32 boys, five adults, and a very busy weekend.

We were lucky enough to take all of the scholars to Manresa, Brophy’s retreat facility in Oak Creek. We had a few goals for the weekend: learn a little about St. Ignatius and Loyola Academy, begin to bond as a community, and have fun.

We started the evening with some basketball and some “get to know you” activities.

Scholars on the first night.

But we also went right to work reading and writing about St. Ignatius.

Scholars begin to read about St. Ignatius.

Mr. Ryan leads a discussion.

And a few of us learned how to play the piano.

Mr. Ashby teaches Jose to play piano (and Jose proceeds to teach everyone else...)

Saturday we woke up early and went for a hike.

A long line of scholars hiking through Oak Creek.

The whole group at the end of our hike.

Jesus, Pablo and Ivan on a log. (And Leo in the background.)

Nothing better than jumping in the creek after a hike (or any other time we let them.)

Of course, we continued to read and work together….

Working in groups. The challenge? To summarize chapters using only pictures.

Reading with Mr. Ashby.

Working in teams to get everyone across a "toxic river" using only three planks of wood.

Sunday morning, after cleaning and packing up, we met in the chapel – where every scholar committed himself to doing something that would allow him and his classmates to be successful at Loyola. It was great.

And then we took one last picture before heading home.

Loyola Academy Scholars!

We can’t wait until the 11th.