A New Position

As I go into my second year on the Bear Breaks Executive Board, I am starting in a new role. This year I will be serving as the Director of Retreat, Reflection and Reorientation. I am excited for the new challenges this role holds and the opportunity to start new traditions as part of my Bear Breaks legacy. This position gives me the chance to make the first impact on our Trip Leaders through Retreat and the last impact during our campus-wide Reorientation program, Coffee & Change at the end of each year. This year we are starting something new by introducing a Fall campus-wide Reorientation Event. Stay tuned for more information later this semester.

Trip Leader Retreat

Retreat is our kick off event of the year. This is a day filled with service and education for our Trip Leaders. For most of them, it is the first introduction to all things Bear Breaks. They get the chance to learn about where Bear Breaks started and where it is going. They also have the opportunity to build strong connections with their fellow Trip Leaders. This year we are starting the day with service in conjunction with the Springfield Community Gardens and Springfield Compost Collective and finishing the day at the Leadership Ranch, a low ropes course designed to engage our Trip Leaders and begin the team building experience. On this day, our trip leaders also discover which trip they are leading.

Fall Trips

This year our Fall Trips will be going to Kansas City, MO and Saint Louis, MO. Our KC trip will be focusing on sustainability and the environment. While our STL trip will focus on science, technology and their impact on education. Check back soon for more information on these trips and be on the lookout for our fall trip application out on Friday.