THE HONORS COLLEGE 2023 FALL RETREAT: An Honor Break for Honors Students

TAKOMA PARK – Among the many events held by the Honors College at Washington Adventist University, the annual Honors Retreat is a highly anticipated and rewarding experience for its students. This year, the retreat was held on the 4th and 5th of November at Bar-T Mountainside, a 115-acre farm built from the ground up as a summer camp in Frederick County, MD.

The Honors Retreat continues to engage students with its approach to creating a genuine balance between their spiritual and social lives. The students, led by the Honors College Director, Professor Bradford Haas, and the Associate Director, Dr. Jonathan Scriven, left the campus on the morning of November 4. When they got to the beautiful campsite, they were led out through worship by their fellow students and, later, ate catered meals and participated in outdoor activities that made their time there enjoyable. 

During this special excursion, the bonds between the students grew, and the activities often led to sharing profound insights and experiences. 

Gregorio Capponi, a Freshman at WAU, initially admitted his skepticism toward a “camping retreat.” His initial opinion, however, was rapidly replaced by a sense of joy and freedom as soon as he approached the Bar-T Mountainside camp. “The atmosphere was refreshing after the busy semester we have had. Taking a fun break from classes was really beneficial.”

Gregorio pointed out his immense pride in joining the Honors College at the beginning of the year, following suggestions from friends and fellow students in Honors. This retreat was just one example of the many uplifting activities the Honors College offers, along with challenging courses and cultural excursions.

Gabriel Moraes, a senior graduating this coming May, offered a unique perspective on the annual Honors Retreat, emphasizing the distinctive chemistry formed among participants. Moraes highlights some of the activities, including a memorable game of “Capture the Flag” played in near darkness, where the adrenaline rush creates a unique bonding experience. He underscores the retreat’s ability to unite Honors students outside the classroom, fostering a renewed school spirit and collective strength to face the semester’s challenges. “I hope the Honors College continues to grow,” said Moraes, “as I have felt the transformative impact of the Honors College’s in my personal development. I want more students to have the same experiences I have had.”

Professor Haas stressed the longstanding history of the retreat, initiated in 2006 and maintained annually, even persevering through the challenges during the COVID pandemic. “The preservation of time-honored traditions contributes to the students’ anticipation of the retreat every year,” said Professor Haas. “If people haven’t attended, it’s hard to explain what the experience is like, but those who attend tend to find it memorable.”

Dr. Scriven emphasized the retreat’s role in providing a respite from students’ busy schedules. “It allows them to forge meaningful friendships, reflect on priorities, and, above all, to have fun.”

The next annual Honors Retreat is scheduled for October 2024.