Nearly 100 students, faculty, and staff braved sub-freezing temperatures at the eighth annual FOCUS retreat over the weekend of February 7–8, held at Camp Wabanna in Mayo, Maryland. The theme verse for Gilman’s Christian Affinity Group’s retreat was Colossians 2: 6-7.

“Despite the single-digit temperatures at Camp Wabanna, it was a huge success,” said Kevin Hudson, Upper School History Department Chair and FOCUS faculty advisor. “Our teaching leader, Pastor McFadden, delivered great lessons. We all grew in our faith and fun was had by all.”

John Cameron ’26 has attended the retreat every year since he was a sophomore. “This one was extra special for me because, as a group leader, I got to provide the same experience that upperclassmen have provided for me,” he said. This year was also the third retreat for Jackson Armacost ’26, who said it gets more special each time around, especially as a senior. He found it meaningful to inspire the underclassmen in deepening their faith. 

Both Cameron and Armacost agree that the highlight of the trip was the senior testimonies. “It’s always great to hear how classmates have grown in faith, but it was even better this year to hear this from my own friends,” said Cameron.

Caleb Wilson ’26 felt his third time around was different as well. “Being put in a leadership role changed my entire perspective on FOCUS retreats,” he said. “It shifted my focus from what I could take away from this retreat to what I could help others take away. Being this mentor to the younger students was an extremely rewarding experience.”