On Thursday morning, September 15^th, freshmen departed for a two-day off-campus retreat.  This annual NCS tradition brings the class closer together through challenge course activities that require them to rely on one another.  Ninth graders cheered encouragement to classmates climbing up the tower to a zip line, worked together through silent activities, moved a giant from one part of a course to another, and navigated a lava river using only their brains and good balance.  On the last day of the trip, students worked together to pull one another twenty feet in the air for an activity called the “flying squirrel”.

“I look forward to the freshmen retreat every year,” says Jason Mundy, head of the upper school and associate headmaster. “Besting elements on the challenge course is just another way to instill confidence in each individual student.  Supporting one another builds respect for the talents of others and working together helps the group to view all challenges as learning opportunities. It’s great to watch this experience further cement old friendships while welcoming new students into our community.”

The freshmen were joined by five senior leaders who worked with them in each of their groups, and seven teachers and administrators who went along for the trip.