Every year the new freshman class of Gibbons attends a trip to Busch Gardens. The students are placed on random buses to Virginia in hopes of meeting new people, and helping the freshmen become more comfortable with their peers.

“I think the trip made me more outgoing and less scared to do things,”  said freshman Molly Thompson.

This past month, the Class of 2028 went on this retreat.

“It helped me face my fear of not knowing people. This was an amazing retreat and I recommend it to all,” said Libby Berhens. 

This outing was meant to be a pleasurable way for those who attended to strengthen their relationship with others.

“It helped me get closer with those I don’t know,” said Nick Hammer.

Roller coasters are an exhilarating way to find those who have similar interests. 

“I got closest with people I didn’t know before, and I found people who liked the same rides as me. It also helped me face my fear of roller coasters,” said Cate Williams. 

Gibbons senior Maryn Cole was a supervisor who helped lead parts of the trip this year. 

“It was so much fun getting to volunteer on the trip. It pushed me out of my comfort zone trying to engage the freshman in games and such on the bus and help them get out of their comfort zones,” said Cole.

The volunteers accompanied the freshmen on the bus ride and played interactive games as a way to include everyone around them.

“It helped me work on my public speaking abilities on the bus and get to meet the members of the freshman class,” said Cole.

Hopefully, this trip will be one the freshman remember forever. 

“This will definitely be something I don’t forget,” said Teagan Creighton.