Lain Biles '24
Early on the morning of March 18th, the junior class embarked on a journey of discovery, connection, and perhaps most importantly, leadership. Filled to the brim with duffles and sleeping bags, a cluster of school buses and Yukons voyaged up the 101 to the hills of Santa Ynez for a night of bonding at Camp Whittier. Annie Chian ‘24 said, “It was nice to get off campus and to have our final camping experience. We are a very bonded class now.” While many were reluctant to take part in this weekend, it proved to be one of joyous relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the school week.
The adventure began in small groups, as the class discussed ways in which leaders of the Cate community must act and set ground rules for the weekend ahead. Early in the afternoon, the entire class participated in a discussion led by a team from Odyssey, a leadership company based in Northern California. A man named Lain and his wife, Jean, led the juniors through various activities, including a particularly riveting game of rock paper scissors.
Following dinner, the class gathered to participate in a step-in activity. Mrs. Amy Gil and Mrs. Renee Mack, the Heads of the Human Development program, led with discussion prompts that juniors may not have discussed with one another previously, and one was encouraged to step into the circle if the prompt applied to them. These prompts ranged from surface-level (“step in if you are left handed”) to more intimate (“step in if you have ever struggled with your image or self-confidence”). The activity was particularly effective in showing students that they truly do have more in common than they think. This sentiment was echoed by Claire Clark ‘24, who stated, “I think Junior Retreat was a really enlightening experience for the grade. After three years of collaborating together, I think we all had a moment where we recognized how united we are as a class.”
The night was spent in cabins of six or seven inhabitants, reminiscent of a true summer camp experience. The bathrooms were small, the beds were creaky, but overall, laughter and joy echoed throughout the woods. Said Crosby Rosenthal ‘24, “It was fun.”
The next morning began with more leadership activities, including discussing scenarios that a senior leader may encounter. It was at this point that many juniors began to appreciate their proximity to senior year, with more of an awareness of the fleeting nature of high school. Simran Sharma ‘24 remarked, “I feel as though I have become closer with my classmates and I have learned so many things that I didn’t know before. Also, that there are so many ways that I have things in common with other people that I wouldn’t have known.” Although the junior class was tired and eager to return to the comfort of personal spaces, this time together further solidified the bonds that had been formed the night before. By the time the buses were loaded and rolling back down the dusty road leading to the campground, students were all nostalgic for one of their final class activities before the start of senior year.
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