Hey everyone, so I know it’s been a little longer than usual since I last posted a blog and I apologize for that, but I promise to deliver on this one… This past week has been one of the busiest of the semester yet. With several group projects, finals quickly approaching, and the planning of my parents 25th wedding anniversary that took place this past Sunday—it was truly a whirlwind of a week (however we only had a couple days and then founders day recess) so I’m definitely not complaining—especially now that I am enjoying all the comforts of home with family and friends

Well since my last blog I have had quite an adventure—this adventure being the SHAPE: Sophomore Retreat that took place in Perrysville, OH at Pleasant Hill Lakes campgrounds. I was a leader on this retreat, along with about 20 sophomores. A smaller group then originally planned, but this allowed everyone to really get to know each other better and made for a truly rewarding experience, for the retreatants, and leaders alike. The Retreat took place from November 13-15 (Friday-Sunday) and we could not have asked for a better weekend. We were truly blessed, as we had mid to high 60-degree weather all 3 days, with no rain, and beautiful sunshine. Thinking back after all that we did outdoors, its hard to even imagine how it would have turned out if the weather wasn’t cooperating—however with a great group as the one we had I ‘m sure rain or shine we would have had a phenomenal time! We started off early on Friday (the leaders leaving a lot earlier than the retreat ants to set-up) and carpooled to the campsite. The drive was very scenic and we even stopped along the way for Subway (a memorable experience in itself). Once at the outdoor center we were introduced to our program director and owner who showed us around. Turns out the leaders were able to score the Taj Mahal of cabins, as they just built a new cabin with full amenities and even a heated floor Perhaps one of the biggest highlights of Pleasant Hill Outdoor Center were the activities–so many activities So much room as well for these activities There were trails, high and low rope courses, and even a rock wall that we all got to climb From the time the retreatants arrived to the time they had to pack up and leave on Sunday we had the time of our life.

Group Pic in the beautiful weather!!

I don’t think I’ve ever been in a leadership position that I felt I learned and developed as much from those I was leading, perhaps it was because many of the individuals are already highly involved on campus and in their own leadership roles for clubs and organizations—but I think it also has to do with the fact that these individuals are all exceptional individuals who, when put together, can accomplish anything they set their mind to. This was the case as many of the low and high rope courses required each retreatant to step out of his or her box and flex their leadership muscle (hence SHAPE! It up!! ). Certain times that really stuck out from this are when we all climbed the rock wall. The leaders and retreatants both attempted the climb and worked as a team to guide each other to reach the top. The feeling of reaching the top was definitely something I won’t forget. This feeling continued on as I had many firsts—such as breaking a board using a Karate move instructed to us by Professor Dunphey, and the powerful impact of the “stand up” activity.

Our pieces of wood after we Karate chopped them!We decided we would all point at the same thing--obviously not everyone got the memo haha love it!Leader group pic!! Hiiiiiiiyaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!! My look of shock...I think I was thinking

All the time and hard work that went into planning this retreat really paid off as you could see the immediate impact that the retreat had on the sophomores who attended. I know I could see the impact after the first day, as our small group “The Smores!!” became so close to the point where we were able to have a nice fireside chat Saturday evening that really had an impact on me, and I know everyone was able to benefit from all the time we spent together.

I even met a girl, Courtney on the retreat and we instantly became best friends. We just happened to be talking about how bad the winters are where we are from, I happened to ask her where she was from and we found out we live close to eacht other. The crazy thing is one of her best friends was from my hometown and she named a couple other friends that she knew that I had grown up with! Talk about a small world! We immediately hit it off and I am certain we will remain good friends forever! Shows you what great surprises can come from opportunities such as this Retreat! I encourage everyone to take part in something like this. No matter what your thoughts are about retreats you really owe it to yourself to try one out, there’s no telling how much you would get out of it!!

Repelling!!

I cannot say enough about this awesome weekend that I was fortunate enough to help lead. I thank all those who participated; the faculty and staff that took time to make this a truly educational and memorable experience, the camp directors who provided all the high/low rope course guidance and insight into how these activities displayed leadership and strength, and finally for the exceptional leadership of our main leader Jordan Miller who held meetings to plan the weekend, as well as organized our overnight, and made all the calls to reserve our campsite and order our dog tags (another memorable experience, I’m sure he will agree:) .

Just hanging out…I think this is when I was stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Camp Fire

Finally, I would like to thank my fellow leaders—Zia, Miranda, Bernie, Julie, and Jordan who put so much into this weekend to make it an amazing experience for all!!

Fellow blogger and friend Kim showing us how its done!!

Well I have to run, time to pick up my aunts and help my parents with the finishing touches for Thanksgiving dinner!!

I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving and I encourage you to think of everything and everyone you have in life to be thankful for, as well as keeping those who are less fortunate in your prayers on this day of great thanks!!

Check back soon for my Thanksgiving Day update!!

Take care,

Chris Burr