The junior high retreats are designed to help each class and the junior high community as a whole, build healthy relationships and set a strong tone for the school year. Across two days, students participate in class-specific and combined activities that cultivate belonging, courage, trust, and responsibility. These are day retreats; students return home each afternoon.
FAMILY ACTION: Review your student’s daily schedule and packing list.
REQUIRED: A parent/guardian must complete this waiver by Tuesday, August 25; please turn them in to the front office.
Jump to: 7th grade | 8th grade | dress code specifics
7th Grade Retreat: Cooperation and Teamwork
The focus of the 7th Grade Adventure and Community Building Retreat is cooperation. Cooperation creates the conditions in which a healthy community can grow: students feel included, learn to contribute, and discover how to work through challenges together. Activities invite every student to participate, encourage one another, and help shape shared commitments for a strong junior high experience.
Thursday, September 3; 8am-3pm
Students will be on campus for indoor and outdoor community-building activities.
- Students should bring:
- Water bottle
- Athletic shoes
- Sun protection
- Lunch is provided on Thursday
Friday, September 4; 8am-3pm
Students meet at FRCS shortly before 8am and will travel together to Genesee Challenge Course in Genesee, Colorado. Students will practice cooperation and teamwork through a low-ropes course and facilitated group challenges.
- What students should bring:
- Day backpack
- Full water bottle
- Snacks
- Sack lunch
- Athletic shoes with closed toes and closed heels (required)
- Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing for an active day outdoors
- Layers for changing temperatures
- Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, etc.)
- What students should not bring or wear:
- Sandals, flip-flops, Crocs, or any open toe/open heel shoes
- Dangling jewelry or small valuables that could be lost
Notes for parents:
- Please let Collin Sutherland (csutherland@frcs.org) or Jeremy Wall (jwall@frcs.org) know if your child has an dietary restrictions by Tuesday, August 25.
- Once you’ve signed and turned in the waiver, please email Collin Sutherland to confirm; this should be done by Tuesday, August 25.
- If you have questions or concerns, email Collin Sutherland or Jeremy Wall.
8th Grade Retreat: Trust and Self-Awareness
The focus of the 8th Grade Adventure and Community Building Retreat is trust and self-awareness. Trust is foundational to healthy relationships and lasting community. Students will use the Five-Finger Contract, Safety, Commitment, Awareness, Responsibility, and Encouragement, to consider how their words and actions shape the people around them. Our hope is that students return with deeper understanding, stronger relationships, and a renewed commitment to care for one another.
Thursday, September 3; 8am-3pm
Students meet at FRCS shortly before 8am and then ride together to the Genesee Challenge Course in Genesee, Colorado. Students will be challenged to trust themselves and one another through a high ropes course and facilitated group experiences.
- What students should bring:
- Day back pack
- Full water bottle
- Snacks
- Sack lunch
- Athletic shoes with closed toe and closed heel (required)
- Comfortable, weather appropriate attire for an active day outside
- Layers for variable temperatures
- Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, etc.)
- Students should not bring:
- Sandals, flip-flops, crocs, open-toe or open-heel shoes
- Dangling jewelry and small valuables that might get lost
Friday, September 4; 8am-3pm
Students will remain on campus for indoor and outdoor community-building activities. Some activities involve water.
- What students should bring:
- Water bottle
- Athletic shoes
- Sun protection
- Dark colored clothing appropriate for water activities
- Lunch is provided on Friday
Notes for parents:
- Please let Robyn Wise (rwise@frcs.org) or Jeremy Wall (jwall@frcs.org) know if your child has an dietary restrictions by Tuesday, August 25.
- Once you’ve signed and turned in the waiver, please email Robyn Wise to confirm; this should be done by Tuesday, August 25.
- If you have questions or concerns, email Robyn Wise or Jeremy Wall.
FRCS Dress Code for Student Experiences
(Retreats, J-Terms, Practicums, and AWE Outings)
General Reminder: Students are expected to follow the FRCS Dress Code for all student experiences. The following guidelines provide specific expectations for performance wear for students outings and experiences.
Ladies may wear:
- Full-length leggings when paired with a shirt that provides appropriate coverage
- Fitted performance shirts that remain within dress code expectations
- Athletic tank tops with straps at least three finger-widths wide
Ladies may NOT wear:
- Short shorts; shorts must extend to at least mid-thigh
- Shirts or tops that are too revealing or inappropriate for the setting
Gentlemen may wear:
- Athletic wear such as workout shorts, joggers, and performance shirts
- Full-length athletic pants or shorts that meet dress code expectations
Gentlemen may NOT wear:
- Short shorts; shorts must extend at least mid-thigh
- Tank tops or sleeveless shirts
