During fall break SHC students experienced the first ever adventure hiking retreat offered by Campus Ministries in North Alabama.
This was Campus Ministries first annual fall adventure retreat. Campus Minister for Service, Justice, and Retreats, Rachel Younce was the leader for the trip.
Younce explained that the purpose of this retreat was to reach out to people who wanted a weekend getaway filled with relaxation, adventure, reflection, and community.
Campus Ministries focuses in finding God in all things which is a part of Ignatian Spirituality and having a retreat that is filled with nature can help students connect to what Campus Ministries calls enlightenment.
Throughout the semester Campus Ministries provides students with a variety of retreat options, in hopes they find some connection in a deeper way. Retreat participants are encouraged to take time to relax and have fun, but also to use the time to reflect.
Campus Ministries goal for SHC retreats is for students to take time for themselves and to come back to Spring Hill recharged physically, mentally, and spiritually.
"It was overall amazing. It helped me open up and gave me experiences I wouldn't have otherwise had. I got to better myself and meet great people while having fun and learning," junior Abby Galer said.
Students paid $40 to attend the trip where transportation and meals were provided. The group left on Saturday October 8, and started the retreat with a stop in Montgomery to explore the Legacy Museum. Visiting this museum was an important part of reflection during the retreat.
"The reflections made me see different perspectives and think deeper about the meaning of civil rights, of God and of shifting thought processes outside of my own," Galer said.
On Saturday evening the group set up their campsite at Noccalula Falls Campground in Gadsden, Alabama. The adventure aspect of the retreat involved hiking through Monte Sano State Park in Hunstville, Alabama, with scenic mountain views. At Noccalula Falls Park, the group hiked down a mountain and even jumped in a waterfall.
No hiking experience was required for the trip. The group traveled through easy to moderate trails while hiking. The students even learned about camping, cooking and more about themselves through reflection.
“It was such a fun and unique retreat to provide for the students at Spring Hill! When you’re tent camping, cooking on a fire, and hiking in the woods you gain this bond in such a short amount of time,” Younce said. "Getting out of our typical routine and exploring together was definitely memorable. I saw this retreat become something special, and I’m excited for round two next year.”
For more information about Campus Ministries go to https://badgerweb.shc.edu/ICS/Campus_Life/Campus_Ministry.jnz or email campusministry@shc.edu.