With the sun setting over the Mountain, the Class of 2027 gathered to kick off their senior year at The Storm King School with an evening of laughter, friendly competition, and reflection. The annual Senior Retreat brought the class together at Black Rock Forest for an opportunity to step away from campus, strengthen their connections, and begin thinking about the kind of senior class—and legacy—they want to create together this year.
The retreat began with seniors walking together through the tunnel to Black Rock Forest Lodge. The short trek from campus into the forest offered a fitting setting for an evening focused on connection, teamwork, and looking ahead. Upon their arrival, students and faculty gathered for pizza, wings, and salad before beginning the evening’s activities.
The Retreat featured a series of challenges designed to encourage collaboration, creativity, and class spirit. The evening began with the Tower Challenge, in which students worked in assigned groups to build the tallest freestanding tower possible using only the materials provided. Along the way, communication challenges tested each team’s ability to listen, collaborate, and adapt—turning a simple building exercise into a lesson in teamwork and problem-solving.
The energy continued with the Senior Class Sing Down, a spirited competition that challenged teams to think quickly and creatively. Given a word, students had to sing a recognizable song containing that word, with no song allowed to be repeated. Teams continued until only one remained, with the winning teams earning first choice of ice cream—a fitting reward for their musical creativity and competitive spirit.
After time to socialize over ice cream, students shifted from competition to reflection. In small groups, seniors considered what they want their final year together to represent and the kind of class they hope to become. Guided by questions about their vision and legacy, students discussed what they want people to say about the Class of 2027 when they graduate, what they hope to accomplish together, and what they want to leave at Storm King.
The evening concluded with “Dear Future Me,” an opportunity for each senior to write a private letter to their future self. Students reflected on their hopes, goals, and expectations for the year ahead, with writing prompts available to help guide their thoughts. The letters were sealed and will be returned to the students during the bonfire on the night before graduation, providing a chance for the Class of 2027 to look back on the people they were and the aspirations they held at the beginning of their senior year.
By the end of the retreat, the Class of 2027 had shared plenty of laughter and friendly competition, but also had time to pause and consider the year ahead. Through teamwork, conversation, and reflection, the evening offered seniors an opportunity to begin defining not only how they want to experience their final year at Storm King, but also the legacy they hope to leave behind.
