Frost Valley: Grade 10’s Interschool Retreat

This January, Browning’s 10th graders attended a two-day interschool retreat alongside Nightingale, Spence, Chapin, Collegiate, and Brearley to Frost Valley YMCA. Frost Valley provided a break from daily routines and allowed students to connect with peers from our brother and sister schools.

During the retreat, students participated in a wide range of team-building activities that pushed them out of their comfort zones. From rock climbing and trust falls to soccer games, each activity encouraged collaboration, communication, and trust. Surprisingly, a fan favorite at Browning was square dancing, an activity that quickly became a highlight of the trip and filled the room with energy and laughter.

The retreat also featured a talent show where students had the chance to showcase their skills. Browning’s own Arjun Gupta impressed the audience with a guitar performance of Master of Puppets. Andrew and Caspian also delivered an amazing performance that stood out as another crowd favorite, drawing enthusiastic applause from their peers. Students ended the first night with a dance party and board games, giving everyone a chance to relax, have fun, and continue building friendships in a more casual or chaotic setting.

Despite the cold weather, students embraced the snowy setting and made the most of the outdoors. Many enjoyed playing kickball, hiking, and taking on adventure challenges in the snow, turning the chilly temperatures into memorable experiences.

The retreat wasn’t just a one-time event: it marked the beginning of lasting friendships between students and their senior leaders. Sophomores took this opportunity to bond, knowing they would be together for the next three years. These connections are expected to continue growing, with relationships formed on the trip carrying through the rest of their high school years.