Forging Friendships at Class Retreats
Each September, Winsor students head off campus for class retreats. From the aquatic floor-to-ceiling views at the New England Aquarium to forests and farms in Maine and Massachusetts, these retreats are designed for students to put down their devices, get out of their element, make new friends, and challenge themselves in ways that the classroom cannot.
Class V students traveled to the coast of Maine in late September for a lakeside retreat and nature-based immersive outdoor play like ropes courses, egg drops, and nature hikes. “My favorite memory from the retreat was the partner station of the ropes course,” said Talia Bitton ’28, about her time at Wavus Camp in Jefferson, Maine. “Everyone was supporting, cheering, and laughing with each other and it was just so much fun. I also liked it because it challenged me and forced me to go outside my comfort zone.”
While the outdoor activities were lauded by most students for their ability to promote teamwork, many students reported the bonding aspects of their retreats to be a highlight for them whether it was on the bus ride to camp or in the bunks at night. “I think just the downtime that we had to spend time together and play games, either during meals, during breaks, or at night in our cabins. It was really fun to just talk to people and get to know them outside of the school setting because the night time especially felt like a giant sleepover,” said Daniela Antras ’28.
Class VI students were treated to a day amongst the squid and penguins at the New England Aquarium, which included a scavenger hunt in their advisory groups. “My favorite memory from the retreat was touching the animals in the touch tank,” said Shari Maxwell ’27.
The Lower School enjoyed retreats as well. Held on September 9 at farms across Massachusetts, retreats included a lot of time outdoors or with animals.
Lower School Community and Inclusion Coordinator and Class I Coordinator Lisa Stringfellow said the retreat at Hale Education in Westwood for Class I and IV students was a great opportunity for everyone to gain confidence by trying things that “seemed scary at first.” Students from Classes I and IV at this retreat were also paired together as buddies to develop connections at different grade levels.
Class II spent the day with chickens, ducks, goats, and alpaca at the Good Pickin’ Farm in Westford. After a yoga class with furry and friendly livestock, one student was heard saying she didn’t want a dog anymore, she wanted a goat!
Meanwhile, Class III spent the day at Eastie Farm where Winsor alum Monica Leitner-Laserna ’03 is co-founder and board member. A formerly abandoned lot in East Boston, Eastie Farm was transformed into a community space where neighbors can hold events and grow food. Class III spent the day at the thriving urban oasis, which grows organic produce sustainably and with the goal of providing healthy, fresh food to people of all economic backgrounds.
Looking ahead, events for juniors and seniors happen throughout the year. In the spring, Class VII typically enjoys an overnight trip to Cape Cod and Class VIII will have Senior Circles in May and June as they prepare for life beyond Pilgrim Road.
