This year, Dylan’s class went on their retreat after the start of the school year (as opposed to right before the beginning of the school year). [I feel like I should have Dylan contribute his own entries on his experiences….]I drove there (Dylan, Julian, Sophia and Lyra) and back (swap Julian for Kaden) and thoroughly enjoyed the view, setting aside my sense that things were not as smoothly organized or pleasant as they were last year.
This sense was confirmed when I arrived on pick-up day (Friday) and several kids mentioned an unpleasant nature guide and sentiments that the games were terrible (Capture the Flag just made everyone mad! There was not enough free play, etc…), and, overall, last year’s retreat was “way better.”
On that last day, though, the kids really made the most of it. We hiked to a beach in Andrew Molera SP where there were already several existing driftwood structures. Dylan and his closest pals got to work improving upon a nice shelter, complete with stepping stones leading into it!
I loved the fact that none of them shoo’d me away (unlike Cameron during her bday campout when she asked me, “what are you doing here??” when I told them all to close their eyes and let everyone get to sleep — cuz it was like near midnight)…! And, sweet Dylan actually came and sat down on my lap for a moment.
I love this guy. I was actually a bit worried that the retreat experience was so negative (he had a lot to say about it) that it was adversely affecting his attitude towards Kirby — he told us, a couple of days later, that if Cameron wanted to go there, he’d switch to public school so she could have a chance. We thought, “oh, no! He is no longer enjoying it!” But, as it turns out, it was just Dylan being his at-heart-kind self. He told us he offered because he loves Kirby so much, he thought his sisters should experience it, too!
He is now back at school…and back to dance and, despite his exceedingly long day, he is happy.
