Classes Reunite During Fall Retreats

“Retreats allow [students] to bond in ways that they might not have the chance to in a classroom,” said Class IV Coordinator and English Faculty Maren Kelsey. An annual Winsor tradition, each class goes on retreat together—to bond, try a new activity, challenge themselves, practice communication skills, set goals, and have fun. 

Two classes visited Hale Reservation in Westwood, MA. Class I students climbed trees, walked across beams, and “built the longest line possible.” Class IV students worked together to turn a tarp inside out, without anyone letting go of their grip—“it led to a lot of laughter and problem solving,” shared Kelsey. Class IV also enjoyed a high-ropes course, where students learned to safely belay their peers as they walked across a high wire to travel from one tree to another. 

Kicking off the day with singing and listening to music on the bus, Class III headed to Boda Borg in Malden, MA where students worked in small groups to “quest” their way through a series of challenging room-based puzzles. “These puzzles were both mental and physical,” said History Faculty and Class III Coordinator Annie Huntoon, “and each one required teamwork.”

“The rock bag group found two gardner snakes in their rock pile while they were working!” said History Faculty and Class V Dean Amy Lieberman. Getting their hands dirty at Brookwood Community Farm in Canton, MA, Class V students worked in small groups shelling beans, pulling up tomato plants and steaks as part of fall clean up, as well as collecting and organizing farm staples. Students also saw a beehive before enjoying a picnic lunch, games, and a nature walk.

Math Faculty and Class I Advisor Mary Butcher shared, “Getting students out of the classroom environment and allowing them to tackle challenges themselves lets us see a different side of them, which informs our work in the classroom.” The retreats also “led to conversations in advisory about taking on new challenges and being leaders in the Lower School,” added Kelsey.

In Upper School, class retreats take different forms. Class VII typically enjoys an overnight trip to Cape Cod and Class VIII will have Senior Circles in May and June.