Messmer has always been a faith-based, moral and spiritual template for other schools to follow the "Messmer Way." Students participate in yearly retreats to take time to reflect on themselves and their faith.
These retreats are for students as individuals and as a team to challenge themselves to overcome fears and achieve goals in life. Each class goes on separate retreats.
The juniors went to Camp Minikani as their religious experience. This retreat focused on trust, building relationships, and overcoming fears and obstacles.
This retreat also was for the students to enjoy themselves outdoors and have fun with their fellow class of 2015.
Juniors participated in low ropes, rock climbing, and the most challenging, high ropes. Junior Nadia Gracia said she was terrified when she first approached the ladder for the high ropes but she sang a song in her head "I’ll Make A Man Out of You" from Mulan. She says even though you're on a tiny wobbling rope you have to just "Keep Moving Forward."
These challenges required lots of encouragement from classmates. The junior retreat also required lots of teamwork and communication during the peer challenges. Nadia expressed happiness when she mentioned how she enjoyed herself with her peers.
Many of the juniors looked forward to the retreat because the seniors gave them a good exemplar of their time last year at Camp Minikani.
Morality teacher Ron Kuenstler helped plan the junior retreat. He wanted the juniors to have as much fun as possible. Mr. Kuenstler said the best part of the retreats was watching the students at work on their tasks. He took pictures and video to capture the energy of the students and to show them succeeding on the courses. He put cameras on some of the students' helmets to document their reactions on the high ropes and rock climbing.
The high ropes was a big challenge for most students. Mr. Kuenstler advice was to just have an open mind and when you step foot on the rope "Just Let Go and Let GOD!!"
Nadia thinks that retreats are for her peers to build friendships and gain memories that will last a lifetime. The teachers want the students to gain confidence to be able handle anything that comes their way in life.
Retreats are for you to step out of your comfort zone and try something new and adventurous.
--Contributed by junior Anthony Richmond
