Suitcases rolling, pillows across their arms and headphones in Scholars’ ears as they headed on the bus for our Annual New Scholars Retreat. Our Annual New Scholars Retreat happens at the end of June as an opportunity to connect with the new scholars who will be starting college in the Fall. This retreat allows scholars to bond with each other, Pursue Alum, and Pursue staff.

The bus quickly filled with laughter and music from a scholar's playlist accompanied by a few snores from sleeping passengers. During the two-hour ride, two scholars kicked off karaoke on the bus. “Party in the USA,” by Miley Cyrus, a classic road trip song woke everyone up over halfway into the trip. 

The bus finally arrived in Lake Geneva, WI where the Scholars were greeted with a wave and smile from the Guest Relations Coordinator. After a brief orientation, Scholars scattered to their separate rooms, where they were welcomed with the instant smell of disinfectant spray and the loud rustling sheets being put on bunk beds. 

The evening concluded with A’Niya Thomas, Pursue Scholars Program Coordinator, leading everyone in late-night snacks and bonding activities. 

The new Scholars quickly grabbed plates of pizza and nachos. After eating, the Scholars transitioned into playing some classic childhood games, and then it was off to bed for everyone. 

The next day started at 8:00 a.m. with a morning prayer before breakfast and light table conversations. This was followed by devotions taught by our Executive Director, Clive Craigen with a challenge to get rid of the waste in their lives spiritually speaking and Pursue growing spiritually not as a solo mission, but with others.   

After devotions, everyone took a few minutes to read through everyone’s two-page autobiography which was completed by everyone (almost) before the retreat.  Everyone was assigned to write a two-page autobiography for others to read and ask questions. After a few minutes of reading, questions were allowed.  Everyone learned something new about everyone else like one Scholar enjoys ranch dressing on her spaghetti. 

After lunch, we spent time canoeing and paddle-boating in the lagoon. Scholars then headed to the gym to play a short game of volleyball. We enjoyed a slip-and-slide down a hill filled with bubbles, water and laughter. 

After getting cleaned up and having dinner, Pursue Alum and current staff formed a panel that engaged in conversation about a wide-ranging list of college-related topics. This panel proved to be a highlight of the weekend for all. This sparked questions from new Scholars and led to vulnerable conversations between staff, Alum and individual students.  “My favorite part of the retreat was learning about finance and how to budget money as well as seeing how my peers think,” said Sharmel Alexander, a new Scholar who will be attending the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. 

After the panel, everyone gathered by the campfire to make a camp classic dessert, s’mores. As everyone roasted marshmallows and crunched loudly on graham crackers they all began to bond again around the campfire. Then, Scholars suggested watching a movie before heading to bed, so we gathered in the meeting room to watch, “Let It Shine.” 

The next day started at 8:00 a.m. again as the Scholars headed to eat their final breakfast of the weekend. The bus arrived shortly after breakfast to take everyone back to Chicago.  A Pursue Alum who has been on the retreat three times reflected on her experience, “each year is always different and unique due to it always being a different group of people. This year’s retreat was a refreshing time as I got to know other Scholars and share advice about college and life from my experience thus far,” said Myka Savage. 

Finally, arriving back at the office in Chicago, Scholars proceeded to their cars after hugs and the exchange of phone numbers. This was the end of a successful, bonding and rejuvenated retreat. “The retreat opened the door for a lot of new relationships, it was fun and worth every minute,” said Nyari Gray, a new Scholar who will be attending Illinois State University in the Fall.