The Class of 2027 concluded their first week of sophomore year with two days of bonding retreats alongside fellow students and advisors.

On Thursday, sophomores traveled to the Southwest suburbs of Chicago to spend a day at The Forge, an adventure park. Despite humid air and summertime temperatures, students enjoyed their six-hour excursion, taking advantage of the park’s abundance of activities and games.

“I really liked The Forge and how it was outside, and I also felt very connected to all of my classmates while doing the fun activities,” sophomore Meredith Maechling said. Students were able to take kayaks out on the lake, play outdoor laser tag, and explore the woods on four-person surrey bicycles.

The biggest hit of the day turned out to be the lakeside cornhole games that attracted over 30 spectators per matchup. With both students and teachers participating, the classic American backyard game quickly began to enable the unique rapport Latin teachers and students share.

The next day, students took a brief bus ride to Margate Park, where Director of Student Life Tim Cronister led the class through a half-day mulching service activity. Students took to the activity with alacrity, loading wheelbarrows and distributing mulch to keep the park’s trees healthy for Chicago’s residents.

“It touched my heart seeing how well we worked together as a grade to help our community,” sophomore Charles Dann said.

Ending the first week of school, The Forge hosted various engaging activities to help the sophomore class bond, allowing a seamless transition into the upcoming school year. Although mulching may not be everyone’s favorite activity, it fostered collaboration among students as they contributed to the environment and community around Latin School. These retreats prepared the Class of 2027 to face the challenges of the new school year with confidence and unity.