Northwest Academy Students Retreat Early

It’s that time of the year again: Northwest Academy students are preparing to go on their annual retreat. However, the trips will be held early this year to avoid conflicting with the Jewish holidays, Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah.

“Because of where holidays and religious observances fell this year, the retreats needed to happen either earlier or later than in years past,” Robbie Carver, High School Activities Coordinator, said. “Weather was a chief factor in deciding to go earlier. As well, a main goal of the retreat is to facilitate bonding within a class, so it makes sense to do this earlier, as opposed to months into the school year.”

The freshman class is once again going to the Oregon coast while the junior class is returning to Silver Falls. But the sophomore class is traveling to a new destination: Camp Collins. The sophomore retreat was previously held in Ashland, Oregon to complement their reading of Hamlet in English/Humanities II.

“With the exception of the second year, each of these retreats is returning to the location they have been at for many years, making this a long-running tradition,” Carver said. “Camp Collins was chosen for its proximity and the great facilities and programs it offers.”

Along with the high school, the middle school classes will also go on retreats. The seventh class is traveling to Geercrest farm, and the eighth class is going to Mount St. Helens. The sixth grade class will be staying at school and participating in a musical theater intensive.

The retreats are held for two reasons: a chance to bond with classmates and to experience learning in an outdoor setting.

“There is a dual purpose,” Rachael Torchia, Middle School Coordinator, said. “Most important for me, is to have a shared experience with your classmates; it really helps solidify relationships. I also think learning outside of the classroom is really important.”

Kylie Swinmurn, a sophomore, has been on three retreats in her time at Northwest Academy and is looking forward to going to Camp Collins this year.

“I’ve liked the retreats in the past,” Swinmurn said. “I’m excited for this year’s trip.”

Lola Wilson-Kolp, a new freshman at Northwest Academy, is excited for her first retreat with the school.

“I’ve never been on a trip with people my age,” Wilson-Kolp, said. “It should be fun getting to know my new friends.”