Senior Retreat 2019

The Class of 2020 recently traveled for the first time in Barstow history to Denver, Colorado for their Senior Retreat. An early morning on Thursday, August 15th consisted of a senior sunrise, donuts, and a quick photo before boarding the bus. After a ten hour drive, the seniors arrived in Denver to the Doubletree Hilton where they stayed for the duration of the trip. After briefly unpacking, everyone hopped back on the bus for dinner at Rock Bottom Restaurant with local Barstow alumni. To top off a delicious dinner, the seniors headed to Little Man Ice Cream for an ice cream hangout under a warm Colorado sunset.

The seniors spent their nights swimming at the hotel pool, playing at a nearby park, and cramming everyone into one hotel room for video game tournaments. The second day consisted of another early morning and lengthy bus ride, similar to the previous day. The senior class headed to the Hanging Lake Trail for a hike. The hike was roughly 3 miles long and took a total of around 3 hours to complete from top to bottom. The trail is known for its views from the top, as well as waterfalls and springs. After some stunning photo opportunities and an expectedly challenging yet pleasant workout, everyone was ready for lunch! After heading back into Denver for lunch, the seniors returned to the Doubletree for some afternoon free time. Students ordered dinner from a restaurant of their choosing and spend some quality time together. After a night full of food, laughter, and chicken fights in the hotel pool, everybody was exhausted. 

The next morning started around 8:00 am, rather than 5:00 am. The seniors were grateful to have a few extra hours of rest after an exhausting day. Everyone boarded the bus in the morning for the University of Denver where they attended a university information session as well as a campus tour! The next stop was the Denver Art Museum where the students could take part in some hands-on exhibits and activities. The day ended with a visit to a local mall where the seniors ate dinner, shopped, and enjoyed their last few hours in Denver. 

Upon finishing up at the mall, the seniors boarded the bus for the final time looking forward to their final destination: home. The stormy bus ride home was the perfect time for the seniors to bond, chat with one another, and reflect on the busy three days they had just spent together. Eventually, everyone dozed off in the stormy night and all were glad to see the bus turn into the Barstow drive around 8 am. The jam packed weekend trip may seem like a blur now, but the Senior Retreat made for some of the best memories to start off the class of 2020’s final year together.