Young women across the Lakeland Catholic School District (LCSD) helped each other find themselves. Students spent two nights camping out and getting to know each other from Feb. 9 to 10 during the fifth annual girls retreat.
Young women across the Lakeland Catholic School District (LCSD) helped each other find themselves.
Students spent two nights camping out and getting to know each other from Feb. 9 to 10 during the fifth annual girls retreat. This year, it took place at Notre Dame High School (NDHS), after outgrowing local elementary schools.
"We've had to use a few different schools because our numbers are growing. This year, we hosted students from Ecole Dr. Bernard Brosseau, NDHS, Assumption Jr./Sr. High School, and a few students from our church community," said NDHS teacher and youth minister Siobhan Winterhalt.
Every year, teachers select a theme for students to focus on. This time around, it was all about being themselves and accepting others.
Teachers encouraged the girls to celebrate their differences, by engaging them in a number of group activities designed to bring them closer. In addition to the fun and games, organizers held open question and answer sessions, and lead the group through worship.
"We want students to understand they're unique and special. They don't have to feel self-conscious. They have things that make them who they are. We want them to get together with other girls and realize they're part of this community," Winterhalt expressed.
It didn't take long for any nerves participants had to turn into excitement. Spending time with girls they normally wouldn't get the chance to, campers were able to share and learn from each other's experiences.
"At first, it was a little intimidating. Just knowing how many people were there was nerve-racking. But as we got to know each other, it was amazing. Trying to see who people really are, and connect with them, that was a great experience," emphasized Grade 11 student Sofia Karikitan.
Those connections were put to the test on the final day of the retreat, When groups had to come together and work as a team to complete a tall task.
With very limited time to reach their goal, students prepared nearly 200 meals for families in need within the community.
"We finished off with our big cook. In around two-and-a-half hours, the girls prepared 180 meals for people within the community. The meals were then frozen and they'll be distributed to those who need them by the St. Louis Parish Hall," detailed Winterhalt.
Through the activities and tasks they were given to complete, students were able to see that there are others who faced challenges similar to their own.
As a result, many campers left with new friends, and the understanding they might be different, but that doesn't mean they're alone.
"It's hard to find yourself. To see there are other people struggling and going through a similar situation helps us realize we're not alone in the problems we're having," Karikitan said.
