The sophomore students at Bishop Noll will be required to attend an overnight retreat in Lindenwood, IN once this year. The retreat, El camino, is the first overnight retreat for sophomores at Noll.

 El Camino, meaning “the way” in spanish, received its name because it is supposed to guide the sophomores into their Junior retreat, Kairos.This retreat is necessary because according to Mr.Masteron, Noll’s campus minister, there is not a lot to be learned in a short six hour retreat like we had in the past years for sophomores. The goal of El Camino will be to transition the sophomore class into their future four day retreat, Kairos, as juniors.

 El Camino will be charged on to the students’ normal tuition payment. The students are normally charged one-hundred dollars a year to cover retreat fees. This fee covers all of the student’s basic needs including food and transportation.

 This retreat was planned entirely by students in Campus Ministry at Bishop Noll. Though Masterton admitted to giving helpful suggestions, the students made the final decisions. The retreat leaders for El Camino are based solely on the participation on making this retreat happen. Campus Ministry will not allow sophomore retreat participants to lead the following sophomore retreat, like kairos does.

 Students will also be expected to pack two pairs of clothing and one set of sleepwear in addition to their basic toiletries. There will be a relaxed dress code for the students attending El Camino, with the rule that no tight clothing will be permitted. The students can also bring a small snack along with them to share during social hours on the retreat. Students will be expected to surrender their cellular devices to the supervisors before leaving  for the retreat, or have a note signed by their parent or guardian stating they have left them at home. There will be no technology usage throughout the 24-hours that are spent in Lindenwood or on their way there.

 “Some students were so relieved from their phones, they asked me if I could keep their phone for a couple of more days!” said Mr.Masterton, Campus Minister.