Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … The senior class students from Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, returned Sunday, August 30, from its annual Senior Survival retreat at Glacier View Ranch (GVR) in Ward, Colorado. This special weekend not only allowed the students from the Senior class to focus on spiritual reflection and time in nature but also helped build class unity for their final year together.
Students left campus following classes on Friday, August 28. The retreat opened that evening with a vespers service followed by a special “Afterglow,” during which students gathered—due to fire restrictions—around a fake fire to share words of encouragement.
On Saturday, Scout Master Ryan guided the class on a three-mile trail hike through the camp property. Students also participated in a Saturday night game of Sardines, a camp-wide variation of hide-and-seek won by senior class member Yana. Throughout the weekend, students also enjoyed informal circle volleyball games and plenty of shared laughter.
Student chefs Roger and Chelsea oversaw kitchen operations for the group, preparing meals planned and supplied with assistance from MHA principal RD Gallant. The menu included Friday night Haystacks, a Sabbath breakfast of pancakes, hash browns, and eggs, a sandwich lunch, and a Sabbath supper of spaghetti served with garlic bread, which proved to be a crowd favorite.
When asked to describe the weekend, student chef Roger summed up the experience simply: “The retreat was amazing.”
Annual retreats like Senior Survival give the class students a chance to step away from campus and connect before the busy school year takes off, setting the tone for a memorable final year that will quickly lead to their senior class trip and graduation.
—Karrie Meyers is the Mile High Academy marketing and development coordinator. Photos supplied.
