Students in grades 9–11 retreat with their classes for two days of community building, adventure, and intentional preparation for the school year. Each experience is designed to meet students at an important stage of growth: freshmen and sophomores practice collaborative problem-solving, while juniors embrace meaningful challenges and deeper responsibility. Only the junior retreat includes an overnight stay.

FAMILY ACTION: Review your student’s daily schedule and packing list.
REQUIRED: A parent/guardian of students grades 9 & 10 must complete this waiver by Tuesday, August 25; please turn completed forms into the front office.

Jump to: 9th grade | 10th grade | 11th grade | dress code specifics

9th Grade Retreat: Problem Solving

The focus of the 9th Grade Adventure and Community Building Retreat is problem solving. Through team challenges, students practice decision-making, leadership, goal-setting, communication, and conflict resolution.

Monday, August 31; 8am-3pm

Students meet at FRCS shortly before 8am and travel together to Newton Park to participate in Archery and Orienteering.

• What to bring:
  • Day backpack
  • Full water bottle
  • Snacks
  • Sack lunch
  • Athletic shoes with a closed toe and closed heel (required)
  • Comfortable, weather appropriate clothing for an active day outdoors
  • Layers for changing temperatures
  • Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, and/or a hat)
• What not to bring or wear:
  • Sandals, flip flops, Crocs, or any open-toed or open-heeled shoes
  • Dangling jewelry or small valuables that could be lost

Tuesday, September 1; 8am-3pm

Students meet at FRCS shortly before 8am and travel together to Denver for an escape room experience.

• What to bring:
  • Water bottle
  • Athletic shoes suitable for significant walking
  • Sun protection
  • Money for lunch or a sack lunch

Notes for parents:

• A waiver is required, and it must be completed by Tuesday, August 25 (download the waiver)
• If you have questions or concerns, email Kim Hammons or Jeremy Wall.

10th Grade Retreat: Problem Solving

The focus of the 10th Grade Adventure and Community Building Retreat is problem solving. These experiences invite students to move beyond what is comfortable and work together through decision-making, shared goals, leadership, and conflict resolution. Students will encounter real challenges that reward preparation, perseverance, and mutual encouragement.

Monday, August 31; 8am-3pm

Students meet at FRCS shortly before 8am and travel together to Hobbs Peak Park to participate in outdoor rock climbing.

• What to bring:
  • Athletic shoes — closed toe and heel shoes for hiking and lightweight socks
  • Two full water bottles and a snack/meal to eat during breaks
  • Day backpack to carry your stuff while we hike to the site
  • Rain jacket and layers that can be easily removed for changing weather — dress in non-cotton clothing (our climbing site is at a higher elevation where weather can vary); recommended: below the knee pants for abrasion protection
  • Sun protection: sunscreen, hat with brim. sunglasses; recommended: lightweight, long-sleeved shirt for sun protection

Tuesday, September 1; 8am-3pm

Students meet at FRCS shortly before 8am and travel together to Butler Gulch for a day of hiking.

• What to bring:
  • Comfortable, weather-appropriate hiking clothes and layers
  • Hiking boots, trail runners, or athletic shoes (no flip-flops or Crocs)
  • Water bottle
  • Sunscreen and other sun protection
  • Sack lunch

Notes for parents

• A waiver is required, and it must be completed by Tuesday, August 25 (download the waiver)
• If you have concerns or questions, please email Coree Snyder or Jeremy Wall.

11th Grade Retreat: Challenge

The focus of the 11th Grade Adventure and Community Building Retreat is challenge. “Challenge by choice” encourages students to stretch beyond what they think they can do while respecting individual readiness and supporting one another. Juniors will be invited to grow through both adventure and relationships, building the courage, trust, and responsibility expected of upperclassmen.

Monday, August 31-Tuesday, September 1

• This is an overnight retreat in Estes Park (YMCA of the Rockies)
• Students meet at FRCS at 8am on Monday and arrive back at FRCS on Tuesday by 3:15pm
• What to bring:
  • Overnight bag (complete details will be shared during Junior Seminar)
  • For Via Ferrata: Long shorts or pants, closed-toe shoes, hair ties, extra clothing layers, water bottle, sunscreen
  • Clothes and shoes suitable for hiking and changing mountain weather

Notes for parents

• Please let Brian Gehr or Jeremy Wall know of any dietary restrictions for your student by Friday, August 21
• The guides require a waiver (digital) be completed for each student; Or if you prefer to complete a paper waiver print it, fill it out, and turn it into the front office by Tuesday, August 25
• If you have questions or concerns, please email Brian Gehr 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. Clothing should support safe participation, preserve appropriate coverage, and fit the setting and activity. The following guidance applies specifically to athletic and performance wear.

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 fingers wide

Ladies may NOT wear:

• Short shorts; shorts must extend to at least mid-thigh
• Shirts or tops that are overly 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