Best of the Week 2022-2023: Teaching to the Future

ST. ED'S LEADS FIRST-EVER BACKPACKING RETREAT THROUGH THE ALLEGHENY NATIONAL FOREST

Led by Theology teacher Matt Rentz, Latin teacher Dan Cavoli, and Science teacher Libero Puccini, St. Ed's first Backpacking Retreat through the Allegheny National Forest combined elements of nature and community to provide Edsmen with time to reflect on their relationships with themselves, God, and others. This 3-day, 2-night retreat was filled with opportunities for individual meditation, group discussions, and plenty of time to share their experiences with each other. This retreat focused on helpng students not only answer the question of “Where am I?,” but also “Where am I going?” This experience was not limited to Catholic or actively religious students only, but was created for all students who are seeking answers and the divine through nature. Edsmen ate, slept, and prayed for 3 days in the Allegheny National Forest and hiked the Morrison Trail (11 miles in total), exploring different themes throughout the journey to reflect on.

"Leading the retreat with Mr. Puccini and Mr. Cavoli was a wonderful experience. I think I most enjoyed the students' reaction to it all," says Mr. Rentz. "It was a very rewarding experience for me and my colleagues. I wanted the Edsmen on the trip to have a peaceful experience during this busy time in their lives and reflect on their possible future vocations in life. We learned a lot as leaders and I hope Edsmen took away something meaningful as well."