Seniors play beach volleyball on their overnight retreat. (Courtesy/ Riddah A.)
On August 19, 2024, Columbus Academy’s Upper School began the new school year with tailored activities for each grade: freshmen bonded during Unity Day, sophomores committed to Service hours, juniors tackled high ropes courses at ZipZone, and seniors enjoyed an inaugural overnight retreat at Deer Creek state park. These varied experiences eased us into the year, avoiding the jolt of immediate returning to classroom routines.
Freshmen embarked on their high school journey with Unity Day, which started with meetings between students and their new advisories, followed by a gathering in the Dining Hall to meet all the 9th grade advisors, some of whom might also be their teachers. The activities included energetic challenges like tossing water balloons without dropping them and swinging on a rope while avoiding the mat below. Eva M. said, “Orientation was really fun and felt like a good welcome to the school.”
Sophomores engaged in a mini-Service Day, with each group visiting various Service locations. Ms. White’s group volunteered at a food bank, working until lunch before returning to campus. In the afternoon, they wrote thank-you cards to the organizations they served and enjoyed games and activities with their peers.
Juniors embarked on a thrill at ZipZone, navigating high ropes. After a detailed safety briefing, they tackled challenges starting with the Green course, progressing to the Blue, and finally to the toughest, the Black course. Despite moments of fear, many braved the heights. Nolan M. said, “I found the high ropes course to be fun and engaging.”
Seniors kicked off their school year a day early with an overnight retreat at Deer Creek Lodge, replacing the downtown Columbus scavenger hunt. On August 18, a Sunday morning, the class arrived at Deer Creek Lodge in Mt. Streling at 10 a.m. after departing from school buses. They began with team challenges such as Four Corners, singing games, and water balloon tosses. In the afternoon, they enjoyed free time swimming, playing sports, watching movies, and relaxing. The evening included a bonfire with s’mores and board games at volleyball courts. The following morning featured a presentation from our Director of Alumni Relations, Mr. Haddock, on alumni news and on K- Buddies, including slides of the seniors who started on kindergarten on their K-Buddy day. Following this, Ms. Dillon, Student Supports Service counselor, led an engaging activity on building character. Then students returned to school for lunch and participated in a college counseling project.
Riddah A. said, “Even though we started school a day earlier, I felt that the retreat strengthened the bonds among our senior class.”
The day wrapped up with all grade levels gathering at the Kona Ice truck, savoring frozen treats and reminiscing about the day. Here’s to a great year!
