Getting the Last Word III: Part 10/25

Previously on “Getting the Last Word III”

As you probably know, I typically write about sports, humor, and parenting on Medium. But as I enter my third year as a writer on this platform, I have decided to do something a little different. Sounds fun, right?

I have discovered a list of more than 1,800 writing prompts on the Reedsy Web site. Hence, I plan to answer 25 of the prompts during a span of 25 separate articles. Although I already have my hands full with writing two long-term series on Medium — “Today’s Rant” and “The Parenting Tales of Teo” — you can think of this new project as a short miniseries intended to be spontaneous and impromptu. So, let us get started!

Writing Prompt No. 10: Write about a time when you explored somewhere new.

My sixth-grade classmates and I participated in a five-day Caritas Creek retreat.

Caritas Creek was an environmental education program held at a campsite in Occidental, Calif. The itinerary of the retreat included hikes, group discussions, and games. The purpose was to strengthen relationships with classmates and learn important life skills, such as public speaking, teamwork, and critical thinking.

I felt excited the morning our class was scheduled to leave for Caritas Creek. I was also nervous since I had never been away from my parents for more than an overnight stay at a friend’s house, let alone multiple days. I recall having a knot in my stomach as I hugged my father and then boarded a bus headed for the campsite.

Caritas Creek was about 80 miles north of our school. We were greeted upon our arrival by staff members, volunteers, and another sixth-grade class we were expected to interact with during the retreat. After lunch, we were assigned cabins and then spent the rest of the day exploring the property.

The cabins were clean and well-furnished. Each one had four bunk beds to which eight students were assigned — four from our school and four from the other one. There was also a separate twin bed for the volunteer tasked with supervising us.

The property covered several acres. There was a big hall with long dining tables and an open space for activities. A swimming pool. Even a circular pit for “gaga ball,” a game similar to dodge ball.

A hike at a nearby park on the third day was the highlight of the retreat. We were given a listening exercise during the excursion. The staff instructed us to stand in a single file and then walk one by one, with a 15-second interval between each person, to a specific location in the park. We were not allowed to speak to one another. Hence, the first person in line began, followed by the second person, and so forth until the line disappeared.

The park was beautiful and nearly silent. I remember feeling calm as I looked around and saw infinite amounts of trees. Tall ones. Short ones. Wide ones. Narrow ones. It was fall, so the ground was covered with red, orange, and yellow leaves. The path took me along the side of a hill and then to an open area where my classmates, staff, and volunteers awaited my arrival.

The retreat was a success. Although I certainly missed my family, I also enjoyed learning more about my classmates and establishing friendships with students from the other school. I hope my son, Mateo, can participate in a similar retreat as I believe it would be a positive learning experience for him.

Although I was only 11 years old when the retreat took place, Caritas Creek succeeded at planting a seed of personal growth in my mind. The retreat taught me to be independent. To develop self-confidence. To think on my feet and make wise decisions on the fly. These are skills I continue to hone today, even more than 25 years later.

Write about a time when you explored somewhere new.