Instead of making the five hour drive to Mo Ranch, the freshman class camped at Allaso Ranch in Hawkins, Texas from Aug. 22-24 to begin the 2017-2018 school year.

Other than the changes in the facilities, this year’s form I retreat differed from previous years in many aspects. Form I did not have camp counsellors; instead, they were guided by their advisors through activities like low ropes, high ropes and canoeing. And for the first time, the seniors and freshmen crossed paths on their retreats: on the morning of the 23rd, the seniors gave advice about Upper School and answered the freshmen’s questions.

Director of Service Learning and former Form I Dean Laura Day attended the retreat.

“The whole point of the retreat is unity, building this class together and making bonds,” Day said. “I hope that all the new [Freshmen] feel a part of a group and don’t feel so isolated when they show up to school. It’s scary when you’re new.”

New to Hockaday, freshman Alex Stalcup is only a few days into life as a Hockadaisy.

“I’m looking forward to making new friends and just really growing as a student as a person,” Stalcup said. “I’m also looking forward to the freedom in the Upper school.”

Photos and story by Cheryl Hao – Web Editor