Our Wildwood, Volume 54

GOOD TO KNOW Useful information about and for us

Middle School and 9th Grade Retreats Deepen Community and Spark Discovery

Each fall, Wildwood students set aside their routines, lace up their hiking boots, and head into nature for a tradition that has become a defining part of the Wildwood experience. Ask our alumni, and they’ll tell you: some of the strongest Wildwood friendships began not in a classroom, but on a trail, around a campfire, or beside a tent that refused to cooperate on the first try. This fall, our 9th graders traveled to Goleta, while 6th-8th graders adventured through the Santa Monica Mountains. Though the landscapes differed, the goals were the same: build community, themselves—and one another—in a new light. Days were filled with hiking, team challenges, reflection time, and the kind of honest conversations that unfold more easily when students are unplugged and outdoors. “Whether it’s ziplining through the trees, shooting a bow and arrow, cresting that next trailhead, or simply performing grade-level skits around a campfire, students stepped up to the challenge, and supported each other along the way with kindness,” said Jonathan Drummey, director of middle school. “Each took responsibility for each other and their actions and were flexible enough to adapt to being out of their respective routines.” strengthen confidence, and give students a chance to see

At the middle and upper school levels, retreats are intentionally woven into Wildwood’s Advisory and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs. Students recognize that what they practice on campus— communication, perspective-taking, collaboration, and self-awareness— takes on new meaning in an outdoor setting. “Students were able to see patterns and ways in which the retreat was bringing them together—both purposely and more subtly—and identify the parallels between the social-emotional work that typically occurs in on campus Advisory and what emerged organically in nature,” Jonathan shared.

Robin Follet, director of upper school, added that the 9th grade retreat serves a particularly important purpose as students begin their high school journey. “The retreat allows the students to both come together as a grade, and to come into themselves,” he said. “It’s important for 9th graders to have the opportunity to explore their transition into high school, and the retreat is the perfect location to do so.” The retreats may last only a few days, but the ripple effects—greater confidence, deeper friendships, and a stronger sense of belonging— continue long after the tents come down.

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