Retreat for KSA 8th-graders teaches team building

Friday, Nov. 07, 2014

SALT LAKE CITY — The 8th-grade class from Kearns-St. Ann School participated in a retreat Oct. 9 at Camp Kostopulos in Emigration Canyon. The 15 students, who are in their final year at Kearns-St. Ann School, participated in team-building and challenge activities with Camp K staff. The activities required students to step out of their individual comfort zones and participate with their classmates. In every activity, communication, problem-solving, positive team effort and courage were necessary to ensure success. 

“It was an enlightening day and growing experience for me as well as the students,” said 8th-grade teacher Mrs. Toni McSpadden. “I saw the students step out of their roles as students and the classroom and take risks in a different environment.”

Following the challenge activities, students spent time in reflection and discussion led by Father Michael Sciumbato, pastor of Saint Ann Parish; and School Counselor Mrs. Kay Bush. 

“Spending this retreat day at the start of the school year sets the positive, supportive climate for the rest of the year. The students are beginning a transition year as they prepare to leave Kearns-St. Ann and enter high school,” Mrs. Bush explained.

For the students, “great” was a common adjective in describing the day. 

“The retreat was great and taught us a lot about each other,” said Mary M.

Kevin I. agreed. “It was great seeing different ways to work together and develop life skills,” he said.

“It was great to connect with my classmates in different ways than we’d ever connected,” said Taylor S.

Fr. Sciumbato stated, “It was one of those halcyon days that you look back on when you’re caught up in the burdens of adulthood and think to yourself, ‘What a beautiful day, what great friends, what a great God.’”