2008 Woodie Awards
CMSA Weekend Retreat Fosters Relaxation and Reflection
John Bekisz
Issue date: 11/15/06 Section: Features
A campus ministry retreat was held last weekend in Goshen, NY ,about an hour and fifteen-minute drive north of campus.
Campus retreats are held regularly and are meant to give students a chance to break from their usual routine, to relax, and to learn about themselves and each other.
Lois Harr of Campus Ministry and Social Action, and the current head of retreats, describes them as a "traditional activity." Harr also said retreats "provide people with a safe space," and she emphasized that they are especially important for college-age people of 18-24.
The retreats are held either overnight or during an entire weekend, and they provide time for relaxation, reflection, and many other activities. November's retreat began with icebreakers that allowed participants to get to know one another, and there were six leaders who organized the activities and gave talks.
Indoor and outdoor activities were held, and they included decorating calendars with pictures of inspirational people. This activity enabled students to focus on remembering to make time for themselves in the midst of their busy schedules.
Another activity that occurred was a trust walk. Participants were paired up, and one partner wore a blindfold and had to trust the other to guide him or her though the woods.
Talks given by leaders are also an important part of the experience and relate to the theme of the retreat. The theme of last weekend was carpé diem, and it emphasized the idea of taking risks, thinking of things that are inspiring, and discussing risks people have taken in the past.
Each student was given a journal at the beginning of the retreat to write thoughts, experiences, and statements about how each subject or discussion made them feel.
Retreats are organized carefully, and a lot of work goes into making them successful. Group leaders hold meetings to make up schedules, plan activities and talks, get buses, and find ways to recruit people and advertise.
The retreats not only allow students to break away from their stressful lives, but they allow students to form new connections and meet new people while discovering more about themselves. Many students who go on the retreats once attend more in the future, and new people usually attend.
Lois Harr said many new people on these retreats have connections from previous retreats, and the programs also recommend other ways to get involved after the weekend ends. Campus Ministry, Lasallian Collegians, and Just Peace are also affiliated with the retreats.
Campus Ministry's retreats offer alternative ways for students to relax, meet new friends, and try a new experience offered at Manhattan College. The next retreat will take place in late March or early April.
Campus retreats are held regularly and are meant to give students a chance to break from their usual routine, to relax, and to learn about themselves and each other.
Lois Harr of Campus Ministry and Social Action, and the current head of retreats, describes them as a "traditional activity." Harr also said retreats "provide people with a safe space," and she emphasized that they are especially important for college-age people of 18-24.
The retreats are held either overnight or during an entire weekend, and they provide time for relaxation, reflection, and many other activities. November's retreat began with icebreakers that allowed participants to get to know one another, and there were six leaders who organized the activities and gave talks.
Indoor and outdoor activities were held, and they included decorating calendars with pictures of inspirational people. This activity enabled students to focus on remembering to make time for themselves in the midst of their busy schedules.
Another activity that occurred was a trust walk. Participants were paired up, and one partner wore a blindfold and had to trust the other to guide him or her though the woods.
Talks given by leaders are also an important part of the experience and relate to the theme of the retreat. The theme of last weekend was carpé diem, and it emphasized the idea of taking risks, thinking of things that are inspiring, and discussing risks people have taken in the past.
Each student was given a journal at the beginning of the retreat to write thoughts, experiences, and statements about how each subject or discussion made them feel.
Retreats are organized carefully, and a lot of work goes into making them successful. Group leaders hold meetings to make up schedules, plan activities and talks, get buses, and find ways to recruit people and advertise.
The retreats not only allow students to break away from their stressful lives, but they allow students to form new connections and meet new people while discovering more about themselves. Many students who go on the retreats once attend more in the future, and new people usually attend.
Lois Harr said many new people on these retreats have connections from previous retreats, and the programs also recommend other ways to get involved after the weekend ends. Campus Ministry, Lasallian Collegians, and Just Peace are also affiliated with the retreats.
Campus Ministry's retreats offer alternative ways for students to relax, meet new friends, and try a new experience offered at Manhattan College. The next retreat will take place in late March or early April.