The Return of Fall Retreat
As it approaches, I expect the quiet sense of joy, filling the campus now, building up into loud House cheers and chants as we depart once more to revive this quintessential part of the Kingsian experience.
By: Nadine Jetrude Ragas
For most, the return of “The Moose Retreat” sparks a semblance of nostalgia. Attached along with that nostalgia is a feeling of excitement as we relive a tradition once lost. For others, this might be your first time venturing off for King’s annual weekend away. Each year distinguishes itself from the last, yet Fall Retreat, each time, fosters a sense of rest, community, and House pride. I’ll never forget the fond memories of s’mores and bonfires, dancing at the Abbie Roper concert, and playing cards with the upperclassmen of Barton.
Despite the highlights, I still remember those trepidations with leaving behind my schoolwork for a whole weekend. What if I fall behind? What if I forget to turn in an assignment due before I get on the bus? I still feel some trace of anxiety this time around. Nevertheless, these tips from friends, (now) alumni and peers, got me through and beyond the weekend smoothly and enjoyably.
- Sleep seems trite to mention, yet it is important for the quality of your experience at Fall Retreat and in classes next week. Monday’s classes become a more dreadful thought on the bus ride if you know that you’re exhausted. Be sure to protect your sleep while enjoying Fall Retreat.
- Bring a book. I was told to bring my homework to Fall Retreat last time. For me, as a PPE major, that looked like carrying a stack of gigantic books from the city that, instead of being read, sat by my cabin bed the whole weekend. Now, since Fall Retreat is intended to encourage taking a form of sabbath and rest, I only recommend bringing a book or two for a class the following week. There’s free time carved into the weekend so that, if you’re like me, there’s time to read for a class while you’re hammocking in the woods or walking down the trail. Though be sure to look where you’re going!
- Use free time to get situated in your classes. Since we are all in an adjustment period within the new semester, the schedule changes that come with Fall Retreat can throw off the routine you just built. However, there is typically little (if any) assigned homework from professors this weekend. Use that to your advantage. Whether that looks like writing down your assignments for the following week, jotting down ideas for papers, or talking about how your classes are with your friends over breakfast, Fall Retreat gives some room for catching up.
From what I’ve seen around campus and among friends, there is a sense of excitement that The Annual Moose Retreat is back and around the corner. As it approaches, I expect the quiet sense of joy, filling the campus now, building up into loud House cheers and chants as we depart once more to revive this quintessential part of the Kingsian experience.