.

?This year during the retreat we are going to get to know each, spend time as a group and play board games,” Gilmore said. “We are also going to set goals for the upcoming semester.?

The winter retreat allows students to build unity.

?I think it is important to go on this retreat so we can all bond and get to know each other,? Josh Palmer, ’08, said. ?We need to get to know everyone?s strengths and weaknesses so we can use them to work together as a group.?

The leaders will carpool from campus at 10 A.M. on Feb. 17 and will return at 12 P.M. on Feb. 19.

“Last year, the snow was amazing,” Abby Schoettler, ’09, said. “We all lined up in our sleds and went down the hill at once. We also had timed sled races down the hill. It was so much fun, and I’m so excited for this year.”