From Wednesday to Friday Oct. 25, the seniors at Saint Xavier participated in an enriching wilderness retreat at Red River Gorge. This retreat is one of many offered by the school, designed to help students step away from their academic routines and connect with God and nature. Exclusively for seniors, it provides a unique opportunity for bonding, creating relationships, and growing friendships.

During the retreat, the students engaged in a variety of activities, including hiking through some beautiful trails, exploring the woods, and discovering creeks. These adventures allowed them to fully immerse themselves in the stunning natural environment surrounding them. The retreat offered a perfect blend of fun and relaxation, helping students recharge and have a great time.

Many students returned with great things to say expressing how the experience allowed them to appreciate the beauty of the outdoors while creating lasting memories with their peers. The memories built during these group hikes and even making a tent can create special friendships that you can’t make anywhere else. On the wilderness retreat, the students experience long and beautiful hikes followed by sharing meals around a campfire — a fan favorite for most of the guys.

“My favorite part of the retreat was returning back to the summit after a long hike and having some delicious jambalaya,” senior Walker Bush said.

Another common theme of the retreat is to grow your faith with your brothers and embrace the nature all around.

“I really enjoyed the campfire atmosphere and the brotherhood I felt on the retreat,” senior Charlie Clark said.

In addition to being a break from school, the wilderness retreat serves as a reminder of the importance of balance in life, and something students can carry with them as they approach their final year. Overall, the trip to Red River Gorge was a highlight of their senior year, and they are very proud that they signed up to go.