Honors College Retreat: Crystal Lake Camp

    Nestled in the forests of Hughesville, PA rests a blip of civilization known as Crystal Lake Camp. Crystal Lake Camp, or CLC, was created as a camp for Christian scientists and families to connect with their faith through nature, although they provide their services for anyone who wishes to visit. Wrapped in trails and pathways, surrounded by trees and ferns, CLC gives those who visit an incredible experience bonding with nature and their families.

    This year is the third annual visit to this location for the Honors College, and the most successful one to date. "The first year was a disaster. Nothing was organized and we had no idea what to do, other than what was offered directly to us," said Pete Doeschler, the director of the Honors College. "Last year we actually made a plan, and for this year we just tweaked what didn't work and ran with what did." The weekend trip spanned from Friday, September 5th to Sunday, September 7th.

    The first day of the trip began with the arrival to the camp and the choosing of the bunks to sleep in. The camp is split into two sides, the boys' camp and the girls' camp. The professors and other adults were separated between the camps to make sure there were no shenanigans during the night. And, because the cabins had finite space, students could choose from four cabins to sleep in, with only one having an en-suite bathroom, so you can imagine the speed most moved towards that one. The girls camp rested right next to the crystal-clear lake, giving a sparkling image at sunset. The boys camp sat in a picturesque clearing down a hill from the main area. Not much happened that day since the arrival to the camp was late into the evening, but plans were made for the next two days.

    The second day started out with a breakfast cooked by the chefs at the camp, and the arrival of the other two colleges in the umbrella of Commonwealth University. The day then split into four separate activity sections, with a choice to do one of eight things, spanning from swimming, to archery, to arts and crafts. Only one rule was given. "Tell people when you leave. There was an incident last year where a group of students went on a hike and were missing for five hours. They eventually came back, but for those five hours, we had no idea." An on and off rainstorm paused the morning events on the lake, though by the afternoon the camp had dried off enough to send the kayaks out. The students got together for a big group photo to commemorate the time and then were sent out to do whatever they wished around the grounds. Most stayed to relax or play sports, while some went for a hike through the fern infested forest.

    The third day started out much like the second. The breakfast served was objectively the best, and a massive thank you was given to the staff, who were incredibly hospitable to the students. And then, as the clock ticked down to the time of departure, all the students spent their remaining time with their friends resting and experiencing the peace that would be lost once they returned to campus.

    This retreat was an incredible experience. It was informative and it allowed bonds to be formed from something other than classwork and shared living spaces.