Upper School Retreats Build Community

Upper School students at University School of Milwaukee enjoyed several days off campus for the annual grade-level retreats, which are integral to building community and fostering connections within the Upper School. Faculty and administrators worked hard to ensure that all students participated in meaningful and impactful activities in a safe setting.

The themes for the retreats varied amongst the grade levels, but all were designed to help students build a sense of community amongst their classmates, foster leadership, step out of their comfort zones, and engage in self-reflection. 

Freshmen spent two days at Camp Whitcomb/Mason in Hartland, Wisconsin, where they participated in discussions and fun activities centered around relationship building and the school’s Common Trust. The sophomore retreat kicked off the sophomore advising experience, which is centered on building community, and included various service activities on and off campus, followed by an exciting afternoon at Urban Air Adventure Park. Juniors traveled to downtown Milwaukee, where they participated in a variety of activities to hone leadership skills, explore their skills in a group dynamic, and challenge themselves. They also worked with USM 2nd graders on a variety of projects, including making slime and learning how to screen print. Seniors participated in an overnight, two-day experience at Camp Manito-wish YMCA in northern Wisconsin, where they gained leadership and team-building skills through ropes courses and small- and large-group meetings.

“At USM, we actively work to build a community where people care for each other, help each other, and commit to a life of inquiry, service, and learning,” said Upper School Dean of Students Charlie Housiaux ’02. “One of the first steps towards accomplishing this goal is for students to share common experiences, which is a key component of the retreats. Each grade level will build upon those shared experiences throughout the whole school year.” 

The retreats support USM’s mission to cultivate excellence in learning, leadership, and citizenship, and to ensure that students are engaged, known, and valued. Through fun, challenging, and age-appropriate activities, students are encouraged to broaden their experiences and stretch themselves in an inclusive, supportive environment.

Many thanks to the tireless efforts of the Upper School class deans: Jean Plum (9th grade), Kelly Anderson (10th grade), Sue Baker (11th grade), and Sarah Titus ’00 (12th grade). They, along with support from advisors, created and managed these experiences with vision and hard work.