Sargent Center Retreat

So for my 200th post, I bring you news of my weekend. Behold:

Yes, this picture is legit.

So about 50 of us ventured up to New Hampshire this weekend to BU's Sargent Center, and I must say it was as exciting and fun as I thought it would be. After a two-hour bus ride or so, we finally arrived at the site. When we stepped off the bus, the crisp, untainted New England air filled our lungs. It was chilly, yes, but so clean, and we all took the opportunity to take in deep breaths. I looked around excitedly for I could see lots and lots of trees, and better yet, a large meadow of plain green grass (both simple luxuries I enjoyed at home but am completely deprived of here in Boston).

We were given a quick introduction from the very campy-looking Hutch (yes, that's his real name) and then directed to our heated cabins (which I was thankful for, since we hadn't been told where we were sleeping and I was prepared to rough it in a yurt or something in 29-degree New Hampshirian night weather). After that we trekked back to the main cabin, where another pleasant surprise awaited us. For lunch, instead of traditional, crappy campy food, we were served freshly-made baked ziti among other selections of "real" food. We also drank clean, natural water, said to be from the grounds of New Hampshire itself, and maybe his words had a psychological effect, but it really did taste fresh and pure.

Afterward, we went through several team-building activities. After playing many ice-breaker-type games, we split into three smaller groups and each did separate activities from there. My group was challenged to get everyone to swing across a mud pit from one small platform to an even smaller platform (without falling or stepping off at any time). Another noteworthy brainteaser [that I still detest] was this challenge to balance several nails on one (which as honors program students, we utterly failed to do). After that, the three groups rejoined and played different versions of tag. Then when those activities were completed, we were given time to do as we liked.

Izzy and Caca (who I knew prior to the trip from my writing and physics classes respectively) were with me and we decided to go canoeing. The lake was absolutely beautiful, and it was almost silent when we paddled out to the center of it. It also gave us time to really talk about things (ranging from silly girl talk to more serious social issues). But it was such a relaxing feeling to be out on the lake, and that short period of isolation was really quite soothing.

When it was time for dinner we paddled back to shore and went back to the lodge where we indulged in hot chocolate mixed with coffee (there was no hot water left, but it wasn't a bad idea). When dinner was served, it was delicious. Steak, rice, potatoes, it was all delicious (and somewhat sadly, much better than dining hall food--I mean seriously, steak??).

After dinner we all joined in on a drumming workshop, which is exactly what it sounds like. After being fanned with the scent of burning sage (or some kind of herb), we spent the night playing with various percussion instruments and being led around in a circle while chanting Native American tribal songs. Yes, it was actually a bit cultish to have everyone on the same page like that, but as the leader woman said, that feeling of unity did bring forth wonderful "energy" or something of that sort.

Afterward, we were led outside to a campfire site. During the drumming workshop, we were told to write down any wishes we had on cards, and these were then burned in the fire and therefore "released into nature so that they may come true in the spring" (I know, I know, but I just thought it was in good fun). Next we of course proceeded to roast marshmallows and tell "freshman-year stories." After all that was done, we went on a "night hike" (which was more like a short walk in the woods) and then gazed up at the stars as we returned to our cabin for the night.

On day 2, we ate breakfast (the traditional egg, toast, sausage, and potatoes meal) and then headed out to the ropes course which ended up being pretty awesome. It was something like "Project Adventure" in high school, except so much more... authentic (plus the zip line was the most awesome zip line I've ever been on). That took the whole morning though, so afterwards we had lunch (just sandwiches this time), headed back the cabin to pack, and boarded the bus back to Boston.

Can you see all the ropes?

So all in all, it was really fun. Socially, I got to meet a bunch of people, although I didn't quite fulfill my expectations as planned (I wanted to get to know everyone, but a lot of them knew each other from living together in the honors housing, so it was already a bit cliquey). But I'm fine with it. I got to spend time with Izzy, Caca, and some others, and I got the chance to get out of Boston again. It was a wonderful place and I had a wonderful time. What more could I have asked for?