Activate. Cultivate. Elevate.

A Weekend of Growth, Leadership, and Preparation for the Future

Each year, Attollo’s ACEs Retreat creates space for senior scholars to step away from their daily routines and focus fully on the transition ahead. Designed as an immersive three-day experience, the retreat prepares scholars for life beyond high school by combining skill-building workshops, reflection, mentorship, and adventure.

This year, 30 Attollo seniors from high schools across Lancaster County gathered at Refreshing Mountain for a weekend guided by three themes: Activate, Cultivate, and Elevate. Together, they explored what it means to step confidently into the next chapter of their lives while strengthening the community that supports them.

Throughout the weekend, scholars engaged in conversations about identity, practiced real-world academic and professional skills, challenged themselves through outdoor activities, and reflected on the future they are preparing to build.

The first day of ACEs Retreat focused on activation, helping scholars step fully into the experience and prepare for the weekend ahead.

With students arriving from multiple high schools across Lancaster County, the retreat began with introductions and icebreakers designed to spark laughter and connection. What started as a group of individuals quickly transformed into one united cohort as scholars settled into their cabins, shared their first meal in the mess hall, and began learning one another’s stories.

That evening, the group gathered around a campfire for one of the weekend’s most meaningful conversations. Scholars reflected on the hopes, questions, and uncertainties they carry as graduation approaches.

To deepen the conversation, Attollo surprised the group with four alumni guests Tyler Forney (CV ’19), Reagan Wiese (MC ’25), Alyssa Schriver (PM ’18), and Lexi Slezak (CV ’23) who joined the discussion. Hearing directly from scholars who recently navigated the transition from high school to college offered valuable perspective and reassurance. These alumni continue to be active supporters and mentors, exemplifying the ongoing community investment that sustains Attollo scholars well beyond the retreat.

Around the fire, stories unfolded, questions surfaced, and an important realization emerged: wherever life takes them next, community is something they can always build.

With the cohort activated, Day 2 focused on cultivating the skills scholars will rely on in college and professional settings.

During Labels & Layers, students explored the many aspects that shape who they are and how those identities influence the spaces they enter. Through guided discussion and reflection, scholars examined how to navigate unfamiliar environments while remaining confident in their unique perspectives and experiences.

Later in the morning, scholars shifted toward practical academic preparation through a workshop called Live, Learn, Lead. They practiced note-taking strategies, examined real college syllabi, and learned study techniques designed to help them stay organized and confident as they manage the demands of college coursework. The session also explored key aspects of campus life, including navigating roommate relationships, building community through campus organizations, and approaching social environments with awareness of consent, safety, and personal well-being.

The day also introduced the first phase of Pitch Perfect: The Professional Edition, where scholars began developing ideas and communication strategies that would carry into the final day of the retreat.

After lunch, it was time to step outside. Scholars spent the afternoon participating in activities across Refreshing Mountain’s campus that challenged them both physically and mentally. From ziplining through the trees to climbing the tower obstacle course, students stepped beyond their comfort zones while encouraging one another along the way. Moments like these became reminders of the courage and resilience required when navigating new environments.

The evening concluded with one of the retreat’s most anticipated traditions: Fashion with a Focus.

In this interactive exercise, scholars curated outfits for real-world scenarios they may encounter in the future, from college classes to professional interviews. The activity sparked laughter and creativity while reinforcing an important lesson about professionalism and confidence in different environments. Once the outfits were selected, four scholars—Daphne, Erik, Sanya, and Victor—took to the runway and brought the room to life.

By the end of Day 2, scholars had strengthened their connections and gained tools that will continue to serve them long after the retreat.

The final day of the retreat focused on elevation by helping scholars refine their confidence and apply the skills they had developed throughout the weekend.

The morning began with the Resume & LinkedIn Lab, where scholars explored how to build a strong professional presence both on paper and online. They learned how resumes and LinkedIn profiles can showcase their experiences, highlight their accomplishments, and help them build networks that support future opportunities.

After lunch, the cohort returned to the meeting space ready to apply what they had learned during Pitch Perfect: The Professional Edition.

Working collaboratively, scholars refined their ideas, practiced their delivery, and supported one another as they prepared to present. The room quickly filled with focused energy as students polished their presentations and built the confidence to share their ideas with the group.

Soon it was time to present.

Each group stepped forward to put their communication skills to the test, sharing their ideas and receiving feedback from Attollo staff. Watching scholars stand up and present their work captured the growth that had taken place in just three days.

As the retreat came to a close, the group gathered for a final moment of reflection. Scholars shared what they learned, celebrated the friendships they built, and acknowledged the confidence they gained throughout the experience.

Looking Ahead

ACEs Retreat is more than a weekend away. It is a concentrated moment of preparation, reflection, and momentum for scholars preparing to step into adulthood.

In just three days, this cohort strengthened their leadership, developed practical academic and professional skills, and formed a community that will continue long after graduation.

As they return home, these seniors carry with them new tools, deeper connections, and a clearer vision for their futures.

Most importantly, they leave knowing they are not stepping into the future alone.

About Attollo:

Attollo is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth through education. By providing mentorship, academic enrichment, and college preparation support, Attollo aims to level the playing field and equip students with the tools they need to succeed in college and beyond. Since its inception, Attollo has helped countless students realize their potential and achieve their academic goals.