Friends and Fun on Class Retreats

As we walked around the Jr/Sr High School Campus talking to students about their class retreats, one thing was certain; new friendships were made. Almost every student said, in one way or another, that they discovered people in their class they had not interacted with before. Being away from campus on retreat or engaging in events outside the normal school day routine, provided a space for students to relax and just enjoy being together. 

Another consistent comment was how much fun they had! Each student provided specific examples of the fun and sometimes crazy activities they engaged in. Following are short descriptions of what each class retreat looks like.

Our Senior class travels to Forest Home in Forest Falls, a couple hours away from Simi. They enjoy the mountain setting, engaging in activities like zip lining, hiking and sitting around the campfire. They participate in team competitions for some good class bonding. This year the class was delighted with rain and hail which allowed them to spend more time indoors, playing card games and bonding with one another. Devotional time provides space for each student to be still, take personal inventory and seek spiritual renewal. Time is set aside for reflecting on the past and setting goals for their senior year. Senior year is a special year and they value every opportunity to bond with one another before graduation.

The Junior class heads off to Catalina, enjoying "Campus by the Sea." This camp is designed to be science focused and integrated through Scripture. The class enjoys the outdoors with hiking, snorkeling, kayaking and fun organized games. Devotional time is set aside and there is ample opportunity for class bonding.

Sophomores participate in food packing at the Children's Hunger Fund where they also go through the poverty encounter exhibit. They learn about people in the world who are less fortunate than them and the biblical call to help the poor. The students are impacted as they hear specific testimonies and examples of adults and children around the world who are suffering and who have been helped by CHF. The class ends their day at MB2 Racing, riding go-cars and bumper boats, playing mini-golf and laser tag. It is a full day of class bonding. 

The Freshman class has a fun-on-the-beach day at Carpinteria State Beach. They play football on the sand, jump in waves, body surf and even compete in foot races up and down the beach. Students discover friends they hadn't really interacted with before and as a result, are a more unified class. Pizza on the beach is always part of the fun!

Our Junior High classes play field games on campus, enjoy the Simi Valley pool after lunch, make new friends and strengthen bonds.

2026 Class Retreats delivered all that was anticipated. Students from 7th - 12 grade had numerous opportunities to make new friends, strengthen friendships they already had, get to know one another in a fresh and deeper way, and just have fun together outside of the regular school day. Until 2027...