Freshman Retreat
by Sam Singleton
The freshman had a packed day around campus for their entry into upper school.
The freshman had a packed day around campus for their entry into upper school.
To kick off the school year, The Barstow School Freshman Class of 2022 enjoyed their first ever retreat. Leading them all over campus, the activities gave them an opportunity to bond with classmates, meet the sophomores, and have many of their questions about upper school answered.
Their big day began meeting up with the seniors for a tasty breakfast. A great opportunity for freshmen to enjoy a good meal while learning from those who have three years of high school experience under their belts. A scavenger hunt competition followed in which determined students explored the campus while taking part in a team-building exercise. Their next stop was the Raymond B. White auditorium to learn about Barstow History and Traditions in a presentation by the Director of Advancement and a special alumni guest. Filled with inspiration and the school spirit of Ms. Taha, they separated into groups, each attempting to design a T-shirt that best represents their class. After lunch, the Class of 2022 greeted the sophomores who were returning from their retreat. The two grades introduced themselves in a name game around the senior circle. Despite a bit of awkwardness, this proved to be a helpful chance for the freshmen to meet some new faces that could help make their transition to the upper school a bit easier.
The two groups returned to the auditorium together, this time to hear the sophomores answer any questions from students fresh out of their freshman year. They enjoyed eating pizza for dinner, and were given two hours of free time to play in the gym or chill with their friends back in the dining hall.
Students also had the option to work on an art project with Barstow upper school art teacher Mrs. Hilvitz. “The idea is to fill the sculpture garden with painted rocks placed to form a river from the freshmen as they get their feet wet entering upper school,” Hilvitz explained. “We paint the rocks after dinner. This year some students painted designs, their graduation year, a palm tree landscape and Dr. Markley even painted a rock with a treble clef and music notes on it. The idea is to have the rocks span from one end of the sculpture garden to the other end over the years.”
Overall the Freshmen retreat was a great way for the fresh new faces to break the ice, and get comfortable in their new environment. This fun experience was a great way to kick off the 2018-19 school year. 
