21 juniors participate in leadership retreat

The sun decided to come from behind the clouds and shine down on the Youth Leadership Atmore overnight retreat last week at Camp Beckwith.

Twenty-one juniors from some five different schools spent the night at the Episcopal Church camp and used that time to get to know each other better as the retreat kicked off the group’s year.

After a night of activities, the students participated in a low ropes course during the morning and a high ropes course in the evening the following day.

Throughout the morning period, the students split into two groups and with the guidance of Adventure for Life staff, completed most of the lower ropes course while learning about communication and teamwork.

“It’s been good to get to know kids a lot better from different schools,” Northview’s David Weber said. “Last night, we did get-to-know you type games.”

The trip to the camp that sits near Fairhope was a special one for Weber as he was paired with a friend from middle and elementary school on the bus.

Some of the lower ropes courses the students completed include build a bridge, the spider web, a wall climb, a swing obstacle and balance beam.

Courtney Hursh, who is the only home-school student in the group, said she’s learned a lot.

“I’ve just learned a lot about teamwork and how to meet new people,” Hursh said.

Hursh said even though it was a new experience for her, she really likes the group.

“It’s been a good time,” she said.