The annual retreat for 9th Graders at the Colorado River, starting from near Blythe, CA and ending near Martinez Lake, AZ near Yuma, AZ, took place the week of October 13th. The retreat aimed to link ninth graders together, as the incoming class of ninety had their first real team-building experience with the original class of around 200. Much of the ninth grade class elected to go to the retreat, with around 200 students attending.
“I found that the moments I was able to be bored were very fulfilling,” Solly Wain ’29 said.
“I was able to connect with people that I never thought I would connect with.”
The retreat was, effectively, a four-day detox from technology for students, who generally found it refreshing but difficult.
No electronics were allowed on the retreat.
“When I get bored, I pick up my phone, but having no distraction or electronic stimulation as an option was great.” Oliver Beraze ’29 said.
Aside from going away from technology, students also didn’t have access to their hygiene routine, most importantly being showers.
“Getting ready took less time, as I wasn’t distracted; usually I wake up and shower but I didn’t have that option.” Lucas Chang ‘29 said.
Another aspect of the lack of screens was that the barrier between students was eliminated; without phones, students who wouldn’t usually connect had to talk to each other.
“As for my phone, I felt, as a new student, I was able to connect with people I didn’t know too well instead of scrolling.” Francesco Lewis ‘29 said.
Going into the retreat, students were initially reluctant to give up their phones. As the week went on, however, many were glad we had decided to disconnect ourselves from the daily pressures we faced from our phones.
“I felt more excited without my phone.” Julien Bouriakov ‘29
