Student Council members gathered in the community room for their annual retreat on the morning of Sunday, Aug. 14 to work on team-building and plan for the year. The program ran from 10 am to 8 pm.

Student activities coordinator Craig Alexander organized the retreat so that Council could  set objectives for the year.

“There were class meetings where we discussed separate goals and accomplishments,” junior class representative Erica Gross said. “There were also general meetings for the entire Student Council, focusing on events such as Kick it for Cancer.”

20-30 people showed up for this year’s retreat. The Student Council members also participated in team-building exercises. According to Student Council President Emily Einhorn, the activities were designed so members could  have fun while creating a strong relationship between council members.

“At the meeting part there were mostly discussions, but we did stop to take a break and play a quick game of ships and sailors,” Einhorn wrote in an email.

“For an icebreaker, we all got In a circle and shared our names and favorite animals,” Gross said. “Then we played games and shared what we did over the summer.”

Student Council members agreed that the retreat helped them start the year on a productive note.

“The retreat is a necessity because the meetings that we have during the year aren’t very long due to time restrictions,” Gross said. “The retreat gives us a good chunk of time to think.”

Alexander believes that the retreat’s impact can only be measured through the success of the year’s events, especially the two formal dances, Homecoming and Snoball.

“The proof of how successful the retreat was is how well the year goes,” Alexander said. “So far it seems to be going well.”

Student Council members usually go somewhere fun to celebrate after the retreat. Last year they went to Dave and Busters. This year, the destination was  Fun ‘n’ Stuff.

“There were a variety of activities at Fun n Stuff” wrote Einhorn. “I myself enjoyed the go-karts, bungee jumping simulator and the arcade games.”

Student Council members believed the retreat went as planned and will help them reach their goals.

“The retreat was incredible; we already have so much planned for the upcoming year and I am so thrilled to have such amazing and driven people in this year’s Student Council,” Einhorn wrote. “I am very pleased with how our meeting went and am looking forward to working more with everyone.”