Each year, our eighth-grade students embark on a memorable retreat for their Final Adventure at Westside School. This year, the Class of 2024 ventured to Anderson Lodge in Ariel, Washington, near Mount St. Helens. This outdoor trip is designed to help students reflect on their time at Westside, celebrate their growth, and prepare for the transition to high school.
Throughout the week, students took the reins, leading various activities they had planned for their peers. They also embraced the responsibility of meal preparation and cooking for the entire group in rotating teams.
One of the highlights of the retreat was an adventurous hike through the Ape Cave lava tube or, for those preferring the open air, a scenic forest trail. Despite some rainy weather, spirits remained high as students engaged in outdoor games like Capture the Flag and participated in a ping pong tournament and a teacher-led scavenger hunt.
The 8th Grade Final Adventure trip is also a time for emotional growth and connection. Students wrote heartfelt notes and letters to each other, using prompts like "a great memory I have of you is..." and "something I appreciate about you is...". These notes culminated in a final, reflective letter to a designated classmate, capturing their shared experiences and the deep bonds they had formed.
The retreat also included a "solo sit," where students spent time in quiet reflection, each within a defined boundary. During this time, they received surprise letters from loved ones, adding a personal and touching element to their introspection.
A significant tradition of the retreat is the "final campfire" night. During this event, teachers step back, allowing students to take the lead. They read their letters aloud, sharing memories and expressing appreciation. This ceremony, often referred to as the "circle of tears" by alumni, embodies the sense of community, friendship, and mutual respect that defines their time at Westside. This concluding event was a celebration of their journey, growth, and the exciting future ahead.
Though we will miss them next year, we are incredibly proud of the Westside Class of 2024 and confident in their ability to navigate the next chapter of their lives with confidence and pride.