High School Retreat
About the High School Retreat
The annual tradition of the high school retreat involves all grades in a shared experience that sets the tone for the new school year. Upon arrival at Camp Ponderosa, high school students begin team-building and confidence-building activities designed to break down social barriers and create a positive, supportive culture for the year ahead.
The retreat is an excellent opportunity for new students to get to know their peers and the staff, and a chance for returning members of the Vanguard community to reconnect with friends and mentors. Over three days, students engage in problem-solving tasks such as the low-ropes course, physical challenges like the Leap of Faith, and team games like human foosball. Students also socialize in the dining hall and relax with friends in the game room.
Character Development
A further purpose of the high school retreat is character development, done chiefly through community bonfires and character talks. Each evening, students gather in groups and discuss virtues such as how to be a gentleman, the responsibility of freshman year, and adhering to the school honor code. This culminates in rousing character talks given by the assistant principal to the whole high school, a traditional event that lets students get to know their assistant principal while learning valuable life lessons.
Each day begins before 7:00 A.M. and ends around 11:00 P.M. With such a full schedule, it is easy to see why the buses on Friday unload with exhausted but excited Coursers, ready to tackle the weeks and months ahead. With the foundation of these three days, each new school year promises to be the best yet as we create a truly outstanding Vanguard Experience together.
See the Retreat
Registration and Forms
All registrations and payments must be completed through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal before the retreat to allow for adequate planning. Check the current retreat flyer for this year’s deadline.
All families must complete:
- The Vanguard School retreat payment and participation waiver
- Student medication permits, as applicable
- Ponderosa recreational waiver, completed via Infinite Campus