With the fall CROYA retreat sign ups just around the corner, we’re sure you’ve heard about the upcoming event. 

CROYA retreats only happen twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring and are commonly described as the most unforgettable weekend. During fall of our freshman year, the two of us attended our first CROYA retreat. For us,​​ we loved everything about the weekend and came back to Lake Forest with friendships and a new community. 

We are here to break down why you should go on the fall retreat. 

The fall retreat is for high schoolers who have never attended a retreat before and this year is led by both juniors and seniors. 

On the retreat, kids have the opportunity to break down social barriers and connect with their peers on a deeper level. 

For some people, going on the fall retreat is pretty nerve racking considering not much is known about what goes on during the retreat until you get there.

“Don’t let your nerves get in the way of signing up for a weekend that is so impactful,” CROYA Youth Worker Catherine Grey said. “You arrive at CROYA full of nervousness and you come back feeling connected to everybody and like you have a place you belong.” 

The fall retreat is a great way to meet new people, whether it be getting the opportunity to open up to a new group of people or playing a fun ice breaker game with your small group. 

“The CROYA retreat is the best way to make new friends no matter what grade you’re in. I have gained close friendships that I wouldn’t have made without the retreat,” Senior Retreat Leader Chloe Robb said. 

The retreat provides a break for high school students from their busy everyday lives.

Although for most teenagers, spending the weekend away from technology might sound alarming at first. But those who go leave the weekend feeling refreshed after having a break from their phones for the weekend. 

“It’s crazy to see how much you don’t miss your phone and how quickly you can make genuine bonds when you don’t have a screen in between you,” Senior Retreat Leader Rylan Stark said. “Not having your phone gives you a really good opportunity to not focus on other people’s lives and expectations you normally see on your phone.”

One of the best parts about the retreat is that the CROYA love doesn’t stop once the weekend is over, but it’s quite the opposite.

“The Monday after my first fall retreat, the hallways felt different as I could feel a sense of community after seeing the bright faces of everyone I had just spent the weekend with,” Junior Retreat Leader Scott Weston said. 

We hope to see you on the fall retreat Nov. 18-20 and maybe one of us will be your leader! 

Mark your calendars! Retreat signups are Wednesday at 10 a.m.!