Sage Hill students kicked off the school year with the annual grade level retreats, which took them beyond their usual routines. The events ranged from overnight trips to local outings, each designed to help classmates connect in new ways beyond the classroom. Activities encouraged teamwork, reflection, and plenty of laughter, strengthening community across campus.

The freshman went on their annual retreat to Big Bear for a two-day trip in the San Bernardino County wilderness. Students participated in outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking and completing obstacle courses, while bonding with their peers.

“My favorite part was the high ropes because it was something I had never done before,” freshman Marcos Aguilar said.

The retreat set the tone for the school year, giving the Class of 2029 a stronger sense of community and shared experience.

Sophomores stayed closer to home, spending the day bowling at Lucky Strike. The retreat offered students a chance to step away from academics, laugh with classmates, and partake in some friendly competition.

“I really enjoyed bowling because it was fun and I had a great time with my friends,” sophomore Millie Gonzalez-Flores said.

Students left the bowling alley with stronger friendships and a greater sense of class unity.

Juniors went to Camelot Golfland to enjoy a variety of activities, including mini golf, go-karts, and laser tag.

“I really liked how the retreat offered many different events; it was really fun to compete in laser tag with the teachers and have this bonding experience among the class,” junior Chelsea Chen said.

The retreat provided a much-needed break for the notoriously busy junior year while continuing to foster stronger bonds within advisories and the entire class.

Seniors returned to Cedar Lake Camp in Big Bear for an overnight trip that included the high ropes course, team challenges and the highly anticipated senior sunrise. The retreat provided students with an opportunity to celebrate friendships and start to wind down of their high school journey. Peer counselors stayed for Ninth Grade Retreat to provide mentorship to the freshman advisories.

“I think that the senior retreat was especially rewarding because we got to experience what it was like to be a freshman again. It was really nostalgic, and we were able to reflect on how much we have grown as people,” senior King Oung said.