On March 13, the sophomores participated in their class retreat, which took place at the Santa Cruz Permaculture Farm located near Davenport. Students traveled to the site via a chartered bus and a small van, and with the event lasting from 8:30 AM to 2:55 PM, sophomores were provided a valuable opportunity to bond with their peers and forge new connections. The day included games and activities that allowed students to gain insights about themselves and others.
Due to the rain, Tigers sheltered in a nearby facility near the farm, where they worked in small groups on various activities. These included creating a poster depicting their vision of what the world would look like in a hundred years and constructing a “web of life.” Additionally, while at the cafe, the students had the chance to hear from David Shaw, who serves as the farm’s senior manager and director.
Director of Mission and Ministry Amy Jobin shared the benefits of having students visit the farm for their retreat.
“The farm specifically focuses on permaculture, which is a sustainable way of living. Also, the farm is a beautiful place to spend time, and a beautiful place to help us get a chance to learn more about the environment, farming, and our world,” described Jobin.
She shared with enthusiasm her favorite activities and the lasting impression they had on her.
“I really enjoyed the two activities. First, the web of life because I think everybody could feel how holding onto the string enhanced their connection to others by holding onto the string. I think it created a sense of connection, both individually with the person they were holding the string with and collectively as a group. I also liked the storytellers’ connection activity, where everyone envisioned what a positive future could look like 100 years from now. It was inspiring to share our hopes and imagine together what that future might be,” recounted Jobin.
Sophomore Shay Karmegam believes that the retreats have a significant impact on the student body, serving as a mental health day and providing students with an opportunity to reflect both spiritually and emotionally.
“[My] Favorite part was just learning about how we impact the Earth and just figuring out how to go back to our roots, in a sense, and connect us back with the Earth,” Karmegam shared, describing her highlight of the retreat.
While the retreat is a mandatory activity for students at NDB, opinions about its importance vary. However, Jobin explained its necessity and its connection to religious practices.
“Retreats are part of the Christian and Catholic tradition and retreat literally means to take a step back. So we take a step back and out of our busy, daily life, and we take time for reflection. A lot of our hallmarks come into play on those retreats, and we hope that people feel that it’s part of the day. Even if people who are not Catholic can also experience this,” said Jobin.
This day served not only as a way for the class of 2027 to connect with each other but also as a unique opportunity to get in touch with nature and themselves.
