Fifth Grade Retreat to Kanuga Promotes Fellowship Across Campuses

Fifth grade students from Beaches and St. Mark’s Campuses recently experienced the great outdoors, fellowship, and adventure in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains thanks to a retreat held at Kanuga Conference and Retreat Center. Affiliated with The Episcopal Church, Kanuga is located near Hendersonville, NC. From April 25 – 28, students participated in a night hike, learned about pond and mountain ecology, conquered fears on a high ropes course, and enjoyed s’mores over campfire. They also practiced important outdoor living skills like building shelters and fires and learned about Appalachian culture.

“Although the two campuses have come together previously for various activities, it was truly amazing to see the friendships and the bonds formed between these students over the course of four days,” said Megan Trumpler, Fifth Grade Instructor, St. Mark’s Campus. “From the bus ride to cheering each other on while doing the high ropes course, these students created memories between them that they will always have.”

“The students experienced first hand how exciting it can be out in nature,” said Shannon Johnson, Beaches Campus Science Teacher. “They loved night hiking, playing games and eating s’mores by the campfire, and teaming up with their classmates to build lean-to shelters and learning to start their own first.”