The Sophomore class gathered for a retreat day on Tuesday, March 4th. Our day consisted of a mix of games and prayerful activities. We started off by finding our groups in the auditorium to watch a video introducing the CMSAs leading our retreat. The students were divided into groups of boys and girls, and we got gifts from our group leaders, which helped us feel more like a team. My group received beachy cardboard sunglasses, hibiscus hair clips, and colorful leis!
We went on to get to know each other through a Skittles game. We each got a package of Skittles and sorted them by color. The questions would be associated with a certain color of Skittle. For example, one question was, “What’s your favorite TV shows or movie?” If the question was associated with the green Skittle, then if I had three green skittles I’d say three of my favorite shows and movies. This was a perfect way to get to know people in our group because it helped us find what we have in common.
Continuing in small groups, we started a game involving all the groups competing. This required teamwork and being able to untie shoes quickly. We also had an unscheduled part of the day which was free for students. We could find our friends and choose between a variety of options: crafting, going outside to walk or play sports. It was good to have built-in time to talk to my friends who I don’t have class with.
We continued the day with two more games (with witness talks in between): You’ve Got Mail and Family Feud. You’ve Got Mail was great for quick runners, as you had to run to a new seat if the speaker said something you related to. If you couldn’t find a seat you would be the next speaker. Family Feud required us to complete a Google Form a couple days before the retreat. It was interesting to see who/what was ranked at the top according to our grade’s opinion overall.
We then received little mirrors and a permanent marker to write down phrases or traits we liked about ourselves or related to. This activity was perfect to remind ourselves of how we are all made in God’s image. The other spiritual parts of the day included witness talks from seniors and adoration time. My favorite part of the day was the witness talks, when seniors shared their personal stories to help and inspire us. I believe everyone could find at least one of the talks to relate to. The talks help people feel less alone and inspired to grow from their struggles.
We concluded the retreat with adoration time. We had choices of what to spend this time doing: whatever we personally thought would better and strengthen our relationships with God. For example, we had the opportunity to participate in Reconciliation, pray the Rosary, coloring, and write letters. Overall, the sophomore retreat was a success and perfectly organized to have a good amount of fun, free time, and spiritual time.
