This year at Tahoma High School’s Bear Den Retreat, students were challenged to do some self-introspection following the event’s theme, “Stumbling blocks to stepping stones”. Students participated in many self-reflection and group bonding exercises. The entire purpose of this fun weekend was to get to meet new people, try new things, and maybe even learn something about ourselves.

Bear Den also presents the perfect opportunity to get to meet new people and connect with them on more than just the surface level. Students were divided into smaller groups for the event and were presented with multiple ice-breaker activities. Later, these same groups went through a deeper “boundary breaking” exercise where harder questions were asked, really getting to know each other on a deeper level.

Overall, these difficult subjects were well-received by the students. Tahoma Student, Luke Thornbury exclaimed, “My favorite part of Bear Den was connecting with my group” and went as far as saying, “This event made me want to join leadership, so I can be more involved with events like this.”

Besides getting to know each other, there were multiple fun activities held throughout the retreat. One of the most enjoyed activities was learning how to square dance. With more than 200 people participating, and many square dancing for the first time, it was definitely chaotic, but that only added to the charm of the event.

Following this year’s theme, students in their respective councils were tasked with devising a skit that taught us the lesson of stumbling blocks to stepping stones. This theme lets students explore their creativity in how to portray an initial issue as the stepping stone for future success, teaching us how to overcome obstacles and appreciate the lessons they teach us.