It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost a week since the Freshmen Discover Retreat was in full swing. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the Freshmen Discover retreat, it is a time for freshmen to get away from the stress of schoolwork and meet other freshmen that they would most likely have never had the opportunity to meet if it was not for this weekend. Discover is known for exactly that…to discover ones self more effectively, enrich ones self, and overall allows for freshmen to fully transition to college life and others around them by encouraging them to come out of their shell and become aware of all that Walsh has to offer them to fully adjust.

The excitement all began last Thursday. After months of planning and preparation, and as one of the core team leaders for this Discover retreat, I was anxious to pack-up and head out to the camp that we had been going to on a yearly basis since my freshmen year for this retreat. All the plans had been finalized, and Jordan Miller, our core team leader had every last detail finalized. Suddenly, the unexpected (or perhaps not so unexpected, as it was inconvenient, for us Ohioans) A SNOWSTORM! Yes, Thursday afternoon and evening brought warning after warning of severe weather conditions targeting the campground area as well as North Canton and surrounding cities. Basically, where we were going to be headed was the eye of the storm. Great right? The university made the responsible decision to cancel the reservation at the camp, and was not sure if the retreat would be able to be rescheduled. Thursday afternoon and evening brought hours of rescheduling, and tons of phone calls to see what options were still open to us. Jordan and our student activities director, Michael Koluch, worked effectively and efficiently to quickly come up with a back-up site that we could hold the retreat. It was decided that the Courtyard Marriott Hotel, located only about 10 minutes from Walsh would have to be the back-up location.

We anxiously await the freshmen to arrive in the lobby!

As soon as availability was confirmed at the hotel all the leaders were called to an immediate meeting Thursday evening around 7pm for updates. Jordan braced us as the news he was about to break to all of us about this drastic change was truly a surprise, as the weather did not seem to be any bit close to severe. He assured us that the camp director had even called to warn them that the roads would be impassable near the town of Camp Aldersgate, Carrolton, Ohio. As much as we didn’t want to think that it would get as bad as forecasted, we knew that the students safety was our first priority and did not want to risk anything happening, or getting stranded because of extreme conditions. Jordan reassured us all that everything was under control. As a Discover retreatant, and past leader, it was hard for me to think that any place could do the retreat justice better than Camp Aldersgate—but we all took our leaders advice and faced this situation with an open mind.

As you can see the hotel was more than accommodating for us, we actually had additional rooms as businesses who were booked to stay actually backed out because of the weather.

That evening we headed to Courtyard Marriott to see what we were working with as far as a room for activities and how the room situation would be set-up. We had to analyze what we were working with. In this case each room was fitted with many luxuries that we felt may need to be removed in order for the retreatant to be able to truly bond with one another and not stay in their rooms the entire time watching TV or listening to music. After getting a quick tour of the hotel we were all really impressed with how accommodating the hotel staff was willing to be, especially for the last-minute request and the fact that we would have a ton of young adults running around the entire premise all weekend. I cannot tell you how appreciative we all were of the hotel staff the entire weekend.

Anyways, we headed back that evening and finished packing for the trip with optimistic minds and excitement for what the weekend would finally hold. Friday afternoon came quickly, and while the flurries began outside, it didn’t look half bad. I remember saying “what if the forecast was wrong and we did all this for nothing?” It seemed as if God wanted us to know that we made the right decision. By the time we had arrived at the hotel and was busy setting up everything we barely had a chance to glance outside. Sure enough, just before the students arrived the snowstorm hit!

After welcoming them in and allowing them to get situated we settled right in and the weekend truly went off as if nothing had changed. Proving that you can change the location, but you will never lose the sole purpose of the retreat. In this case, I can assure you that the individuals that chose to go on this retreat are truly thankful for their experience. Its obvious this retreat is a turning point for freshmen, as I can still remember back to my Discover experience, and vividly remember the individuals I met that I could never imagine going through these past four years without.

Along with are student leaders, we had several residence life members come along, as well as several faculty and staff members to assist with activities and fully enrich the weekend simply with their presence.

After seeing the amazing results that came from hard work and determination of every member involved, I can honestly say that while Camp Aldersgate was is a beautiful retreat location, this past weekend has proven that no matter how far—whether it be an 1 ½ drive or just 10 minutes away, lake front view, or i-77 view, indoor pool vs. outdoor puddles—if the faith is strong and attitude positive, all things are possible if we simply set our minds to it. When it seemed as if we were going to have to call everything off, with all of our hard work wasting away. Suddenly, its when we hit rock bottom that we become resourceful and find alternatives that are available. Forgive me if this comes off a bit cliché, but I believe the Walsh Discover team leaders and supporting faculty/staff members lived up to the old adage “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade!”

Perhaps Meaghan Manning, a fellow leader on the retreat with me, sums up this past weekend the best by her Facebook status post: “this weekend was proof that it’s not where you are but who you’re with that really matters. ♥ DISCOVER 2010! ”

Found this while searching for some pics from this past weekend. Turns out I even found an old album from my Freshman year Discover experience!

Courtney and I: Who would have thought two retreats later we would be such good friends and Church-going buddies?! :)

Hope you all have a great presidents day weekend break. I know for myself I’ll be heading back home Sunday to get a passport for the upcoming choir concert that we will be performing in this May 2010. It will be nice to spend some time with my family, catch up on some rest, probably for the first time since Christmas break when I can actually just unwind for a couple of days. I suggest you all relax as much as you can over this break.

Discover Leaders Damir, Meaghan, Marc, Julie, and Miranda unwind after a busy day!

Take care, until next time, best of luck in all your courses of study!

Chris Burr