By Adina T., Dalia P., Eve S., Ezra A., and Ilan G. (Intro to Journalism Elective)
LORETTO — The middle school students from Heilicher Minneapolis Jewish Day School recently returned to Camp Ihduhapi to start the year off strong after a successful retreat last fall. The YMCA of the North camp is located on Lake Independence, just 30 minutes away from Heilicher in Loretto, MN.
The overnight retreat, held September 5-6, was an opportunity for 6th-8th grade students to unite as a middle school and bond within smaller team groups. Some activity options included visiting the farm, playing 9-square, and archery. Middle schoolers participated in various climbing challenges, including the rock wall, leap of faith, and vertical playpen. Team building activities integrated throughout the two days helped groups build cooperative skills and reflect upon the importance of communicating effectively.
Even though teams were mixed between grades, students still had time to bond with their classmates during the evening, meals and free time. Evening activities included a bonfire, making smores, and singing songs. Later, cabin groups played games and held interesting conversations well into the night.
Among students interviewed about their experience, the consensus is clear: Hanging out with friends at the retreat was a lot of fun. Gabby A., an 8th grade student, noted that “Our experience at the retreat was really fun. I enjoyed connecting with my classmates and other grades.” Classmates and cousins Myra B. and Rina S. commented on enjoying hanging out with friends and getting closer to them through the structured activities and freetime.
Simcha Cohen, a Hebrew teacher at Heilicher, commented that the purpose behind the middle school retreat was to offer “an opportunity for students to view themselves as leaders, not just for the middle school, but for the school as a whole.”
Overall, the middle school retreat to Camp Ihduhapi served as a way for sixth through eighth graders to form new bonds and strengthen old ones to start the year off on a good note. This newly formed tradition at Heilicher will continue to unite the middle school for years to come.