Junior Retreat is a two-day, one-night retreat at Green Mountain Retreat Center in Los Gatos that focuses on the theme of balance and self-image. Led by senior student leaders, juniors participate in large group activities, small group discussions, and time for personal reflection. Juniors Ashley and Jazmyn share their experience.

Written by Ashley '27

Junior retreat turned out to be one of my favorite parts of the year. My favorite moment was our reflection time in nature. My classmates and I admired the fall trees, basked in the sun, and captured ordinary magic on our digital cameras. Sitting beneath magnificent redwood trees, for the first time in weeks, everything felt still. I was truly present with my friends and classmates, without thinking about deadlines or expectations. Our conversations were meaningful, but we also shared moments full of laughter. I left the retreat feeling lighter, reminded of what truly matters. 

Written by Jazmyn '27

During this two-day experience, I bonded with my classmates and really got to know everyone on a more personal level, which allowed me to connect with people I wouldn’t usually interact with. But by far, my favorite part of this experience was the walking-in-nature prayer experience. During this activity, we walked around the retreat center, which is surrounded by beautiful trees and wildlife, to reflect on our time at Notre Dame. While I was walking, I took time to think about all of my past retreats from the last two years and how I have grown since then.