Rhetoric Retreat

Rhetoric students at The Geneva School begin the school year by packing their swimsuits, gym clothes, and sleeping bags for one last bit of summer fun at Southwind Younglife Camp in Ocklawaha, Florida. The retreat is a lot of fun for both the students and TGS staff who accompany them, while also accomplishing some very important goals. The retreat is designed to encourage old and new friendships and to foster Christ-centered community. This is accomplished through free time, family style meals, multi-grade competitions, small group discussions, and challenging and thought-provoking messages.

The students and staff eat their meals together, enjoying each others company and conversation, while forming friendships and connections that will last for years to come.

Fun activities at the rhetoric retreat include Wiffle ball, Frisbee golf, swimming with giant water slide, volleyball, basketball, ping pong, air hockey, foosball, canoeing, and more. All these activities are used to create an array of multi-grade organized competitions. Students will NOT need to bring sports equipment.

Rhetoric faculty members, administrators, and members of the Student Services Department lead small groups and facilitate safe environments for students to share thoughts and ideas about the speaker’s teaching. This openness creates community among students and staff that carries into the school year.

Because of the goals of the retreat, there is some structure, but it is not be an “academic” camp experience. Rather, the focus is relational. Students enjoy a few plenary sessions and also a significant amount of recreational time with the chaperoning teachers/staff.

Trip Information

Because of Covid-19, all overnight trips planned for the first quarter have been postponed. We will attempt to reschedule later in the school year.